Cross-Over muscles: muscles work with opposing opposites muscles surround a joint. Muscles can only contract or shorten--they can not push. As the muscle shortens or contracts, it moves its accompanying bone to which it is attached. The muscles group on the other side of the joint lengthens. There is a constant dance of opposing muscles contracting to pull the opposing sides to move the joint. This same concept can be expanded to include muscle groups surrounding the major girdles of the body: the hips and the shoulders. If one side gets too contracted then the other side gets stretched out losing their strength. This can lead to instability and pain. This week we will work on the Cross-Over muscles of the Hips: Hamstrings to Belly; Quads to Lower back. Which ones are your default 'go-to' muscle group? Ever wonder why you have low back pain? Come to class and find more balance and strength to support your yoga poses and your daily life.
We will work on the cross over muscles of the upper back to include the pectorals muscles in the front of the chest and the rhomboids/serratus muscles in the upper back. Strengthening muscles on the opposing sides of the shoulder girdle will help create more balance and functional mobility.