We are now more than half way through our series of how to position yourself while you are floating so here is number 9. Stretching your arms above your head - seems simple right? Well in fact it takes quite a bit of effort for some people! The body uses movement from:
- Whole shoulder girdle
- Core muscles
- Leg muscles
- Foot muscles
To move your shoulder girdle your body requires a complex coordinated movement known as the Scapulohumeral Rhythm. A lot of muscles are involved in this action including the rotator cuff, deltoids, and trapeziusserratus anterior muscle.
We also use the core muscles in your stomach transverse abdominals , rectus abdominals, external and internal oblique muscles. These muscles act as a strong column that links the upper and lower body together, and also helps support your lower back. And finally the muscles in your legs and feet are activated hip flexors, gluteal, hamstring, quadriceps, adductor and calf muscles.
When all these muscles work together we can simply put our arms above our head and point our toes, simple hey!!
TIP
A great way to stretch your body as a whole is you can do this outside on dry land and standing on your tippy toes and reach for the sky.