Seeing as I’m a Libra (a sign that is absolutely ruled by balance), it’s quite fitting that I chose a career in which the practitioner is continually working towards balance. If you’ve ever done sessions with me, you know I’m always working the body towards balance – if one side is tighter, I believe that side should be stretched longer, if one side is weaker, more reps should be done, and so on.
When clients first realize that a muscle on the right side is tighter or weaker than their left side, the question asked is always why? It’s something I so take for granted that everyone knows that we’re walking around unbalanced – it’s the nature of being human in a modern world. Most of us are right or left handed, we push the pedals in our car with our right foot, ladies predominantly carry their purse on one shoulder over the other, we sit with one leg crossed over the other, the list goes on and on.
When I first discovered this, as I often do with anything health/fitness related, I became a bit obsessed with undoing all the work I had so unwittingly done all these years. While this really isn’t necessary, it doesn’t hurt to pay attention to the things you do predominantly on one side.
Earlier this week when giving a client some tips on how to work towards being balanced (we’ll never be 100% balanced), she suggested I make this a health tip so here it is!
Some tips to work towards a balanced body:
- Use a different hand when using your cell phone
- Alternate which leg you cross over the other
- Boys: take your wallet out of your pocket when sitting
- Ladies: alternate the shoulder you carry your purse on
- Use both hands on the steering wheel
- Notice if you lift one shoulder when writing or sitting at the computer – keep your hips and shoulders squared forward and level
- Carry your child on the opposite hip that you usually do
- When stretching, if one side feels tighter than the other, hold that stretch 50% longer
Is there anything that isn’t listed here that you do to work towards balancing your body? I’d love to hear from you!
When I’m driving I also try to be aware of my left leg and making sure it’s either extended like my right or planting my foot flat and keeping my knee in line with my hip instead of letting it fall open towards the door.
Also, as a trainer, I do my best to demonstrate exercises on my non-dominant side striving for that muscle balance equality!
Claire, I love this – really good tips!