This exercise is a development of abdominal breathing. Its purpose is to encourage a more erect and relaxed posture as well as fuller and more relaxed breathing.
Many people have a tendency to slouch or become round-shouldered.
When we try to correct this in ourselves we often do so by pulling the back up straight by using the strong muscles of the upper back. A better way to improve posture is to use the deeper muscles of the body which are intended to provide structural support. This exercise is designed to encourage the use of these muscles to improve posture. This exercise can be carried out either standing or sitting down. If you are standing, you should place your feet about shoulder width apart.