The shoulder blades have great freedom of movement photo: Magnus Manske |
They say with freedom comes responsibility, and so it is with the shoulder girdle. Because the shoulder blades, or scapulae, do not attach to the rib cage or spine via bone, they have a great deal of freedom and mobility. The blades can move up, down, in, and out. They cant rotate up or down.
When it comes to Pilates, the responsibility associated with this freedom and control comes in the form of awareness and stability. Just as it is important to engage the abdominals before movement, it is important to stabilize the shoulder girdle before movement. Careful attention to stabilization prevents you from taking too much tension in the neck and shoulders. It helps you complete exercises with greater success, and it ensures that muscles are trained properly.
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