Lecture Summary: Movement and Muscle Engagement

Introduction

• Cloud recording for safety.
• Check-in for questions or insights from recent classes.

Muscle Activation and Movement Patterns

• Discussion on discomfort in the trapezius area due to recent classes.
• Upper Body Muscles
  • Muscles are not linear; they have twists and are fan-shaped.
  • Trapezius muscles twist and attach at different angles.
  • Importance of viewing muscles as dynamic (like an octopus tentacle) rather than static or cable-like.

Concept of Levers in the Body

• Upper Body: Uses multiple levers (arm, humerus, torso) rather than a single long lever.
• Lower Body: Has muscles crossing multiple joints, fewer joint interactions.
• Lever Illustration
  • Using bicep curls to illustrate mechanical disadvantage and efficiency.
  • Importance of changing levers for mechanical advantage.

Power Pads Concept

• Power Pads: Areas on hands/feet for optimal movement and muscle engagement.
• Creating gloves to accentuate power pads using garden gloves.
• Power Pads allow better connectivity through the body, from hands to torso.
• Example: Using power pads for better knife handling in cooking.

Enhancing Movement Techniques

• Throwing Techniques: Use lasso or gyroscope action rather than linear movement.
  • Example: Rugby ball throwing using lasso technique increases power and accuracy.
• Exercise Variations: Focus on dynamic movement (lasso) rather than static (catapult).
  • Example: Bicep curl with lasso movement vs. straight press.

Application to Physical Activity

• Cycling: Incorporating adductor muscles and how they contribute to biking performance.
• Kick and Lift Technique: Using this method in cycling to enhance leg and hip engagement.
• Box Step Exercise: Using kick instead of push to jump higher with less fatigue.

Muscle Connection and Dynamics

• Discussion on how foot and hand pads connect to the entire body.
• Adductor Engagement: Importance of adductors and their proper engagement during activities.

Practical Application in Sports and Daily Activities

• Sports: Application of lasso action in various sports for improved performance.
• Daily Activities: Applying power pad concepts in tasks like cooking to improve grip and control.

Conclusion

• Continuous learning and experimenting with movement to discover new muscle engagement.
• Encouragement to experiment with power pads and share discoveries in future sessions.