Torque: Principles of Movement

Concept of Torque. There is a very specific reason for the name "Torque Strength & Conditioning." Torque is the foundation of human movement and a core principle in all facets of training such as weightlifting and powerlifting. Torque is defined as the product of a force times the perpendicular distance from its line of action to the axis of motion (or potential motion). In layman’s terms, more torque means a more effective lever. Think about opening a heavy door. If you push on the door close to the hinges, it will be more difficult to open than if you push on the side of the door furthest from the hinge (hinge = axis). A force is more effective when applied further from the axis because the length of the moment arm is greater. You push and pull countless objects in all directions every day in the gym, and the human musculoskeletal system is nothing more than an intricate system of levers and pulleys.