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Exercise handout — move better, feel better.
Standing Behind-the-Back Spring-Bar Handle Compression
You stand with feet about a foot apart, holding a light spring bar horizontally behind your back. You squeeze the bar's handles toward each other and hold.
Stop if
Ease the pressure and do not strain; avoid force.
- Also stop if you notice
- Trembling in the arms or legs: trembling means you are forcing too hard.
- Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
- Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.
Equipment needed
- Works at home
- Works at the gym
Home Options
- strap or belt
Dosage
1
Sets
30 sec
Reps / Time
45 sec
Rest
controlled
Tempo
Step-by-Step Guide
Set up
- Stand with both feet flat about a foot apart. Take the bar behind you, grasp both end handles, and let your arms hang straight with the bar level at about hip height and the handles a comfortable distance apart.
- Let the two straps hang slack and do not use them; press only with your hands on the two end handles.

Step 1 of 3
Stand with your feet about a foot apart. Hold the bar behind you by both end handles, arms straight, with the handles a comfortable distance apart.

Step 2 of 3
Take a deep breath, pull your stomach in and press the two handles toward each other behind you, arms staying straight, holding steady.

Step 3 of 3
Stand with your feet about a foot apart. Hold the bar behind you by both end handles, arms straight, with the handles a comfortable distance apart.
What you should feel
Concentrate so that you feel the effect in the muscles the exercise is aimed at, which for this exercise is the upper back. At the outset you may not be able to move the handles at all.
Breathing
- Take a deep breath in before you start to press the handles together.
Safety Information
See your doctor before starting if you have not had a check-up lately or have a health problem. Stop, rest and tell your doctor if you feel chest pain while exercising. Trembling arms or legs mean the pressure is too hard, so avoid strain and press the handles together with steady, comfortable effort. Stop if the exercise causes pain or you become unwell. Seek appropriate professional advice about symptoms or suitability.
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Printed from clapmove.com. ClapMove is not a replacement for professional medical advice — always consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.