Lower Lift
Plane of Motion
Sagittal
Muscle Focus
Anterior Spinal Stabilizer
Transversus Abdominis
To maintain the lumbo-pelvic stabilization.
Spinal Flexors
Rectus Abdominis, Internal Oblique, External Oblique
To keep the spine in flexion or neutral (if in neutral, the abdominals work to resist the back from arching).
Hip Flexors
Iliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, Tensor Fasciae Latae, Pectineus
To keep the legs off the floor resisting gravity.
Lift the legs up to 90 degrees.
Other Muscles at Play
Knee extensors keep the knees straight.
Hip extensors receive a stretch & engage to lower the leg toward the floor.
Plantar flexors to point the feet.
Shoulder extensors to press into the floor & stabilize the scapula.
Objectives
Focus on maintaining a stable trunk in flexion and the hips stable with the tailbone anchored as the legs lower and lift.
Develop differentiation of femur in pelvis.
The hand position provides support for the lumbar and help stabilize and anchor the pelvis while the scapulae and arms ensure upper body stability and resistance.
The lower back is imprinted while the pelvic remains in neutral to ensure a strong connection to the core. Cueing to work from the pelvic floor muscles helps to provide lumbo-pelvic stabilization.
Focus on breathing to synchronize the movement.