What is the centre of gravity and how does it affect balance?

• A. The center of gravity is the point where the body's mass is concentrated; keeping it within the base of support improves balance; dynamic movements require continuous COG adjustments.
• B. The center of gravity is a fixed point at the geometric center of the body.
• C. The base of support is irrelevant to balance.
• D. Balance is solely a product of muscle strength.

Answer: (A)

Center of gravity is the point around which the body's mass is balanced; it’s the average location of weight, not a fixed spot. It isn’t fixed in place—it shifts as you change posture or move. For balance, what matters is where a vertical line downward from the center of gravity falls relative to your base of support (the area covered by your feet and any other points of contact). When that line stays within the base of support, you stay balanced. If the center of gravity moves toward or beyond the edge of that base, you become unstable and would topple unless you adjust by shifting your body or stepping to create a new, larger base. In dynamic activities, the body continuously moves the center of gravity and makes small, coordinated adjustments with muscles and joints to maintain balance while moving.