Arms in the Short Straps: Serving & Opening

Spring Setting and Key Facts

Springs

1× light

Reps

6–8 reps per variation

Level

Beginner

Equipment

Reformer

Body area

Arms, Shoulders, Back

Muscles

Shoulders, Upper back, Biceps

Starting Position

Sitting back on your heels, knees slightly open in a V, facing the footbar, both arms in the short straps, arms bent beside the body, palms facing up toward the ceiling.

Step-by-Step Flow

1. Bring the long arms forward at shoulder height, as if serving a tray.
2. Optional: come up onto the knees while the arms reach long forward at shoulder height.
3. Reach the arms long forward, open them a little to the right and left, come back to the front and bend them in beside the body.

Cues for Teaching

• The elbows stay close to the body until the arms travel forward.
• The shoulders stay down and broad.
• As the arms open out, they stay at shoulder height.