Which plane of movement divides the body into right and left sections?

The sagittal plane divides the body into right and left sections, serving as an essential reference in understanding human movement and anatomy. Movements that occur within this plane include flexion and extension, which often involve the limbs and trunk moving forward and backward.

For instance, when you raise your arm in front of you or perform bicep curls, these actions occur in the sagittal plane. This plane is particularly significant in personal training and rehabilitation because many exercises and movements are analyzed regarding their alignment and performance based on this division of the body.

In contrast, the frontal plane divides the body into front and back sections and is involved in movements like side lunges or jumping jacks. The transverse plane divides the body into upper and lower sections and encompasses rotational movements. The coronal plane, while often used synonymously with the frontal plane, specifically refers to the division into anterior and posterior sections.

Understanding these planes is crucial for personal trainers, as it helps to assess movement patterns and develop effective training programs that target various planes of motion for comprehensive fitness improvement.