PILATES MOTION ATLAS

Supported Elbow Extension | Assisted stretch in 3D

Supported Elbow Extension: supine, elbow flexors and elbow extension. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.

Pilates Motion Atlas editorial teamUpdated September 24, 2026

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A schematic 3D view of Supported Elbow Extension — One moment from the lesson model. Open 3D to follow the whole movement from any angle.

Position and focus

Supine · Elbow flexors and elbow extension

An assisted stretch for the elbow flexors and elbow extension, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.

Starting position

The client lies supine with the left arm by the side, the elbow bent and the palm facing up. The trainer places the hands on the forearm and the upper arm (above the elbow).

Movement phases

1. Support the arm

Let the upper arm rest on the table.

2. Straighten the elbow

Holding the upper arm down, lower the forearm to straighten the elbow.

3. Check the response

Check for a stretch at the front of the elbow and any numbness.

4. Return the elbow

Keep supporting the arm as you bend the elbow.

What the trainer checks

Check that the shoulder is not lifting and that there is no numbness.

Instructor information

Trainer position

Stand on the client's left (the side shown in the 3D) with your feet apart front to back, at a height that suits the table. Move by shifting your body weight rather than holding with the arms alone.

Contact and support

Place the hands on the forearm (near the wrist) and the upper arm (above the elbow).

Stabilisation

Keep the upper arm resting on the table.

Compensation

Lifting of the shoulder, bending of the wrist.

Easier option

Reduce the range and let the weight of the leg or arm rest on a cushion or the table. Go back to checking a pain-free starting position.

Cues and consent

Tell the client where you will touch and which way you will move, and say, 'Tell me straight away if you feel any pain or discomfort.' Confirm consent before touching and before moving.

Stop criteria

Return to the starting position immediately if the client reports sharp pain, numbness, weakness, a pinching feeling in the joint, dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety, or asks to stop.

Caution

Work within your qualifications, contract and studio procedures, and check medical history, medication and any pain before starting. This is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone.

These English notes describe a prototype model. Stretch and foam roller lessons have not yet been reviewed by the supervising instructors. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.

References and scope

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS — Stretching Exercises with Assistance ↗
For helpers: where to support and how to move the shoulder (raising and opening), elbow and wrist, double knee hug, knee rolls, inner thigh, front of the hip lying on the side, front and back of the thigh, and ankle.

Assisted stretch

Pectoralis major and front of the shoulder