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SKIP this exercise if painful or uncomfortable

Green (upper body) Journey

The 2 Stars Sequence

Green Stars_edited.png

Exercise 2 (3a)

Video

Follow the onscreen breathing instructions Inhale Exhale

Tap on 'Next' for the next exercise (unavailable when in full screen)

  • Learn and follow the exercise instructions below.

  • Practice this exercise daily as part of your sequence. 

  • Perform this exercise only in pain free and comfortable ranges.

  • If necessary, seek professional advise to use as part of a rehabilitation program.

Learn the Exercise

3a is a very important exercise to prevent upper limb osteoporosis, strengthen the arms and abdominals and train body stabilization and coordination.

This exercise has a wide range of difficulty levels. The easiest level is comfortable and safe for beginners and rehabilitation clients, while the difficult levels are designed to challenging even for well-trained athletes.


Warnings

  • Perform this exercise in pain-free and comfortable ranges only.

  • Perform the first-ever repetitions of this exercise very slowly and gradually, to gauge the strength required from each shoulder and arm.

  • In the case of a known shoulder instability, or a history of shoulder dislocations, consult with a rehab professional on how and when to approach this important functional exercise.

  • If painful or uncomfortable, perform the stretch with the arm close to the body.

  • If it is not possible, skip this exercise and consult with a physical therapist or movement professional.


Tempo

  • Move - stretch - return - relax -...


StarBarre Position

  • Waist height

  • Easier- Stand closer and raise bar higher (no higher than chest height).

  • More difficult - stand further away and lower bar.


Breathing Pattern

  • Inhale - Starting position.

  • Exhale - Movement, stretch and return phases. Enhance exhalation during the return phase.

  • Inhale - Relax phase.



Starting Position


  • Lean with extended arms on bar.

  • Place feet about 2 steps back and straighten the lilted body line.

  • The body-line is straight and symmetric. Don't allow it to arc up or down any direction.

  • Stand on the balls of the feet, but keep the heels as low as possible, close to the floor.

  • For this, keep the calf muscles relaxed in their long position - not actively on tiptoes (common issue).

  • Use the abdominal muscles to prevent sagging of the body-line.

  • Keep the shoulders wide and low, and the neck long (no chin tucking or poking).

  • relax the fingers on the bar.

  • Inhale.


Movement Phase


  • While exhaling and maintaining the straight line of the body, flex the elbows and extend the shoulders to tilt the body line further forward.

  • Keep calf muscles relaxed and heels as low as possible to the floor while rising with the movement.

  • Keep the elbows facing down and the arms close to the body. Don't allow the arms to abduct for the movement (common issue).


Stretch Phase


  • Continue exhaling and maintain this low position for up to 1 second.


Return Phase


  • Enhance the exhalation while extending the elbows and flexing the shoulders together, to return the body to the starting position.

  • Ensure that the body-line remains straight, and the pelvis and spine are neutral with the movement.


Relax Phase


  • Inhale and assume the standing posture.

  • Relax in that position for up to a second and gear the body for the next repetition.

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