The activation/correction exercise in the PFD attachments for Upper and Lower body exercises are important today due to the way we live. Many of us are not recruiting and activating the muscles in the correct sequence or manner. This causes other muscle to be over worked. Imagine the micro traumas (damage) we are causing our muscles when they are not firing correctly to walk, run, jump or even opening and closing a door, lifting items on and off shelves/worktops. How many step do we take in a day? Move our arms?
The main muscle group targeted in the Upper body activation/correction exercise target the lower trapezius. The lower trapezius is important as it keeps us upright, assisting neutral posture, keeping the scapula in place preventing the shoulders rounding forwards.
Level | Exercise |
---|---|
One | Internal / External Rotations |
Two | Ball Rolling |
Three | Doorway Slides / Wall Slides |
Four | T, Y, W |
Five | Wall Slides (Facing Wall) |
Six | Wall Rotation |
Seven | Scapulae Retractions |
The majority of exercises in the Lower body activation/correction PDF target the:
Glutes – these are the power muscles of the lower limbs. Activating the glutes will allow power of the legs to be increased. If the glutes do not function correctly, additional strain can be placed on the hamstrings and lower back, causing tightness and pain
Vasteralis Medialis Obligue (VMO) – this muscle is situated on the inside of the thigh, down by the knee cap, to the left of the knee as we look down at our own knees. This muscle is important as it works to stabilise (active and dynamic) the knee cap (patella). It also controls the tracking of the knee as it flexes and extends during daily movements.
Level | Exercise |
---|---|
One | Glute Bridge |
Two | Side Leg Raises |
Three | Clams (seated / supine / Lying) |
Four | Heel Raises |
Five | Vastus Medialis Oblique |
Six | Squats |
Seven | Penguins |
Eight | Hip Hike |
Nine | Superman |
Ten | Side Planks |
Eleven | Adductor Squeeze |
Twelve | Single Leg Balance |
Thirteen | Balance Board |
Fourteen | Ankle Mobility |
Fifteen | VMO Activation |