Posture and Optimal Muscle Contraction

Posture and Optimal Muscle Contraction

Have you ever had a side that was weaker than the other on a particular movement or exercise? 

When the body is out of alignment, even if only slightly, this causes muscular compensation. This phenomenon can cause the muscles that cross that joint to contract with less force.  If you are weaker on one side, this can be a sign that the joints are misaligned. 

[bctt tweet=”When the body is out of alignment, even if only slightly, this causes muscular compensation.” username=”posture_pro”]

How?
The mechanoreceptors surrounding the joints send inhibitory signals to the brain, who in return prevents the muscles from firing as many motor units in an effort the prevent injury from happening because it senses that the joint is not functioning properly and could thus be unstable or unable to handle large loads.

So a very strong individual like a strongman competitor or powerlifter can lift incredible loads and yet still be imbalanced and prone to injury.

In conclusion, a very small discrepancy in the symmetry of the body can thus affect function of all joints and their surrounding muscles. This has important impact on performance, and can have profound consequences in the long run, in just about anyone.

[bctt tweet=”A very small discrepancy in the symmetry of the body can affect the function of all joints” username=”posture_pro”]