2024.10.20 - Pilates in Common Newsletter

Hi everyone!

We hope you’ve been enjoying our month dedicated to the shoulder joint! Last week, we covered how the shoulder joint connects to the body (arm bone → scapula → collarbone → sternum). What we didn’t mention is that the collarbone and scapula form the shoulder girdle, a vital structure in shoulder function.

Think of the relationship between the shoulder girdle and the shoulder joint like a crane and its base. The shoulder joint is the crane arm, responsible for lifting and rotating, while the shoulder girdle is the base that not only stabilizes but also moves slightly to allow the crane arm to reach further. The girdle needs both mobility to adjust for motion and stability to keep everything controlled and safe. Without this dynamic balance, movements become unstable and risk damage.

Sound familiar? We’ve talked about stability and mobility before because they are the foundation of proper shoulder function. And there’s no better way to explore the relationship between mobility and stability, between the shoulder girdle and the shoulder joint, than by moving through some Pilates planks and pushups! Join Destinie tomorrow to dive into this connection firsthand.

Class Theme: 

Monday, October 21st @ 12pm with Destinie: 

Planks and pushups can be confusing—what exactly holds us up? The answer is in the names: can you stay as stiff as a plank, and can you push yourself up even as you lower down? In these exercises, the muscles around the shoulder girdle work to stabilize the scapula, keeping it secure against the ribcage so it doesn’t wing or collapse. At the same time, the shoulder joint provides the mobility needed for your arms to bend and extend smoothly. This interplay between the shoulder girdle’s stability and the shoulder joint’s mobility is what allows you to maintain control and strength throughout each movement. Today, we’ll explore how these systems work together to support you in mastering planks and pushups.

Pro-tip: foam roll around your rotator cuff before class! 

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