Yonemoto Physical Therapy

A lot of things come to mind when you hear the word "power."  When discussing fitness, the word "power" can mean the ability to hold a position in space. 

For example, power relates to the muscles and joints in the concept of balance.  If you are balanced on both feet and have good positioning between muscles and joints, it is harder to knock you down because you can generate a good amount of counter-force.  Think about athletes in a power position such as the defensive lineman, the receiving tennis player and the wrestler.  Their feet have a wide base of support, hips and knees slightly bent, spine straight, arms slightly outstretched, with their weight slightly forward on the feet. These athletes are poised for receiving and counteracting a strong force.

Think about how much force you generate throwing a baseball when unwinding from a balanced position versus from an unbalanced position.  How much force can you create when shooting a basketball with your feet planted solidly on the ground versus sliding out of position?  Likewise, it is much harder to propel yourself forward when running in sand versus running on pavement.  Even a non-athlete must have a stable spine to pick up a child.  No force can be generated if your spine moves as you pick up something.

A simple test of a person's ability to generate power would be to determine how stable their balance is during a particular movement.  Take golf for example. At the top of a back swing, see if you can lift the left foot up and still keep your balance.  Then, at the end of the follow-through, see if you can lift the right foot up and still keep your balance.

To increase power in movement, many components need to be addressed: flexibility; stability of the spine, shoulder and pelvic girdle; strength; coordination and balance.  Some of these components may hinder a person more than others, and the emphasis and sequencing of training may vary.   Equipment may be used to improve power as well as improving nutrition to provide adequate energy for force production.  Much can contribute to the production of force, but the key ingredient in power is the ability to hold a position in space.

To enhance you body's overall health and wellbeing, and to improve body balance and coordination, you might consider taking a series of Chinese energy classes (qigong).  Contact us concerning your questions regarding this article, and for the starting dates of the next Qigong class at our office in Alhambra, CA. The first class is complimentary!

Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE:  626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890

Links:
http://www.yonemoto.com/ - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system

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