Quote:
Originally posted by arvin m.
How can one use the concepts of aikido in weight lifting. I hear alot abt lifting from yer centre but i cant really figure out what it means...
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I don't think the concept of moving from your center is very applicable in weight lifting, unless your goal is to strengthen the core (torso) muscle groups.
An example of moving from your center would be to lock your arms in relation to your torso and move them by moving your torso. Instead of pulling uke toward you by drawing in your arms, you would lean back or take a step back. If your arms are rigid (locked) or extended so there is no slack, then uke must move with you as you move your torso (center). You are stronger moving your whole body then by just flexing your arms, in this example.
How does moving your center apply to weight lifting? Often, it doesn't. If you are working on your arms, for instance, you want to flex and extend those limbs, not lock them. You can't do bicept curls if you don't flex your arms. You'll never get approriate results because the bicept needs to move through a full range of motion while under load to gain strength. Moving the load by moving your center does little to build arm strength because there is no flexion involving the muscles you're targeting.
For muscle groups in your legs, however, moving the center seems like it would be appropriate. You pick up a weight, lock it in place by keeping your arms rigid, then do squats or calf raises or what-have-you. -- Steve