Keeping the pelvis and legs firm, inhale and lengthen the spine as you lift the chest and head. Keep the shoulders pulled down and back, and the elbows in and up. The chest moves forward. There should be no weight in your hands. Do not push into the posture by pressing your hands into the floor.
Strong arms can force the back into a position of strain.
You can lift your palms slightly to make sure that the lifting and opening is coming from the muscles of the back. To come out, lengthen down on an exhalation, reaching out so that the chin comes to the floor first, then the nose, and finally tucking the head and bringing the forehead to the floor. Turn the head to one side, relax the arms alongside the body, and take a couple of resting breaths before repeating the posture. After coming out the second time, turn the head to the opposite side. While in the posture focus on the fullness of the breath and allow the breath to encourage the chest to open and lift even further.