Move Your Arms

Delivering an instrument to our body or the arms to an instrument is arm movement. which also includes shoulder blades, collarbones, and support from the musculature in the torso. But too often, arm movement is entangled with rib cage movement.

Check out how you move your arms to deliver your instrument, move to the keyboard, make a gesture, or raise the baton. Notice if the rib cage moves too. It can be helpful to record a video so you can see it, because what we think we feel doesn’t always align with what's actually happening.

One way to practice moving the arms without the rib cage is to do this…

Independent arm movement requires the core muscles to stabilize the relationship between the rib cage and pelvis.

Core muscles work as an ensemble to stabilize the spine, including the rib cage/pelvic relationship, move the torso, support the abdominal viscera (organs), and play a major role in breathing coordination. When the core works well, it facilitates movement, ease, and coordination. When it is not working well, it can take over the work of other muscles, making all movement more effortful.

Here is a move that requires core stabilization as you move arm and legs. Doing 6-10 repetitions can help you sense the core as you maintain the relationship between the rib cage and pelvis and move arms and legs.

Practicing these movements on the floor will help you to sense the core and find appropriate engagement. In standing, you will benefit from using your video to fine-tune your upright posture. Are there times when your rib cage will move? Absolutely! Starting with a neutral relationship and finding independent arm movement is a great step in working less and unleashing expression.

Be curious…