Tabletop work in Bridge Progressions?

I have a question regarding bridge progressions as found in the Front Lever Foundation One series. What is the rationale for combining hip extension with shoulder extension (i.e.-table, table rock, and table inside out) as a prep before moving into shoulder bridges, low bridge work, etc? If a bridge is a combination of hip extension and shoulder flexion, why prep with hip extension and shoulder extension? Just curious. 

Hey Charlie,

Great question! We want complete preparation of the shoulder girdle, chest, back, etc. before directly working bridge. If a beginner were to immediately begin bridge work on the floor without first addressing shoulder extension, flexion, and thoracic mobility, they would not get far and likely overstress/stretch their lower back.

The Thoracic Stretch Course is a great way to begin bridge work early, as it contains some crafty adjustments for beginner/intermediate level students. You'll have to earn it, however, as those are near the end of the series  

Thanks, Everett. But how specifically does shoulder extension work help the bridge which requires shoulder flexion? 

Hey Charlie, for beginner/tight people the correct approach to mobility for the bridge it is as follows:

-work first on developing the thoracic extension without involving the shoulder flexion

-then once a decent amount of no-flexion thoracic extension it is achieved it is possible to add the flexion with more or fewer hips activation

Foundations reflect exactly this approach. the most benefit it is achieved by coupling both the works.

Yes but this still doesn't answer my question regarding the inclusion of hip extension with shoulder extension (I.e.-table) as it relates to the bridge. If your premise is true regarding training t-spine extension without shoulder flexion first, then why not do more prone thoracic extension work? Not trying to be a pain in the ass, just trying to understand the rationale. Perhaps the shoulder extension work is more of a tertiary objective related to other parts of foundations but not necessarily the bridge directly?

Sure it does, Charlie.  Adding the hip extension element increases the intensity of the shoulder extension; especially if external shoulder rotation and scapular retraction are maximized.

As to your other question, for people with insufficient thoracic extension focusing on prone thoracic extension generally ends up over extending the lumbar instead.

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer