Love this class. This is one of my goals - to do a backbend that looks nice! Your prep work helps a lot, but I find I have a hard time straightening out the arms. I don't think it is a strength issue, it feels more like a flexibility issue. It is even difficult to get the hands back by my ears with the elbows pointing to the ceiling. I can do everything else in your class without problems. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Arm suggestions for a successful backbend: stand with your back to a wall about a forearms distance away. Put your hands by your ears (much like you would on the floor) then use the wall as your floor and push yourself away, straightening your arms as much as you can. Do several reps to dynamically work the arm/shoulder/wrist connections.
It's fun to explore different styles of teaching. Most of all I have fun and laugh a lot. Your comments much appreciated and it's what will keep me on my toes. (or on my head)
And Joanne--keep working on that back bend. The reformer is next.