Posted on 08/12/2019 5:38:32 AM PDT by BenLurkin
When we lift something relatively heavy, make fast movements (like hitting a tennis ball), or even stand up from sitting, we stiffen our torso. This stabilises our entire body.
If we were too relaxed, we would be floppy, lose balance and risk falling over.
So we fill the lungs by breathing in and tense up the muscles of the torso to stabilise the spine. We throw our arms forward to provide momentum and with this effort, we hold our breath to maintain that stability as we stand.
We then release the breath slowly or quickly, depending on the nature of the task. With fast (or ballistic) movements like pitching a ball or punching in boxing, we'd release the breath quickly. With slow movements, like lifting a barbell or getting off the couch, we'd release it slowly. If the muscles that move the vocal cords together are activated, we make a sound.
While there has been no research on this phenomenon, as far as I can tell, grunting with physical exertion does seem to be habitual. These noises are most likely learned behaviours that we copy from friends and relatives and start doing without realising it. So, you can choose not to groan the next time you get off the couch.
(Excerpt) Read more at sciencealert.com ...
The only people I know who grunt when they bend over have bad backs.
Well that all depends on who is standing behind you.
Oh, so that’s why the floor is always wet!
My friends and I call them “Geezer noise”.
Always go after my kids and young co-workers when they make them.
They haven’t earned the right!!! LOL!
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