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Number of Repetitions: 3 cycles each day for 6 weeks
Goal: To perform the sequence smoothly and with coordination, while keeping the back flat and the arms straight.
Exercise:
1. Lie on stomach with forehead on floor. Legs are straight, arms straight by the sides with palms down. (Figure 1).
- Slowly lift forehead from floor so nose points straight ahead (Figure 2). Lower head to floor and repeat head lift (2 head lifts).
- Place hands under shoulders and push up into cobra position (Figure 3). Arms are straight and shoulders are not hunched up. Hold cobra position for 10 seconds.
- Push back into table position (Figure 4). Then rock forward into extended table and backward into sitting cat position 3 times (Figures 5 and 6).
- From table position, with knees together, and arms straight, rock hips first to one side and then to the other side (Figures 7 and 8). Shoulders should remain still. Rock to each side 3 times.
- Push backwards until sitting on heels, with head down and arms stretched straight in front—child pose (Figure 9). Hold child pose for 10 seconds.
7. Repeat entire sequence backwards.
The following is the sequence for one cycle:
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Head lift 2 times
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Cobra 10 seconds
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Sitting cat, table, extended table–3 times
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Rock hips side to side 3 times
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Child pose for 10 seconds
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Rock hips side to side 3 times
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Sitting cat, table, extended table—3 times
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Cobra 10 seconds
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Head lift 2 times
Perform 3 cycles each day.
Observations:
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When one isolated body part is moving, other parts move as well.
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Movements are not smooth and coordinated.
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Back does not stay flat—it either dips or arches
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Arms do not stay straight throughout the movements.
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Holding breath.