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

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Articles on Skill Training
• Biomechanics

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

• The Biomechanics of Sports Technique, J.G. Hay, ISBN 0 13 084534 5
• Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
• Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
• Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
• Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
• The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
• Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
• Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
• Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
• PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2