The phrase "pulling oneself along" is spelled [ˈpʊlɪŋ wʌnˈsɛlf əˈlɔŋ]. The "p" sound at the beginning is followed by the short "u" sound, then the "l" sound pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth behind the teeth. The "ɪ" sound is next, followed by the "ŋ" sound representing the "ng" consonant blend. The word "oneself" is pronounced [ˌwʌnˈsɛlf] with the "w" sound making the "o" sound slightly labial. The stressed "l" sound retains the position at the end of the word. The phrase ends with the "ə" schwa sound followed by the "l" sound and the "ɔ" sound.
Pulling oneself along refers to the act of propelling or advancing one's body or object by gripping onto a fixed surface or support and using the muscles to move in a desired direction. This action typically requires the use of the arms, hands, or other appendages to exert force and create motion. Pulling oneself along can be encountered in various contexts, such as physical activities, daily tasks, or specific situations that demand self-dependence.
In physical fitness, pulling oneself along often involves exercises such as pull-ups, where an individual grasps a horizontal bar and lifts their body upwards using the strength of their upper body muscles. This action aids in building upper body strength, particularly targeting the back, shoulders, and arms. Additionally, pulling oneself along can occur during activities like rock climbing or traversing obstacles, when individuals use their grip to move their body weight vertically or horizontally.
Outside the realm of fitness, pulling oneself along may encompass actions like crawling, where individuals move their bodies by dragging or pulling themselves across a surface primarily using their arms and legs. This movement is evident in situations where mobility is limited, such as tight spaces, low heights, or when navigating through rugged terrains.
Overall, pulling oneself along suggests the act of moving one's body or object by gripping onto a surface or support and using muscular force to advance in a desired direction.