Shoulder problems are common among adults, whether from hoisting a bag around to and from work, or from poor posture, or favoring one side of the body. If you suffer from persistent shoulder issues, or need additional postural awareness, this exercise, as demonstrated in this video by Point Performance’s Dr. Haim Hechtman, is a good way to promote shoulder stability.
This exercise targets the middle and lower trapezius muscles, which are part of the periscapular stabilizers. It isolates the muscles without turning on your back, hence the pillow under the stomach. When someone lifts his or chest off the pillow, which is incorrect, they limit the ability to find, feel, and control the scapula, or shoulder blade. The middle and lower traps contribute to the shoulder blade’s stability and mobility.