The shoulder girdle and the hip girdle form the two basic supports for the trunk. The shoulder blades give mobility to the upper extremities and a host of muscles are involved in making this possible. Here is a technique, using the stability ball, to maintain the stability of the shoulder blades. The upper back and lower back also benefit from this exercise.
Method:
* First, sit on your heels in front of the ball.
* Kneel, lean forward and rest the elbows on the ball.
* Press the ball with the forearms.
* Fold the toes, roll the ball forward and straighten the legs.
* Ensure that the trunk is parallel to the floor.
Foot should be perpendicular from the base of the toes to the heel, and legs straight.
* Press the forearms on the ball and stabilise the posture.
* The posture can be made less difficult by increasing the distance between the feet.
* As you inhale, expand the abdomen and as you exhale, contract the abdominal muscles.
* Stay for about 20-30 seconds with slow breathing.
* Pressing the ball, flex the knees and roll the ball back and return to starting position.
* Repeat four times.
