Connecting the body for elite power.

[@Fred-px5xu]

Very informative...reminds me of the classic muscle control exercises.

[@GaiusIncognitus]

I think that we do a disservice when we say its not about using muscle (with the ezception of talking about tendon power). The nuance is that we're using a chain of individual muscles that all need to be recruited and coordinated as a drive train. Moving your hips is a result of muscles just as much as extending our arm and closing your fist. We also need to know which muscles to use and which ones to not use for any given movement.

[@GaiusIncognitus]

Honestly, I think one of the greatest uses of weightlifting is to discover which muscles are weak and how to connect my power chain. Deadlifts with only 100 pounds can be done with lots of reps, but they taught me how to engage my posterior chain so that I wouldn't strain my lower back (from improper form). This makes allll sorts of neglected muscles wake up, and starts turning horse stance and other low training and hip activities become a whole new world of power.

[@GaiusIncognitus]

@@AdamA-pm3yn I definitely agree with you on your points. Admittedly I'm being nitpicky with words. The ultimate goal is effortless motion with maximum efficacy. Tell people to not clench their muscles so hard and similar ideas are a good way to start. I just think that beginners get confused because it's not quite accurate to say we don't use muscle. I like to try a few different methods, like breaking down each body part's individual movement, and then telling the student that they need to make all of those motions start at the same time and end at the same time. It's surprisingly difficult, but it gives them a concrete goal to work toward and teaches a TON about coordination.

[@straightcirclemartialarts5226]

Muscle isn't the greatest word. More like being overly tense.