Stomach Massage: Saw

Plane of Motion

Sagittal & Transverse

Spring Setting

Medium

1 Medium & 1 Light Spring or

2 Medium Springs

Muscle Focus

Spinal Rotators

External Oblique (opposite side), Internal Oblique (same side), Erector Spinae (same side), Semispinalis (opposite side), Deep Posterior Spinal Group (opposite side)

Rotates the spine.
Work with the spinal flexors to round over the legs in the sawing stage.

Spinal Flexors

Rectus Abdominis, External Oblique, Internal Oblique

Keep the spine in flexion/ c-curve.
Work with the spinal rotators to round over the leg in the sawing stage.
Pull the carriage closed with the anterior spinal stabilizer.

Anterior & Posterior Spinal Stabilizers

Transversus Abdominis, Erector Spinae, Semispinalis, Deep Posterior Spinal Group

Keeps 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.

Spinal Extensors

Erector Spinae, Semispinalis, Deep Posterior Spinal Group

Stacks the spine back up in rotation, working with the spinal rotators.

Other Muscles at Play

Hip flexors assist the spinal flexors to pull the carriage closed.
Hip external rotators keep the legs turned out in the wide stance.
Hip adductors engage to enhance the midline connection to the core as the legs straighten.
Knee extensors straighten the knees.
Dorsiflexors keep the feet flexed on the bar.
Shoulder flexors keep the arms lifted parallel to the floor.
Shoulder horizontal abductors keep the arms open to the side in a T and reach the back arm back further in the sawing stage.
Shoulder horizontal adductors bring the front arm forward in the sawing stage.
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 and obliques while upright by incorporating rotational movements.
Encourage 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 knees, hips, and spine.
Focus is placed on abdominal control and pelvic stability as the legs start moving in more demanding ways, with the body no longer supported by the carriage.
Depress the scapulae to create scapular and shoulder stabilization.
Focus on breathing to synchronize with movement.