The iconic swan arms from the ballet Swan Lake aren’t just for ballerinas – anyone can practice swan arms to strengthen your back and arm muscles! Bonus – this exercise will improve posture and core strength as well. And you don’t need any prior dance experience to give this a try….
Start by standing tall with your feet together. Touch the back of your wrists up high over your head, pull your elbows apart, sliding your hands behind your head, then push your hands apart with resistance, like you’re moving through almond butter 🙂
Practice slowly at first, then speed up the tempo. But keep your form – shoulders away from your ears, abdominals engaged, and rib cage closed (so your back is not arched).
Practice daily to achieve a stronger, more graceful port de bras, and a strong and flexible upper back with improved posture. Enjoy!
Join Eliza for Cardio Ballet on Mondays and Fridays at 10:30am ET / 7:30am PT and Total Body Barre Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30am ET / 7:30am PT and Saturdays at 1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT on Zoom!
You can also join Eliza for in-person classes in Santa Monica, CA: Mondays at 7:30am at 2501 Wilshire Blvd, and Fridays at 7:30am on the beach at Dorothy Green Park.
