Biomechanics and Muscle Leverage | CSCS Chapter 2

⬇️ Pass the CSCS in 12 Weeks ⬇️

In this video we'll learn what biomechanics is and talk about three different kinds of muscle leverage: class 1, class 2, and class 3 levers along with examples of each. This content comes from Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning Chapter 2 published by the NSCA.

TIME-STAMPS
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Biomechanics Definitions
01:35 - Skeletal Musculature
02:45 - Key Terms
05:15 - Levers
08:10 - Mechanical Advantage
09:03 - First-Class Lever
10:44 - Second-Class Lever
12:20 - Third Class Lever
13:05 - Patella
14:15 - Mechanical Advantage Changes
15:45 - Moment Arm
16:37 - Mechanical Disadvantage
17:44 - Where to Head Next

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Haff, G. G., & Triplett, N. T. (2015). Essentials of strength training and conditioning 4th edition. Human kinetics.

Disclaimer: This video does not have any affiliation with, or any recognition, sponsorship, or
endorsement by, the NSCA. CSCS® and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® are registered trademarks of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

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Dr. Jacob Goodin is a professor of kinesiology at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), and holds a PhD in Sport Physiology and Performance from East Tennessee State University. He has over a decade of experience as a strength and conditioning coach and sport scientist from the high school to NCAA Division I levels. In addition to his role as a professor and research mentor, Dr. Goodin directs the Athlete Monitoring Initiative at PLNU, which provides testing and monitoring services to over 200 athletes yearly as well as research opportunities for kinesiology students.

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[JacquelineGlassey-os]

This is a fantastic video that breaks down basic biomechanics - it is easy to understand especially with the visuals and examples! It is nice to hear a discussion about biomechanics in a weight training situation, rather than always focusing on sport specific or involving too much technology. Biomechanics is always happening even when we don't think about it!

[joshwillbanks]

This was a great reminder of moment arms and levers, and the relationship of these biomechanical factors with weight training! Very excited to learn more about the precise implications on lifting and gaining strength!

[TreyWeedman]

This video gave a great overview of biomechanics and it helped put into perspective how much more work our muscles do than we realize.

[JasmyneHolliday]

This video was a great refresher on biomechanics! The breakdown of moment arms, lever systems, and mechanical advantages made complex concepts much easier to understand. It’s fascinating to realize how our muscles often operate at a mechanical disadvantage and how these forces impact movement and strength.

[ErinFurtak]

Wow, I wish I had this video in my undergrad biomechanics class or studying for the CSCS! Everything is broken down so well and explained so slowly (with pictures!) 🤩

[KeeganDeBever]

Thanks for the great overview! After taking biomechanics and physics last semester, this was a really great reminder that is directly applicable to our careers in the field! I never thought that I would find how biomechanics relates to movement and strength so interesting!

[jakebergherm]

I really liked the conversation around moment arms and levers. I thought the way that you explained first, seconds, and third class lever systems was just concise enough for it to make sense. Now I'm going to be thinking about mechanical disadvantages while I'm lifting.

[JamieNordgren]

I enjoyed watching this video; it was so easy to follow! I appreciate the introduction and review of biomechanics and the levers' breakdown. I'm a visual learner, so having the illustrations as each lever was discussed and explaining why each was either a mechanical advantage or disadvantage was helpful. One takeaway was that "ROM through which you work greatly affects your muscle's ability to produce force through the lever it is acting."

[AllisonMcDonald-ns]

This is an excellent video that simplifies basic biomechanics in an easy-to-understand way, thanks to the visuals and examples! I especially appreciated the discussion about moment arms and levers—the explanation of first, second, and third-class lever systems was concise and made everything so clear. It’s refreshing to see biomechanics discussed in the context of weight training rather than always focusing on sport-specific scenarios or relying heavily on technology. Now, I’ll definitely be thinking about mechanical disadvantages while lifting! It’s a great reminder that biomechanics is constantly at play, even when we’re not consciously aware of it.

[caitlynrchunn]

This was a great video in understanding mechanical advantage of various joints. Looking at the relationship between the moment arm through different ranges of motion, understanding how the insertion point of a muscle affects the axis of joint rotation and overall leverage through movement was very interesting to think about.

[AnnaNovelo]

I am new to biomechanics but your explanation of levers and mechanical advantages/ disadvantages was a great starting point for me to better understand how the body moves and functions together especially as it relates to strength training. The synergistic muscles are fascinating to me in how small and large a role they can play in facilitating a major movement such as in a bicep curl or scapular movement.

[ZaraHoughton]

This video was a great lesson about the levers of the musculoskeletal system. Learning about the three different classes of levers and the mechanical advantages or disadvantages involved with each movement put into perspective what happens when we carry out resistance training.

[RyanGlennAngeles]

The visual Dr. Goodin provided with the use of the pencil helped me out so much when explaining about levers of the musculoskeletal system!

[milandiklic]

I have watch that video more than a year ago now but it always amaze me how simple Dr.Gooding is able to make his point. listening to first class lever as I am writing right now and it just seems so much easier to understand than when I'm reading all of this in the books.

[isabellefernandez-esej]

Biomechanics is a topic I have not had a lot of time to deep dive into so I found this all very helpful!

[ashlymikey]

I learned the difference between first-, second-, and third-class levers after watching this video. This gives a great example of how weight is distributed throughout the body!

[madelinehernandez]

Biomechanics was a class I struggled to remember terms and concepts. Having an overview, especially on the three different levers really helped.

[macynunez]

I absolutely loved that you included the example regarding the patella's role for quad levers. So interesting to think about how intricately were are designed and how something so "small" really plays a huge part in affecting our mechanical advantage and also allows us to move better!

[ttinney]

Professor Goodin did a great job going into depth of the differences among first, second and third class leverages. Understanding these items are important as they play a huge role in rehabilitation of athletes within athletic training clinics.

[coltonketchum]

I was always confused on which one was which between the agonist and antagonist. Thanks for the explanation!