The human body is an extremely sophisticated machine with a very large number of components that combine to produce an infinite variety of postures and movements.
- Everett Aaberg
Human movement is complex. No matter how many weightlifting machines are invented -- with as many cables, pulleys, pads, or greased pivot points -- none can accurately replicate the intricacy of the human body. No robot will ever move with the fluidity of the human machine. There are natural movements that we all make. Imagine standing up out of a chair, or rolling out of bed, or carrying a bookshelf up a set of stairs. Those physical acts are nearly indescribable.
In the book Muscle Mechanics by Everett Aaberg (link has preview of book), the author explains how we can classify much of human movement into seven basic patterns:
- Gait (Lunging)
- Trunk Flexion
- Trunk Extension
- Trunk Rotation
All movements become combinations of these simplified actions. I'll keep my blabbering to a minimum today, as long as you promise to review the above link to Aaberg's book. ;)
Think about the exercises you do and how they each fit into one or more of the above patterns. And more importantly, which patterns are you neglecting??