The body works with what we call the kinetic chain, which is a biomechanical principle that means bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons work together like links in a chain to perform functional movements.What does core to extremity really mean? You hear your coaches yell to open your hips fully at the top, or to be patient with your arm pull. We all sort of get the idea that most movements are originating and powered by the core and finished at the extremities, but let’s dig a little deeper into this concept.The core serves as a muscular corset that works as a unit to provide stability both with and without movement. All motions are generated from the core and translated to the extremities. Core to extremity means that the bridge that connects your upper body to your lower body is tight and secure with no loose ends and no broken beams. The midline is the bridge that allows efficient and safe force transfer. If your abs are soft, your ribs up, your glutes turned off, and your back is rounded, it will be challenging to squat, press, deadlift, clean, jerk, or snatch heavy loads for lots of repetitions because force is constantly being leaked due to the breaks in your bridge. You never want to allow force to leak out and fall into the ocean. That is a sure way to get injured quickly.When performed correctly, functional movements use the larger and stronger body parts first and move distal to the weaker parts of the body sequentially in a domino effect. The concept of core to extremity is extremely important if your goal is to remain injury free, lift heavier loads, and maximize your potential. If the risk of injury from putting yourself into compromised positions is not enough for you, then know that you will be able to lift more weight, and you will be able to maintain technique over the course of an exhausting conditioning session if you apply the core to extremity principle and strive to stay away from the violationsIsaac CallihanNot a member and want to get strong?Try our No-Sweat Intro!This FREE 20 minute Intro includes a tour of our amazing facility, a body composition scan, and a goal setting session to help you become the best you can be!Click the link below to schedule an appointment NOW!