How should you position your elbows while lifting?

Keeping your elbows close to your body while lifting is essential for maintaining proper body mechanics and reducing the risk of injury. This positioning allows you to use your core and leg muscles more effectively, as it stabilizes your arms and reduces stress on your shoulders and back. By keeping your elbows close, you can better manage the weight being lifted, which enhances control and balance during the lifting motion.

When elbows are positioned away from the body or above the head, it can create unnecessary strain and increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries, especially in the shoulders and lower back. Proper ergonomics emphasize the importance of using a controlled movement pattern that aligns the body's major muscle groups effectively, thus promoting safety and efficiency during lifting activities.