Levers
“A lever is a structure that transmits a force from an effort to a load via a pivot
point or fulcrum”. (PE Essentials)
“These can also be described as simple machines. They are rigid bars which
can rotate or turn about a fixed point when force or effort is applied to
overcome some resistance” (fundamentals of health and PE)
Levers can be used:
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To change the distance and power of movement.
To maintain balance
To use less effort to overcome heavy lifting
To give a wider range of movement
To give greater speed of an object.
Levers can help movement by applying a force.
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Different parts of your body can be used as levers.
The longer the length of the lever, the longer and greater force will be applied.
For example:In swimming, a long arm pull will create greater force and movement than a short arm
pull.
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Equipment can also be used as an extended lever. In tennis the racket extends
the lever of the arm. This creates greater force and speed, resulting in more
power in the hitting action.
So, longer levers generally produce more power and distance.
Short levers can also be an advantage:
Short levers generally produce more rotation. This can be an advantage in
gymnastics for front somersaults, where your body must be tucked, the closer your levers
are to the fulcrum the quicker you will rotate.
Levers
For your arm, leg or any body part to move the appropriate muscles and bones must work
together as a series of levers. A lever comprises of three components Fulcrum or pivot - the point about which the lever rotates
Load - the force applied by the lever system
Effort - the force applied by the user of the lever system
The way in which a lever will operate is dependent on the type of lever.
Classification of Levers
Class 1 - The fulcrum lies between the effort and the load
Class 2 - The fulcrum is at one end, the effort at the other end and the load lies between
the effort and the fulcrum
Class 3 - The fulcrum is at one end, the load at the other end and the effort lies between
the load and the fulcrum
Class 1 Lever
Class 2 Lever
Class 3 Lever
Class 3 is the most common class of lever to be found in the human body.
Examples in strength training
Class 1 - Seated dumbbell triceps extension
Class 2 - Standing heel lift
Class 3 - Seated biceps curl
Class 1 Lever in the Body
Class 2 Lever in the
Body
Class 3 Lever in the Body