# Balance and Momentum

## Use Your Center of Gravity.

Being mindful of your center of gravity and the type of movements you make can help you climb more effectively.

###### Momentum:

When climbers change positions on the wall they are employing the concept of momentum.

momentum = mass × velocity

Impulse causes a change in momentum.

### Newton's Second Law of Motion

force = mass × acceleration
$\mathrm{force}=\frac{∆\mathrm{velocity}}{∆\mathrm{time}}$
By rearranging the equation,
force × Δtime = mass × Δvelocity
impulse = Δmomentum

### Movement Types

• Static
The climber makes slow, controlled movements from one hold to another while maintaining balance. Low Δmomentum means less force.
• Dynamic
The climber makes fast movements that require momentum to reach the next hold. However, changing your momentum during these moves requires greater forces.

### Center of Gravity. (CoG)

An imaginary point where the average location of the weight of an object is thought to be concentrated.

*The center of gravity for humans is approximately at the belly button.