What is an important cue when performing bounding exercises?

When performing bounding exercises, an important cue is to lower the heel to the floor. This technique plays a vital role in ensuring proper biomechanics during the exercise. By emphasizing the lowering of the heel, it encourages the participant to adopt a more controlled and stable landing, which can help absorb shock and reduce the risk of injury. This method also fosters better energy transfer through the kinetic chain, allowing for more efficient movements and improved performance in bounding exercises.

Other cues might not contribute positively to the effectiveness and safety of the bounding movement. For instance, landing forcefully on the toes can lead to excessive strain on the lower legs and potentially increase the risk of injury. Keeping the knees straight may compromise alignment and can risk injury to the knees. Holding the feet together can hinder stability and balance, discouraging the natural gait that should occur during bounding exercises.