Spectrum of Movement: macro and micromovement
In my early years working with Eve Gentry, I experienced how a subtle shift of my attention to a bone (head of the femur), and directing it to move within the hip socket completely re-orientated my pelvis. (Black and Larkam 2025) An after effect followed with an ease of my spine, shoulders and breath.
“I embodied a micro movement that impacted my whole body. Then I realized how being aware of the subtle movements ignites the power of the larger movement.”
We move our bodies within a spectrum of what is available to us in the moment and how we can stretch the limitations improving movement function.
A spectrum is a continuum with a wide range of possibilities. The term spectrum of movement came about in my mind when contemplating on how the body moves through a space/time continuum and the changing relationship of the body within the body. We sculpt the space around us as we move. A movement occurs in four dimensions, three physical dimensions, the directions in space such as flexion or extension. The fourth is time describing the “when” which is necessary to fully specify the action, say “repeat 10 times”. (Girifalco 2007) The space/time continuum is part of the macro movement. We can also focus on how the body moves relative to another part, such as the pelvis moving on the femur versus femur on the pelvis. We have a large range of movement choices.
As a movement teacher specializing in Pilates, we notice the body’s larger motions through body shape, actions of the torso and limbs, and the breath. A closer look reveals subtle and coordinated actions beneath the grander movements. We experience a spectrum of movement, the broad strokes of movement, the macro movement, and the intricate micromovements that support them.
“When we notice the subtle actions within the movement, we have clues on how the person is performing their unique pattern. We use these findings to guide us, directing them for an outcome of shifting their spectrum of movement.”
Human movement possibilities are limited to the laws of nature that govern how the human body moves. (Encyclopaedia Brittanica 2021) Laws of nature describe the regular and consistent patterns of how the natural world functions. One of the foundational human movement patterns is gait. The biomechanical analysis of gait is well documented in model form and mechanical measurements. Beyond the stereotypical models, unique individual gait patterns are identified similar to other biometrics such as one’s fingerprint. (Horst et al 2017) For every individual, there is a uniqueness and discernable characteristics to their gait pattern. An indefinable spectrum of movement possibilities.
We observe gait in a macro view: from the feet, how they meet the ground and propel off the ground; the pelvis adapting to the ground forces and thoracic motion; arm swing influence on the thorax; and how the head is carried. These movements are gross motor skills required to coordinate the whole body for movement. Good observations provide an enormous amount of information about this person’s organization and their spatial orientation. How their body moves in a space/time continuum.
What you may notice from the macro perspective, a disruption of pelvis’ rhythm relative to the other regions or a deviation of what we know as pelvic response to the forces. There is an observable decrease of available movement.
“I prefer not to state someone’s movements are “normal” or “abnormal” or “correct” or “incorrect”. Rather see their movement on a spectrum that is restricting their movement potential. Revealing the limitation and providing the movement skills allows for more freedom helps broaden their movement spectrum.”
Honing in on the smaller supporting role of micro-movements helps uncover what may be the body’s work around. Loss of micromovements impacts the macro-movement capabilities.
“Micromovements are small motions within the body, hard to perceive and feel.”
To feel micromovements requires an interoceptive attention, the ability to focus and notice bodily sensations. The movement professional also senses the micromovements through touch and sight.
The small movements found in the joints, alternating between macro-movement and micromovement: (Black 2022)
Subtalar joint, spiral micro
Ankle joint (talocrural joint) dorsi and plantar flexion macro
Knee joint, spiral, internal and external rotation micro
Hip joint (femoroacetabular joint), three degrees of freedom macro
Sacroiliac joint, gliding and rotation, micro
Vertebrae, macro flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. There are also micro facet motions.
Occipital and first cervical, nodding, rocking micro
A restriction of this auxiliary movement (micromovement) within the joint will inhibit the ability of the joint to function well.
The idea of movement relationship of the body within the body is envisioning this micromovement and the ripple effect, spreading movement throughout the system. Notice the inability of the tibia to internally rotate. Introduce tibial internal rotation micromovement using a rotational disc, improves the motion at the knee. It will also allow the subtalar joint to move freeing up the calcaneus to invert and evert. The hip joint may respond with increase of femoral glide. (Black 2022) Following up with the macro movement of foot and leg work on the Universal Reformer increases the dynamic muscle activation improving strength. Foot and leg work therefore becomes more effective and efficient.
We can use this perspective into all areas of the body. The combination of focusing on enhancing micromovement with an intention of overall macro-movement benefits brings immediate relief and new sensations of muscle work.
My approach to training people is understanding and respecting a person’s movement spectrum. Knowing through awareness and knowledge how to offer other possibilities for them to evolve their spectrum to move well, be strong and love to move.
Madeline Black has dedicated over 30 years to exploring human movement across disciplines including dance, Pilates, yoga, Gyrotonic®, and biomechanics. She developed the Madeline Black Method™, an advanced approach to transform movement and enhance physical health. Her acclaimed books, Centered (2nd edition, 2022) and Pilates Applications for Health Conditions (2025), reflect her integrative perspective on kinesiology and therapeutic exercise. Madeline teaches internationally, training movement professionals in more than 20 countries to assess and improve movement patterns confidently. She has filmed numerous classes for Pilates Anytime and Fusion Pilates EDU Online and is a respected conference presenter, appearing at Harvard University, the Cognition and Movement Conference, and Balanced Body’s Pilates on Tour worldwide. Holding a B.S. in Physical Education and Dance from Skidmore College and multiple certifications (NCPT, ACSM, 200 RYT), Madeline maintains a private practice in Sonoma, California, where she continues to advance the field of movement education.
Sources
Black and Larkam, 2025 “Pilates Applications for Health Conditions”, Vol 1 Singing Dragon/Handspring Publishers, UK; Eve Gentry, chapter 5, p.47,
Girifalco, Louis A. “The space–time continuum” The Universal Force: Gravity - Creator of Worlds p. 188-194 2007 Oxford University Press
DO 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228966.003.0014
Encyclopaedia Brittanica. (2021, July 23). Newton’s Laws of Motion. www.britannica.com/science/Newton-laws-of-motion
F. Horst, M. Mildner, W.I. Schöllhorn, One-year persistence of individual gait patterns identified in a follow-up study – A call for individualised diagnose and therapy, Gait & Posture, Volume 58,
2017, Pages 476-480, ISSN 0966-6362,
Black, Madeline, “Centered: Organizing the Body through Kinesiology, Movement Theory and Pilates Techniques” 2022, Handspring Publishers, UK p. 51-52; 73
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