I am not sure if you can tell how arched I am from the side but if you only knew... that was what was the hardest part of this position. It wasn't the big ball in my mouth, it wasn't the rope around my neck, or the clovers that were dangling from my nipples - it was the crotch rope pulling me to my toes, which MAKES me arch my back. I suffered like this for so long and it was one of those positions where you can't move.. you just take it.