Plane of Motion
Down Stretch
Plane of Motion
Sagittal
Spring Setting
Light / Medium
1 Medium Spring or
1 Medium & 1 Extra Light Spring
Muscle Focus
Spinal Extensors
Erector Spinae, Semispinalis, Deep Posterior Spinal Group
Extend the upper back as the carriage closes.

Anterior & Posterior Spinal Stabilizers
Rectus Abdominis, External Oblique, Internal Oblique, Transversus Abdominis, Erector Spinae, Semispinalis, Deep Posterior Spinal Group
Provide lumbo-pelvic stabilization.
Keep the entire spine supported in a plank position as the carriage moves away.
Assists the spinal extensors as the carriage pulls closed while keeping the spine supported to protect the lower back.
Resist gravity and spring load as the carriage moves out and in.



Shoulder Flexors
Anterior Deltoid, Pectoralis Major, Coracobrachialis, Biceps Brachii
Push the carriage out.

Shoulder Extensors
Latissimus Dorsi, Teres Major, Posterior Deltoid
Pulls the carriage closed.
Works with the spinal extensors to roll the shoulders back and support the upper body weight as the upper back extends.

Scapular Depressors
Lower Trapezius, Serratus Anterior, Latissimus Dorsi, Pectoralis Minor
Keep the shoulders down away from the ears.
Works with the shoulder extensors to provide stabilization as the carriage closes.
Works with the upward rotators to provide stabilization as the carriages presses out.


Scapular Upward Rotators
Serratus Anterior, Trapezius
Swing the bottom tips of the scapulae away from each other to allow for the arms to reach up by the ears as the carriage is pressed out.

Scapular Downward Rotators
Assist with the spinal extensors and the shoulder extensors to pull the carriage closed by swing the bottom tips of the scapulae together.

Other Muscles at Play
Hip extensors co-contract with the spinal stabilizers to assist with stabilization of the pelvis.
Scapular abductors (protraction) assist with the shoulder flexors and scapular upward rotators to separate the scapula as the carriage moves out.
Scapular adductors (retraction) assist with the spinal extensors and the shoulder extensors to pull the carriage closed by drawing the scapulae together.
Elbow extensors keep the elbows straight.
Objectives
Enhance shoulder flexibility and mobility.
Enhance core connection to stabilize the spine in extension.
Enhance the co-contraction of the anterior spinal stabilizers and the hip extensors to improve lumbo-pelvic stabilization.
Enhance scapular stability during smooth shoulder movements while keeping the upper back extended and supporting the trunk.
Enhance arm and upper back strength.
Focus on breathing to synchronize the movement.