IMPROVING POSTURE Improving posture must be built upon the desire to move correctly and efficiently at all times. Regardless of the amount of instruction given and exercise performed, Soldiers will habitually assume good postures only if they want to. Good standing and sitting postures are characterized by vertical alignment of certain body segments. However, posture …
Good posture has many values for the Soldier. First, a Soldier is often judged by his appearance–the man with good posture looks like a good Soldier, he commands attention. Secondly, it is an accepted psychological fact that good posture is associated with good morale–a man with good posture feels better and is more positive. A …
LIFTING OVERHEAD Most of the power for pushing an object overhead comes from the legs. To transmit leg strength through the trunk and arms to the object being pushed, set the hips and tighten the abdominal muscles. Hands should be placed shoulder width apart with the upper arms aligned with the trunk. Squat slightly, then …
BODY MECHANICS Body mechanics (posture in motion) is the ability to control body movement. Many discussions of posture are limited to static positions such as sitting and standing. Good posture during movement is imperative for efficiency and injury control. Just as good posture requires balanced alignment of the body, so does exercise. Many Soldiers use …
JUMPING AND LANDING Land softly with alignment of the shoulders, knees, and the balls of the feet. Land first on the balls of the feet with the heels touching down last. Bending of the hips and knees allows the legs to serve as coils that absorb the impact of the landing. The trunk should be …
POWER POSITION Proper body mechanics are essential for the powerful movements required of Soldiers. From the power position (Figure C-11), the Soldier is ready to: To assume the power position, first set the hips and tighten the abdominals as previously described. From the straddle stance, place one leg 6 to 8 inches behind the other …