1. Six Fundamental Movements of Major Body Segments
There are six fundamental movements that occur between the body segments:
1) Flexion is defined as a decrease in the angle between two body segments and is present at
the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee joints - an example of flexion can be found in exercises for
lower back pain such as pelvic presses, knees to chest, windshield wipers, lumbar rolls, and
hamstring stretch 2) Extension is defined as the increase of angle between two body segments
or the opposite of flexion and occurs at the knee - an example of extension can be found while
performing leg extensions 3) Abduction is defined as the movement of the body part away from
the midline and can be seen in the arm/shoulder area - an example of this is found during the
execution of a lateral raise using dumbbells 4) Adduction is defined as movement of a body part
toward the midline and is present in the leg/hip region - an example of this is while the legs
come back together after an abduction on the hip adductor machine 5) Rotation is defined as
circular movement of a body segment about a long axis and is present in the upper arm - an
example of this is when someone is hitting a tennis ball back-handed, and 6) Circumduction is
defined as the movement of a part, extremity, in a circular direction and can be found in the
shoulder/arm region - an example of this is a circular arm warm-up exercises moving the arms
forward and backward.
One example of an exercise using a combination of several of these movements
together would be a standing squat while using free weights. The muscles in the trunk and legs
must contract in order to hold the body in the correct position for stabilization. In the effort
phase of this exercise hip extension/slight adduction, knee extension, and ankle plantar flexion
are the movements involved. During the recovery phase of this exercise hip flexion/slight
abduction, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion are the joint movements involved. This is simply

2. one example outlining the combination of the fundamental movements in our bodies. There are
countless combinations of exercises and workout routines that will utilize these same principles.
Important knowledge about these fundamental movements coupled with the anatomical
musculoskeletal mastery of every joint, muscle, origin, and insertion in the body will help me in
the preparation and execution of designing appropriate and safe workouts for my clients. The
human body is a complex machine, and when all components are running smoothly than we
can see it operating at its highest capacity of efficiency and functionality.
Hatfield, Frederick C. PhD , Fitness: The Complete Guide Official Text for ISSA Certified Fitness
Trainer Course, Edition 9.0, p. 114-130