Part 1:

Anatomical Prelude

This text is an attempt to decipher one important muscle, when it is clear that no one muscle works alone. The core area is made up of a group of muscles that girdle the spine to hold it in balance. The psoas major is one of these muscles, and is aided by the rectus abdominis, obliques, transversus abdominis, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and deep posterior muscles to stabilize the lower spine. At the iliofemoral joint, it is part of the iliopsoas muscle group, which works with the rectus femoris, sartorius, pectineus, and tensor fasciae latae to flex the hip. With all these muscles helping, the psoas major can be free to perform a most significant function: integral connection.

In this age of core fitness, it is important to remember that all central muscles must be in harmony with each other, and that no one muscle is emphasized. Many fitness instructors rely on the “naval to spine” phrase, mostly to engage the deep transversus abdominis. One must realize that this is only an image, and must not be used in excess to hollow the abdominals or press the back flat. The best alignment in movement is the neutral spine, where the natural spinal curves balance each other and allow the muscles to lithely do their jobs.

With this in mind, the anatomical part of the book can begin.