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Somewhere along our training to become a fitness professional we were taught or required to learn anatomy.
However, unless you were taught by a rather progressive instructor, what you were told about muscle function is mostly wrong – or rather incomplete to be more politically correct.
What do I mean by that?
We just finished our 4th and final module in the C.N.S. (soon to be called the Integrative Movement Specialist certification) where we discussed the functional, integrative roles our muscle system plays in achieving and maintaining stability.
In this edition of FITNESS INSIDER we will look at:
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The larger role that muscles play in function.
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Why this is important to you as a fitness professional.
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Most importantly, how this knowledge can benefit your clients with the forward shoulder posture.
Consider the scapular adductors, the middle trapezius and rhomboids. We learned that they adduct the scapula to help stabilize the shoulder complex and maintain posture.
However, did you learn that the rhomboids and middle trapezius are actually spinal rotators?
Both muscles have attachments to the upper thoracic spinous processes and attach to the medial border of the scapula. In infants, these muscles function to bring the spine towards the fixed arm during crawling, functioning to support the spine and contribute to ipsilateral spinal rotation. In fact, their role as scapular adductors are likely secondary to their actions on the spine.
So what about many of the exercises we commonly perform to improve posture such as (Y’s, T’s, W’s, wall angels, and scapular retractions during rowing exercises)? These patterns are unlikely to improve posture because they are not addressing the functional action of these muscles.
So how do you improve both the functional role that these muscles have on the spine as well as improve the forward shoulder position so prevalent in your clients?
Start with closed chain exercises such as the wall plank that teach both scapular stability in addition to spinal neutral posture. While relatively low level, this integrative pattern helps cue clients to activate their serratus anterior, rotate the spine around a stable limb, and improve spinal elongation. This serves as a great progression to virtually all upper body pushing and pulling exercises.
Check out the video demonstrations of the wall plank and how you can progress this into an integrative pattern.
CONCLUSION
Improving posture and integrative function of the scapular stabilizers is a constant challenge for us. By incorporating the fundamental principles of integrative muscle function, you can help your clients achieve improved posture, function and a return to the activities they enjoy.
If you are looking to become the specialist in your chosen niche you need perspective. Perspective, along with the knowledge, tools, and strategies for working with the challenging client base is what you will discover during the Integrative Movement Specialist program. We are currently accepting applications for the September program. Click here for more information about this unique training.
Coming next edition of FITNESS INSIDER:
Strategic Solutions for Improved Hip Function
Dedicated to helping you think bigger about your role as a fitness professional,
Dr. Evan Osar
www.fitnesseducationseminars.com
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