Comparable to the alphabet within the language of all Bowspring poses and exercises are the Elemental forms, the most fundamental postural forms of the appendages. All the Elemental forms are specifically defined in terms of the geometric shape and spatial position of each hand, foot, elbow and knee. These set forms of the limbs are considered elemental since they repeat in ever-increasing complex postures and exercises through all the poses within the collective Bowspring method syllabi – Levels 1 – 3.

The Elemental forms are to help give maximum isometric tone on all sides of the body in every pose. An active tone is created especially on the underside of the feet, hands, toes and fingers. The toe-tips and fingertips are among the first areas for the student to focus on when learning the basic forms. We increase sensitivity through the tips of the fingers and toes to gain more connection to the world around us. Through conscious engagement of the fingers and toes, we increase full body strength through myo-fascial integration up into the core of the body. The detailed, balanced action of the hands and the feet are critical to the power of the Bowspring throughout the whole body.