Posture and Power Angle - Why Is the Body's Symmetry Very Essential?

The symmetry of the body plays a significant role in decreasing your risk of injury and enhancing performance and power. When athletes setup so that the line (orientation) of their shoulders and hips are such that either or both are not aligned square (parallel) to the target line, the body is more prone to injury and performance and power are compromised. The symmetry of the body is particularly important for all athletes.

What is the power angle and how is it related to the body's balance?

The power angle refers to an individual angle of the body created in the athlete's setup, for example golfers and baseball players, to achieve maximum power in their swing. The power angle refers to a particular position of the spine and thigh(and numerous other angles of the body, club or bat) in the athlete's setup position. A research has determined that this angle occurs in multiple positions in the better athlete's setup position and it is maintained throughout their motion. When this angle is set and maintained, the athlete can generate the most power. Our power angle is different in each of us. Thus, everyone's set up is different.

To determine your power angle, all you have to do is stand tall with your feet together with your arms hanging freely at your sides. Now, stay relaxed and rotate your palms forward in the direction facing away from you. The angle of your forearm 90 degrees to the ground is your power angle.

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It is easy to set and check your power angle. All you have to do is take a heavy weight and place it across your mid chest and spread your feet into a balanced stance width. Once the weight is positioned on your mid chest, assume a position of spine tilt and knee bend where you feel the least stress on your back. From this position, if you measure the angle of your spine and both thighs 90 degrees to the ground, it will be exactly the same as your forearm measurement 90 degrees to the ground. Not only that, you will have maximum rotational range of motion. Notice the symmetry of the angles of your spine and thighs as you look in a mirror. Great athletes have this symmetry in their address and motion. After you test your range of motion from this setup position, increase or decrease your spine tilt and you will notice that your range of motion diminishes.

For maximum range of motion, power and injury prevention, athletes must have their power angles set in their posture and they must have the appropriate grip size. As a matter of fact, these body angles of symmetry are a natural way to look for balance as well as to prepare for efficient motion and power. And to top it off, you can minimize the chance of injury.