The Three Planes of Movement

The sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes are three planes of movement that relate to how we move our body. The sagittal plane runs vertically through our body dividing us into a left and right portion. One common example for this particular plane is the bicep curl, which is the flexion of the biceps brachii. Two other exercises that can be used in describing the sagittal plan are the triceps pressdown, which is the extension of the triceps brachii and the calf raise, which is plantarflexion of the gastrocnemius in the concentric phase of the lift. The frontal plane runs vertically through the center of our body dividing us into front and right portions. The typical example is the deltoid lateral raise. This exercise deals with abduction. Two other examples are the barbell shrug, which is elevation in the concentric phase and depression in the eccentric phase; and the shoulder press that involves adduction of the shoulder. The last of the three planes of movement deals with the transverse plane. The transverse plane crosses our body horizontally at our navel. Two examples are the dumbbell horizontal external rotation and the dumbbell horizontal internal rotation, which involve external and internal rotation. Another example is the act of turning your wrists from a neutral position to a supinated position during a dumbbell curl. It is important to note that the curl itself is not a sagittal plane movement but the supination is. This is known as elbow supination. To sum up: the sagittal plane deals with movements at your side; the frontal plane deals with movements that take place in front of your body; and the transverse plan deals with horizontal movements.

I learned the proper human movements from answering this question, and I will apply it by explaining the planes to my clients for a visual aid. The key point to this topic is the fact that the body has distinct movement patterns, which can only be beneficial to us if proper form is used. I see many trainees using poor form during their workouts and because of this they cannot develop their muscles properly. In order to fix this problem I will explain to my clients the planes of movement and how the body part should only follow a specified plane, unless it is circumduction, in order to properly work the intended body part. My clients will benefit visually and physically from what I have learned.

Source: Hatfield, PhD, Frederick C. Fitness: The Complete Guide. 8.1.5th ed. Santa Barbara: International Sports and Sciences, 2004. 132-133

Last Updated: February 9, 2007 Site Directory | Search Site | Policy Statement | Mission Statement | Contact
fergsfitness.com © 2007