Planes of the Body: Why are these important?

There are three basic planes of the body: frontal, sagittal, and transverse. Understanding these and being able to recognize them allows for better overall performance and use of Yogger.

Frontal Plane

This plane is probably the easiest to recognize as it is the front of the body. Looking at someone you are identifying their frontal plane. The main body functions of this plane are primarily side-to-side deviations.

Through this plane various movements can be noted; most commonly:

• Lateral deviation of the body
• Hip drop
• Head tilt

Sagittal Plane

To remember this plane take into account the S in Sagittal as it is from the side view of a person. This plane cuts the body in half from in between their eyebrows, causing left and right sides to be identified.

Some movements that can be identified in this plane are:

• Arm flexion and extension
• Leg flexion and extension
• Trunk flexion and extension

Transverse Plane

This is the most difficult of all the planes, once again remembering that transverse starts with a T means you are looking at one’s body from the top. Typically looking in this plane allows one to identify the rotation of the bones.

Some movements that can be identified in this plane are:

• External rotation
• Internal rotation