Identifying Center of Gravity in Ergonomics

As a nurse working in a rehabilitation facility, you are teaching a new patient about proper lifting techniques to prevent injury to both themselves and caregivers. The patient has been told to bend at the knees, keep the load close to their body, and use their legs to lift. When lifting a load, it is important to maintain a neutral spine position and to avoid twisting the torso during the lift.

However, the patient seems confused about the appropriate center of gravity for lifting safely. Fill in the blank: The center of gravity is generally located around the ____________ of the body.