Foundations: Title
Quick Intro: Sternum Drops
A light strengthening and a mobilisation exercise of the shoulders and upper back. It’s also a progressions to to get to a plank position – important for many other Pilates exercises such as Long Stretch, Leg Pull Front, Leg Pull, The Push Up, Hanging etc.
It’s also the basic set up for Learning Handstands and Headstands.
What’s it good for?
🌟 The object here is to strengthen the serratus anterior, rhomboids and other upper back & shoulder muscles.
🌟 It also serves to mobilise the shoulder blade / ribcage connection.
A quick “how to”…
Sternum Drops
🌟 In Four Point Kneeling position, draw in your abdominals to stabilise your pelvis as is Pregnant Cat (here).
🌟 Drop your breastbone (sternum) down towards the mat.
🌟 Then lift up your sternum as high as you can away from the floor, towards the ceiling.
Hints & Tips:
🌟 Imagine you have a suitcase handle in your upper back and it is being lifted towards the ceiling.
🌟 To keep the movement in your shoulders, maintain straight elbows.
🌟 If you’d like more of a challenge on your way] to learning a plank have a look at Sternum Drops and Knees Off (here).
Any Questions?
Ask away – I love to help! Click here for the Contact Page 🙂 – or leave a comment at the bottom of the post – see you there…
Miguel 🙂
