Stabilization refers to holding down a body segment or holding the body steady. To maintain appropriate alignment, ensure the correct muscle action and movement pattern, and avoid unwanted substitute motions during resistance exercise, effective stabilization is imperative. Exercising on a stable surface, such as a firm treatment table, helps hold the body steady. Body weight may also provide a source of stability during exercise, particularly in the horizontal position. It is most common to stabilize the proximal attachment of the muscle being strengthened, but sometimes the distal attachment is stabilized as the muscle contracts.

Stabilization can be achieved externally or internally.

• External stabilization can be applied manually by the therapist or sometimes by the patient with equipment, such as belts and straps, or by a firm support surface, such as the back of a chair or the surface of the treatment table.
• Internal stabilization is achieved by an isometric contraction of an adjacent muscle group that does not enter into the movement pattern but holds the body segment of the proximal attachment of the muscle being strengthened firmly in place.

For example, when performing a bilateral straight leg raise, the abdominals contract to stabilize the pelvis and lumbar spine as the hip flexors raise the legs. This form of stabilization is effective only if the fixating muscle group is strong enough or not fatigued.

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