What should you focus on when returning to the starting position in the standing roll down?

When returning to the starting position in the standing roll down, it is essential to focus on engaging your lower abdominals. This engagement helps to stabilize the pelvis and spine, ensuring a controlled and smooth movement as you transition back to standing. Engaging the lower abdominals supports proper posture and alignment, preventing excessive strain on the back and promoting a more efficient use of the core muscles.

The use of the lower abdominals is crucial for maintaining balance and control during the roll down and back up. This emphasis on core engagement allows for a more fluid motion that ensures the integrity of the movement, engaging the appropriate muscles rather than relying on other muscle groups that might lead to instability.

In contrast, relying on hip flexors for momentum could lead to overuse injuries or imbalances, while keeping arms straight above the head may compromise upper body alignment. Relaxing the back completely can introduce unwanted tension or misalignment during the movement. Engaging the lower abdominals, therefore, is the most effective and safest approach to completing the standing roll down properly.