Rules are made to be broken. How many times have you been told to "keep your shoulders down" as you raised your arms overhead, or struggled to maintain connection to the handles in an advanced variation of Arch/Curl? The truth is Reader, our arms are designed to spiral as they express their full range of motion, and the scapulae and shoulders are meant to follow them. Scapulo-Humeral Rhythm: Movement in Harmony The scapulo-humeral rhythm is the interplay between the scapula, humerus, and clavicle, allowing for smooth, coordinated motion. The shoulder blade isn’t just a backdrop—it glides, rotates, and adapts to support the arms as they lift, extend, and spiral. Instead of forcing stillness where movement belongs, try this: Movement Exploration: Place a ball against a wall and use one hand to trace a large star. Let your wrist and arm move freely, allowing the hand to rotate naturally as you extend up, out, and down. Feel how the shoulder and shoulder blade shift and follow. Notice the difference when you resist the movement versus when you allow fluidity. Now, take that awareness to the Arch/Curl movement family on the Gyrotonic equipment. Instead of holding tension in the shoulders, allow the scapulae to slide and guide the arms as they spiral through space. Experiment with hand placement on the handles—rolling, shifting, engaging grip strength—to find deeper spinal connection. This principle applies to any movement on the Gyrotoner as well. By embracing the natural glide of the scapulo-humeral rhythm, you transform effort into flow, unlocking greater range and integration. Deepen Your Understanding This March Want to refine how you teach and embody these movement principles? Join me for two upcoming courses designed to bridge anatomy and movement: Practical Anatomy for Movement Instructors | March 17-April 14 Five 75-minute lectures that break down anatomy into clear, accessible terms—ideal for explaining concepts to clients in relatable ways. Each session includes mobility exercises to enhance movement and awareness. Early bird pricing until March 8: $325 (Regular: $400). Applied Anatomy for Gyrotonic Instructors | March 20-April 17 A companion course of five 90-minute Gyrotonic classes where anatomical concepts come to life through movement. Feel how understanding transforms into embodied knowledge within the Gyrotonic system. Early bird pricing until March 8: $325 (Regular: $375). Take both courses for the combined early bird price of $575.
Here’s to movement that honors the body’s intelligence. Let me know what you discover when you let your shoulders break the rules. With warmth and spirals, |
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