I've been doinf Michele Larsson's beginner class where she mentions that we much protract the shoulder's for weight bearing exercises. I have been taught to try to have a neutral shoulder postition when in hands and knees and for plank/push up- and this is what I have been teaching my clients- I've been trying to get people out of shoulder protraction when weight bearing. Please help.

Robyn,

I do not know what you mean by neutral shoulders. Here is what I was thinking when I made that comment. When we weight bear on four limbs we are similar to four legged animals, whose shoulder blades are on the sides of the rib cage. Our shoulder blades migrated to the back of our rib cage when we went onto two legs, climbed trees, and swung from our arms. Therefore, I am thinking about moving the shoulder blades back into position for weight bearing on all four's. Sometimes, it is a matter of degree not concept.

Michele

By neutral shoulders, I mean not protracted or retracted, but stabilized. I'm not sure what you mean by a matter of degree and not concept. I am still wondering whether Pilates practice encourages protraction of shoulders in a weight bearing on hands/knees or plank position or keeping the shoulder blades stabilized on the back as I have been encouraging. Thank you.

Robyn,

I can't answer your question without seeing what you mean by stabilized. We may mean the same thing but use different language. Sorry,