Tanya S It's really more about going downward without collapsing (curl in). The engagement of the abdominals allows you to start upright and the more you curl into yourself the stronger the engagement of abs, the more air is forced out of your lungs and the more stretch you get to your back. There will be an appearance of going forward, but try to think of holding your hips still and rounding your spine as much as possible. Exhaling all your air really helps. This applies when the legs and arms are straight in the full version too. I hope this helps!