Final answer:
The best choice for improving upper body power from the given options is Medicine Ball Throws. This exercise involves explosive movements that engage multiple upper body muscles, which is essential for developing power. Other options like the bench press, tricep dips, and bicep curls primarily focus on strength and muscle hypertrophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Best Choice for Improving Upper Body Power
To improve upper body power, the best choice among the given options is C. Medicine Ball Throws. Power is defined as the ability to exert force rapidly, which involves both strength and speed. A medicine ball throw combines these elements as it requires rapid contractions of upper body muscles to propel the ball forward. This exercise engages multiple muscle groups including the shoulders, chest, arms, and core, promoting overall upper body power.
In contrast, the bench press and tricep dips focus more on building strength and muscle endurance without the explosive component. Bicep curls target muscle hypertrophy in the biceps and are also not as effective in increasing power compared to a dynamic and explosive movement like the medicine ball throws.
Understanding Muscle Function During Exercise
When the biceps brachii muscle contracts, it causes flexion of the elbow, meaning it pulls the forearm towards the shoulder. This motion is typically part of an isotonic contraction, where the muscle changes length during contraction and moves a load. Conversely, if the triceps brachii muscle contracts, it extends the forearm, pushing it away from the shoulder, as it is the muscle responsible for elbow extension.