What is Ground Reaction Force?
Ground reaction force (GRF) is a relatively simple concept, though the technical way its definition explains it can be a bit confusing – at least for the typical non-physics buff. Let’s take a few minutes to break it down and really understand what’s happening, what’s being measured, and why it’s important to keep in mind when you’re using your LiquidTrainer®.
What is Ground Reaction Force?
Technically speaking, it’s the force exerted by the ground on a body in contact with it. So, when a person is standing motionless, their body exerts a force equal to their body weight onto the ground. The ground then exerts an equal and opposite force onto the body. It is the essential force that acts upon the body and initiates the transfer of energy from the ground up. Clear as mud? Let’s dig deeper.
How Does Ground Reaction Force Affect the Body?
GRF is most often measured in the world of athletics where it is used to evaluate a person’s ability to exert force and power. Baselines can easily be established and progress monitored, making it helpful for rehabilitation or increasing strength from a coaching standpoint. In order for any athletic event to occur, the force has to be maximized so that energy is transmitted efficiently, all the way up the kinetic chain.
How Do the LiquidTrainer® and the Flo Dynamic Movement System™ Use GRF?
The uniqueness of the LiquidTrainer® and the Flo Dynamic Movement System™ lies in the coordination of the movements with ground reaction force. When the practitioner initiates every movement from the ground up while simultaneously sending the water coursing through the LiquidTrainer®, it enables the practitioner to cultivate proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness. Simply stated, proprioception is the internal sense that tells you where your body parts are without you having to look at them. Akin to that sense is kinesthetic awareness of where you are inside your body while in motion. In other words, it is your sense of presence and being embodied. With the utilization of GRF and the movement of the LiquidTrainer®, these types of awareness will sharpen for the practitioner.
Just by being aware of ground reaction force, we can begin to feel the energy working through our bodies to hone in on our own self-awareness, in the physical sense, as well as with the mind-body connection. GRF is a marvelous connection to the Earth that sends energy through our bodies and ultimately strengthens our mind and spirit, too.
