Plane of Motion
Stomach Massage: Single Leg
Plane of Motion
Sagittal
Spring Setting
Medium
1 Medium & 1 Light Spring or
2 Medium Springs
Muscle Focus
Spinal Flexors
Rectus Abdominis, External Oblique, Internal Oblique
Keep the spine in flexion / c-curve.
Pull the carriage closed with the anterior spinal stabilizer.
Anterior & Posterior Spinal Stabilizers
Transversus Abdominis, Erector Spinae, Semispinalis, Deep Posterior Spinal Group
Keep the spine lifted up out of the hips in c-curve.
Provide lumbo-pelvic stabilization.
Work with the spinal flexors to draw the carriage closed.
Hip Flexors
Iliopsoas, Rectus Femoris, Sartorius, Tensor Fasciae Latae, Pectineus
Holds the gesture leg in the air, resisting gravity.
Assist with the spinal flexors to pull the carriage closed.
Other Muscles at Play
Hip adductors keep the legs closed toward one another, so the gesture leg doesn't drift to the side and midline connection to the core is maintained.
Knee extensors straighten the knee and keep the gesture leg straight the entire time.
Plantar flexors keep the heel lifted & the gesture foot pointed.
Shoulder flexors keep the arms reaching forward.
Scapular depressors keep the shoulders down away from the ears.
Scapular adductors keep the scapulae retracted so the shoulders don't roll forward.
Objectives
Enhance the stabilization of the back extensors in an upright posture through unilateral leg movement.
Enhance the simultaneous contraction of the back extensors and abdominal muscles to stabilize the body during deep knee flexion and extension.
Enhance the flexibility of the hips, knees and foot/ankle.
As the legs start to move in more demanding ways, with the body no longer supported by the carriage, there is an emphasis on abdominal control and pelvic stability.
Depress the scapulae to create scapular and shoulder stabilization.
Focus on breathing to synchronize movement.