Why does increasing force in a machine usually reduce the distance moved?

Increasing the force in a machine typically reduces the distance moved because of the fundamental relationship between force and motion in performing work. In physics, work is defined as the product of force and the distance over which that force is applied.12

When using a simple machine to amplify force—a concept known as mechanical advantage—the machine must maintain a balance of energy. Because the work output of a machine cannot exceed the work input, any gain in output force must be compensated for by a proportional decrease in the distance the load moves relative to the input motion.3

This trade-off is described by the velocity ratio, which defines the ratio of input motion to output motion. Essentially, what is gained in force is lost in motion; to lift a heavy load with a smaller input force, the input force must be applied over a much greater distance.3