The human body is a pretty awesome and complex place. You probably know about muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments already, but do you know anatomical muscle slings? The sling systems refer to a network of tissues (fascia) that create a system around the body, connecting various muscle groups using chains, or slings, along and across the body. Think of it almost like a subway map.
However you enjoy exercising, knowing about the sling systems of the body could help you maximize your training efforts and results, increase fitness, build strength, stability, and muscle and improve athletic performance. According to strength and conditioning coach Luiz Silva, here’s everything you need to know about anatomical sling systems. What are the sling systems of the body? Slings refer to a connection between muscle groups; there are four main sling systems in the human body, creating a network of fascia and muscles that recruit together.
Many coaches, especially in the world of sports and athletes, will train athletes according to sling systems to improve the quality of movement in clients. Strengthening your sling systems can improve stability, strength, balance and power. “We have the anterior oblique sling, posterior oblique sling, deep longitudinal sling and lateral sling systems,” explains Silva.
Sling systems are sometimes referred to as "myofascial slings" — a system of muscles, fascias and ligaments that interconnect to transmit forces during movement. Silva says.