The basis of communication is done through anatomical positional terms. Learning these terms will give us a common language and increase your knowledge with the common words used in this field. Note: this is not a complete list, but it will start you on the right path.
Scapula (aka shoulder blade)
Retraction (i.e. Front Lever) the scapula is squeezed together. This will also create a small natural supination of the forearm. | ![]() |
Protraction (i.e. Planche) the scapula is pushed away from each other. This will also create a small natural pronation of the forearm | ![]() |
Elevation (i.e. Handstand) the scapula is moved directly up, to bring the shoulders to the ears | ![]() |
Depression (i.e. Support) the scapula is pressed down, to bring the shoulders towards the lower spine | ![]() |
Upward Rotation (i.e.Lateral Raise Up) the scapula moves up and slightly rotates outward as the arm moves up toward overhead | ![]() |
Downward Rotation (i.e. Lateral Raise Down) the scapula moves down and slightly rotates inward as the arm moves down toward the floor | ![]() |
Pelvis
Posterior Pelvic Tilt (PPT) the pelvis is rotated forward, tucking the butt in (contracting the glutes) and creating a rounding of the lower back | ![]() |
Anterior Pelvic Tilt (APT) the pelvis is rotated backward, sticking the butt out (relaxing the glutes) and creating an arch of the lower back | ![]() |
Forearm
Supination (i.e. Chinup) the palm is rotated up as to face towards yourself, this will create a natural and small amount of humeral external rotation | ![]() |
Pronation (i.e. Pullup) the palm is rotated down as to face away from yourself, this will create a natural and small amount of humeral internal rotation | ![]() |
Arm/Leg Relationship
Ipsilateral (same side) meaning the same side leg and arm are working together. If the right leg is forward then the right arm is forward. I.e. throwing a ball | ![]() |
Contralateral (opposite side) meaning the opposite side leg and arm are working together. If the right leg is forward then the left arm is forward. I.e. walking | ![]() |
Joint Movement
Flexion joint is moving closer to the body. I.e. bending the knee towards the butt | ![]() |
Extension joint is moving further away from the body. I.e. straightening the knee | ![]() |
External Rotation the joint is rotating away from the center of the body. | ![]() |
Internal Rotation the joint is rotating toward the center of the body. | ![]() |
Adduction the appendage is moving toward the body. I.e. Leg comes from away from second leg, to closer to second leg | ![]() |
Abduction the appendage is moving away from the body. I.e. Leg comes from close to the second leg, to further away from the second leg | ![]() |
Planes of Movement
Sagittal (i.e. back squats, vertical jumping, walking) Movements in this plane of motion are done forward and backward only. No twisting or side flexion would be used. | ![]() |
Coronal or Frontal (i.e. side bending, adduction and abduction) Movements in this plane of motion are done laterally with the body. No twisting or forward/backward motion will be used. | ![]() |
Transverse or Horizontal (i.e. spinal or hip rotation, pushups) Movements in this plane of motion are done rotationally. *note any adduction or abduction done at 90degrees is also considered to be in the transverse plane (like the pushup) | ![]() |