Elements of Body Mechanics

It is important to understand the mechanics of your body so as to stay fit. Poor body mechanics can lead to back pain, muscle pain, and neck pain. There are many elements to body mechanics that one needs to be aware of, including a stable center of gravity, wide support base, line of gravity, and body alignment. Good body mechanics rely on the stability and proper alignment of the spine (i.e., it is made of bony or cartilaginous segments composing the spinal column) and core muscles.

Stable center of gravity

• For good body mechanics, it is important to maintain a low center of gravity. To achieve this, one should keep the back straight and the body should be bent only at the knees and the hips. A lower center of gravity implies more stability. Also, if you slightly bend the knees, then the center of gravity is lowered leading to an increased stability. It is important to develop the strength of the core muscles for good stability.

Wide Support Base

• It is important to maintain a wide support base. A wide support base is useful especially when lifting things. For example, if you try to stand on one foot, the muscle in the foot continually deflects to maintain the balance. It is here that body mechanics are applied. If you try to maintain an outstretched support base then you would be able to balance. A strong core muscle helps to keep the body upright and to improve the balance of the body. The core muscles are those muscles in the abdomen, back, pelvic floor, and the hips. Weak core muscles could certainly lead to knee injuries, back aches, and pulled shoulders.

Line of Gravity

• It is also critical to ensure that the line of gravity should go vertically through the support base. To accomplish this, the back should be kept straight and the object to be lifted should be placed close to the body. When you lift something from the floor, instead of bending over and picking it up, bend at the knees and the hip and ensure that the back is straight before lifting. This ensures a proper alignment.

Body Alignment

• One of the most important elements of body mechanics is body alignment. The spine is the foundation for a proper body alignment. The spine consists of bones and vertebrae that connect with each other and with other ligaments and muscles and it has an S-shaped curve. To maintain the proper body alignment, it is important to maintain that curve. This reduces muscle tension and gives more stability. If all of these principles are met, good body mechanics can be achieved.