Kinovea is an open-source (free) sports analysis video software. For weight lifting I find it particularly useful for analyzing bar path and lifting technique. Read on to see a glimpse of what it can do, and how you can use it too.
Bar Path Tracking
Kinovea makes it easy to track your bar path. When you are editing your video, right click on the point that you want to track (like the end of the bar) then click Track Path. Kinovea will automatically track the path when the press play. You can change the settings of the path (like color and label) by right clicking on it again and pressing Configuration.
The more vertical the bar path the better, from a mechanical efficiency standpoint. This doesn’t apply to every situation, but it’s a good general rule when analyzing your lifts.
Side by Side Video Comparison
Kinovea can play 2 videos at once so you can compare your technique with that of an Olympic lifter for example. In the below image I compared two trainees, the second trainee lost balance at the top of the lift.
Extra Features
You can:
- Use a Stopwatch
- Check Angles
- Slow Down, Speed Up, or Watch Frame by Frame
- Zoom in inside an inset mini-screen.
- Add Notes and Labels
- Then export single or side by side images and videos.
It’s easy to use and useful too. It only took me 5-10 minutes to make the side by side comparison of the two trainees above. It’s great value considering the free price tag. All you need now is a steady camera and stand for taking videos.
