Body Isolations for Strength and Stability

WHAT IS A BODY ISOLATION?

Moving one part of the body whilst keeping the rest of the body completely still.

I used to teach this to my dance students to help them with core activation and physical expression.

WHY SHOULD YOU PRACTICE BODY ISOLATIONS?

Throughout life our bodies constantly compensate for repeated positions or prolonged position we put out bodies into.

Unfortunately this leads to a decline in our posture. This means that some of our muscles stop being used to their full potential.

The larger the over compensating muscle or muscle group, the harder it is to stabilise our joints while moving.

The smaller the over compensating muscle or muscle group, the more chance you have of tears or strains.

When done properly and consistently, isolations can help to rehabilitate our movement patterns.

By practicing isolating certain parts of the body, you will learn how to move different parts of the body at the same time while remaining in control.

Isolations require both strength, control and flexibility (aka mobility).

HOW TO ISOLATE THE RIBCAGE

• Stand with feet shoulder width part.

• Bend your knees slightly.

• Place your arms out by your sides.

• Without moving your waist, slide your rib cage to the right as far as is comfortable, then slide your rib cage to the left as far as is comfortable.

• Keep your shoulders still and square to the front.