There's This Little Thing That I Do....

[shanmonster]

Using just my core muscles, I can spread and contract my ribcage. I have no idea how I do it, and I've asked various people in the fitness industry how it works, and no one has yet given me an explanation. I use it in my dance, when I do abdominal isolation work, and I'm regularly asked how I do it. But I don't know. The only answer I can give is, "I just spread my ribs, then pull them back in together again."

With any other movement I do, I can tell you exactly which muscles are doing what, and in what order, but not for this one particular movement. It's left me stymied.

I suspect it may be the interstitial muscles of my ribs, but I'm not sure of this. I have noted that when I do this, there is also a small upward movement of my entire ribcage which is also slightly noticeable between and just below the clavicles. The movement is definitely not coming from this high, though--more like lower, close to my diaphragm. There is no noticeable movement from the rear view. It's all contained up front.

Can you do this? Do you know someone else who does? Can you explain to me what is going on?

Comments

[diatryma.livejournal.com]

I'm not an anatomist of any sort, but it sounds like it's your intercostal muscles doing the work. When you breathe in and out, they contract and either expand or collapse the ribcage. The two sets are diagonally strung.
Now you have me sitting here trying to make my ribs move.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

That could be the case. It feels like it might be originating from just above my diaphragm, spreading out beneath my ribs.

[kaneta.livejournal.com]

Spread and contract her ribcage? I thought. How very strange! So I stood up, turned around so I can see myself in the bedroom mirror, pulled up my shirt and tried it.
Huh.
I can do it too! It IS odd.

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Welcome to my club! Now you can amaze your friends with this useless exercise!

[kaneta.livejournal.com]

Already creeped out my Englishman! I'm not sure if he thinks it's sexy or nauseating. ;)

[shanmonster.livejournal.com]

Always a good start to thin the line between the two, dontcha think? Heh....

[fourcorners.livejournal.com]

I guess that's too high to be an oblique muscle..