Babies Have Good Traps

      

A secret to upper body strength is tomato sauce or soup!

Wing it!

When I look at my son sleep, I notice that he has good scapula mobility. When supine, he lies as if to say, "the field goal is good!" Elbows are bent to 90 degrees. Back is flat. Palms are open. If babies have the best squat (video reference), then they also have the best scapula mobility. The "scap" or your shoulder blade is tremendously important in upper body movement. Although it is located in your upper back, it plays a role in anything that  your arms do.

Typically, as we age and stiffen, our scapula mobility may decline. For some of us, if we lie on our backs it will be difficult to raise both arms above our heads without having one arm elevate off the floor. This movement pattern is seen in individuals with tight chest muscles and bulky frames. An individual may also have weak or tight lower and mid trapezius muscles.

 

 

The upper part of the muscles in red are highly popular, especially among males who love to do shrugs. The middle and lower part of the red region or the less used and weaker middle and lower traps, as they are popularly called. Your lower trap region is attacked by doing dips without the elbow bend (we need another video don't we?). The middle traps are attacked by the easier dumbbell hold lateral hold or raise or the more difficult, "Iron Cross" as seen in gymnasts. 

Who wants the upper hand in "trap" development?

Well, here is a challenge:

1) Get two large cans of soup or even tomato sauce. Hold them in each hand to your shoulder level for about 20 to 30 seconds. You get a good grip workout as well.

2) Lie prone on your stomach with part of your upper body off your bed. Without cans in which to begin, hold up your arms directly in front of you at head level. Do not arch your back. Feel your lower traps engage. For more difficulty, add the cans of tomato sauce and soup. How does your grip feel? Hold the cans tightly, and your handshake will improve.

Purpose and Development,
Derek

Derek Arledge, CSCS        www.teempt.com         TEEM Performance Training
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