Plane of Motion
Stomach Massage: Flat Back
Plane of Motion
Sagittal
Spring Setting
Medium
1 Medium & 1 Light Spring or
2 Medium Springs
Muscle Focus
Spinal Extensors & Posterior Spinal Stabilizers
Erector Spinae, Semispinalis, Deep Posterior Spinal Group
Keep the spine lifted up out of the hips in a flat back.
Provide lumbo-pelvic stabilization.
Pull the carriage closed with the anterior spinal stabilizers.
Anterior Spinal Stabilizers
Rectus Abdominis, External Oblique, Internal Oblique, Transversus Abdominis
Work with the spinal extensors and posterior spinal stabilizers to draw the carriage closed.
Provide lumbo-pelvic stabilization & assist with maintaining the upright flat back posture.
Other Muscles at Play
Hip flexors assist the spinal extensors and spinal stabilizers to pull the carriage closed.
Hip adductors close the legs together as they straighten.
Knee extensors straighten the knees and keep them straight during the ankle lower lift action.
Dorsiflexors reach the heels under the bar.
Plantar flexors lift the heels.
Shoulder extensors keep the arms reaching back with hands on the shoulder blocks.
Shoulder flexors get stretched.
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 by incorporating movement while in an upright position.
Enhance the co-contraction of the back extensors and abdominal muscles to stabilize the body during deep knee flexion and extension.
Enhance the range of motion in the hips, knees and foot/ankle.
As the legs start to move in more challenging ways and the body is no longer supported by the carriage, emphasis is placed on abdominal control and pelvic stability.
Positioning the hands provides additional support and helps the body maintain a flat back posture.
Depress the scapulae to create scapular and shoulder stabilization.
Focus on breathing to synchronize with movement.