Standing Backward Bend

Stand upright, the feet about one foot apart, and the hands clasped with interlaced fingers behind the back. Inhaling, bend back, without moving the legs, until you are looking up at the ceiling or sky. Push the hands and arms strongly out from the body, contracting the back muscles. Stay in the immobile pose for six seconds; then slowly straighten up, breathing out. Perform a second time.

The spine is arched. The spine is strengthened and limbered, the front of the body stretched, and the circulation stimulated.