The Bend and Reach

Check Points:
❑ From the Starting Position, ensure that Soldiers have their hips set,
their abdominals tight, and their arms fully extended overhead.
❑ The neck flexes to allow the gaze to the rear. This brings the head in
line with the bend of the trunk.
❑ The heels and feet remain flat on the ground.
❑ On Counts 2 and 4, do not go past the Starting Position.
Precautions: This exercise is always performed at a slow cadence.
To protect the back, move into the Count 1 position in a slow, controlled
manner. Do not bounce into or out of this position in a ballistic manner,
as this may place an excessive load on the back.

The Bend and Reach

Conditioning Drill 1
Exercise 1: The Bend and Reach

Purpose: This exercise develops the ability to squat and
reach through the legs. It also serves to prepare
the spine and extremities for more vigorous
movements, moving the hips and spine through
full flexion.
Starting Position: Straddle stance with arms overhead.
Cadence: SLOW.
Count: 1. Squat with the heels flat as the spine rounds
forward to allow the straight arms to reach as
far as possible between the legs.
2. Return to the Starting Position.
3. Repeat Count 1.
4. Return to the Starting Position.