Origin
Insertion
Nerves
Blood supply
The trapezius is a large, flat, triangular and paired muscle shaped like a trapezoid and is the most superficial of all back muscles. Extending across the posterior aspect of the neck and trunk, it attaches broadly from the cervical to the thoracic regions.
The trapezius is divided into three parts: descending (superior), transverse (middle), and ascending (inferior). Each part plays a specific role in movements of the shoulder girdle, making the trapezius functionally a muscle of the upper limb rather than of the back. Through its attachments on the clavicle and scapula, the trapezius is essential for scapulohumeral rhythm and provides dynamic support for head balance by controlling the cervical spine.
Its actions such as elevation, retraction, and depression of the scapula, are fundamental for the stability and mobility of the upper limb.
The trapezius muscle plays a central role in stabilizing and positioning the scapula, as well as controlling its movements during various upper limb activities. During actions like throwing, the trapezius works closely with the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles to maintain shoulder girdle stability, acting as a primary force in positioning the shoulder.
In collaboration with the serratus anterior, the trapezius optimizes scapular positioning and supports scapulohumeral rhythm, essential for smooth arm movement. It also enables upward scapular rotation, which is crucial for elevating the arm above shoulder level.
Beyond shoulder movements, the trapezius contributes to head and neck mobility and plays an important role in postural alignment, helping maintain an upright spine. This function is particularly vital when standing, as the trapezius supports spinal stability and alignment.
Additionally, the trapezius provides dynamic postural support. The superior and middle fibers remain active in both static and dynamic postural adjustments, allowing for prolonged standing and effective control during repetitive arm activities. Working alongside the rotator cuff muscles, the trapezius ensures shoulder stability and balanced mechanics in overhead and athletic movements, promoting efficient upper limb function.
Its actions are largely determined by the direction of fiber contraction, and its three parts play different roles:
Descending Part (Superior Fibers):
Transverse Part (Middle Fibers):
Ascending Part (Inferior Fibers):
The Core Structure & Function
Mentor Exercise Review
A Mentor Review is a live guided session where you can present exercises, ask questions, and receive individual feedback on your execution, cueing, and reasoning.
Please prepare (at least) one exercise you would like feedback on. Active participation is encouraged to gain the full benefit of the session.
Sessions require a minimum of two participants. If fewer than two students are registered 48 hours in advance, the session will be cancelled.
Mentor Reviews are scheduled based on participant availability. You will receive a confirmation email once your session is finalized.
©KINETICODE® 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Spine & Neck – Back Muscles Lectures – Part 2
©KINETICODE® 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Spine & Neck – Back Muscles Lectures – Part 1
©KINETICODE® 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Pelvis & Posterior Abdominal Wall Lectures –
Part 2
©KINETICODE® 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Pelvis & Posterior Abdominal Wall Lectures –
Part 1
©KINETICODE® 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Core Structure & Function Lectures – Part 2
©KINETICODE® 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Core Structure & Function Lectures – Part 1
©KINETICODE® 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
©KINETICODE® 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Price of the Course: €2.500
(excl. VAT, reclaimable)
*Prefer a payment plan? Email us at academy@kcmove.nl with a proposal.
Invest in your future as a Pilates professional with Europe-wide recognized certification. This fee gives you full access to a carefully designed 7-month learning journey that blends science, practice, and mentorship.
Your investment includes:
©KINETICODE® 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The KinetiCode® Pilates Certification follows a 7-month study cycle, designed for maximum flexibility. You can begin at the start of any month and progress at your own pace while completing all required coursework.
In total, the course includes:
Total course time = 250 hours
©KINETICODE® 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
