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Shoulder Stability in Pilates Exercises

By , About.com Guide

Updated: September 10, 2008

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Scapula Away from Midline (abducted)

shouler blades apart

Scapula Apart (abducted)

Photo © 2008, Marguerite Ogle

In this image, the scapula have moved apart from each other, away from the midline of the body. In practice, this move often accompanies an exaggerated rounding of the back.

It can be useful to reach your arms away so far that the scapula travel outward, but be aware that this position is not as integrated, in terms of shoulder stability, as when the scapula are settled on the back.

Our model was doing the exercise, arms reach and pull for this demonstration. You may want to try that next. Some other exercises that will help you explore scapular movement and stability are:
You can also watch a video demonstration of shoulder stability positioning.
See: The Pilates Scapular Stabilization Exercise Video

As you become more familiar with the basics shoulder stability you will find that even side-lying exercises challenge the placement of the scapula. You might want to try the side kick series with scapular placement in mind.

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