Not only is this untrue, it also encourages stressful, intense behavioural patterns.
There is such a thing as relaxed effort - an understanding of energy efficiency.
The use of 'swing'
Swinging is a common act in playground play. As children grow up, we graduate from being pushed on the swing to kicking the air by ourselves. Either way, there is a sensation of freedom and fun in the rise and fall, against or into gravity...
In swinging, we learn to orientate ourselves in the direction we want, we control the balance of weight and kicking on both sides of our body, lest we start to wiggle side to side (that is, if you are on the traditional metal chain swing).
We learn to control the amount of strength we use, and we find that as we swing more and more, we only need to add a little extra effort for it to go higher, and eventually, we need not apply any effort at all and it keeps swinging at a height and velocity that is enjoyable. We only add on a little gentle kick occasionally to sustain that height. Kick too hard, you might find that you start to swing outside of your comfort zone, and you might lose control and possibly even fall off the swing into a crash landing.
Some master dare devils might even demonstrate the ability to swing all the way up and make 360 degrees turns. But most of us simply enjoy the feeling of weightless, effortless movement, with the wind in our hair. It is truly a delight...
Aside from the standard seat swing, you might also find yourself swinging on other apparatus; perhaps the monkey bar, or the climber. Or perhaps you're just swinging your arms as you skip towards your friend on the other side.
On the field, as you get older, you might be practicing baseball, or tennis, badminton, golf, etc, where you find yourself practicing your swing. You lead with your arm, and the rest of the body follows.
Either way you do it, the one thing in common is that, you need to loosen up and let go when you go for a swing. If you hold on tight, you're merely lifting, not swinging.
You also lose the joy and the feeling of effortlessness...
Directional Swing
Yet, a careless swing with no obvious direction only leads to one looking like a deranged individual. On a seat swing, you'll be flinging yourself all over the place, possibly knocking into others who are seated beside you.
Swinging, effortlessness, relaxation, balanced with movement, creates a wonderful, enjoyable experience. But if done without direction, would throw you off in no time.
Swing in Dance
Swinging in dance is the same.
An effective swing in contemporary dance for example, is light, minimal effort, and directional.
Done right, it can help lift you to great heights, whether its your arms, your legs, or your whole body.
But wherever the movement is initiated, the whole body is involved in its lift. We orientate ourselves in the direction we want, we control the amount of strength we use, and we find that as we swing more and more, we only need to add a little extra effort for it to go higher...
So, let's enjoy this video of the Rite of Spring, with lots of highly intense and complex movements, often propelled by the power of swing... (among others)...
Have a nice day, happy dancing!...
