Foundational Skills

Basic Body Positions

Variations of Straight Body Arch Stand

Variations with a straight line or a slight curve in the body include the hollow and arch. An arch will occur naturally when the rib cage is lifted and the arms are placed in a above the head and pulled back by the ears. In the arch, the upper and lower portions of the back are stretched backward in a curve. However, for beginners the term ìarchî should not be used since most individuals will incorrectly over emphasize the arch. Use the term curve to describe the arch.

Verbal/Linguistic

Stand in a stretch body position with arms lifted straight above the head.
The shoulders are pressed down and pulled back behind the ears.
Upper and lower portions of the back are stretched backward in a curve (arch).
If arms are brought back to oblique (backward diagonal) then it is called a salute.

Visual/Spatial

Keep hips and shoulder square
Look upward (to lift upper back)
Look up with eyes but keep head a part of the arch
Keep the head a part of the arch
Do not throw or drop the head backwards
Make an arch in the upper back
Lift rib cage and sternum

Logical/Mathematical

Make a straight line with the body until ribcage lifts curving upper back

Bodily/Kinesthetic

Feel shoulders pulled backward
Feel arms straight and above head
Feel upper arms touching the sides of the head
Feel the tightness of the torso muscles
Feel rib cage lifted
Feel weight forward on front of feet
Feel abdominal and buttock muscles tight
Feel feet and legs together

Naturalist

Kinder Cue: Make the shape of a palm tree (from feet through fingers)

Common Errors

Arching middle or lower back instead of upper back
Not keeping head in line with arms

To get the feel of the body position, practice by lying in a prone stretched body and pulling shoulders backward until the arms and chest lift up off the floor. Feel the arms touching the ears. Feel the tightness of the torso muscles.

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