Figure 1-8. Avoid this! Holding the load away from the body will cause strain, fatigue,
and possible injury
1-6.
THE CENTER OF GRAVITY
a. Located at Mid-Pelvis or Lower Abdominal Area. The center of gravity (or
center of body weight) is the point around which the weight of your body is balanced.
Allowing for some variation based on body build, the center of gravity is generally
located at the mid-pelvis region (about the level of the second sacral vertebrae) or in the
lower abdominal region. (See figure 1-6.)
NOTE:
The center of gravity is the point around which the weight of the body is
balanced (mid-pelvis or lower abdomen, depending upon body build).
b. About Half Your Weight Above, Half Below. About half of your body
weight is distributed above the center of gravity and half below that point. Your center
of gravity is affected by the size and position of the load you are carrying. The size and
location of the load add to the weight placed on the base of support. This, in turn,
effects the location of the center of gravity.
MD0961
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