by Tim Anderson
Have you noticed balancing on one leg is easier than the other? Is your side plank stronger on one side? When doing single arm exercises do you find one arm fatigues faster? We, myself included, tend to do everyday mindless activities in the same way. Opening a door, holding a bag, backpack or purse, stepping onto an elevated surface, getting up from a lying down or seated position…these are all activities that we most likely do the same way every time with the dominant/stronger side of our body. I am right dominant, which means I tend to do most things with the right side of my body.
These are a few everyday activities that can help bring balance to your body.
Hold your bag or heavy item on your non-dominant side. Holding a heavy bag, purse or backpack in your hand, on your arm or on your shoulder makes the opposite side of your torso work hard to keep you upright…mainly your obliques. I found that this was a huge factor why core exercises were easier on one side than the other. Next time you reach for a bag of any kind, try putting it on your non-dominant side. It may feel awkward, but it will be a step toward bringing balance to your core and upper body.
To help find balance in the lower body, I try to use my non-dominant leg whenever I have to step up on something. This will help build strength through the hamstring and the glutes. Anytime I step down, I use my dominant side, which makes the non-dominant side work to support my body weight as I lower down. This helps to build strength in the front of the leg right above the knee. Also, if you have the option to take the stairs, go for it!
Opening up a door, a jar of food or even reaching for something from a low or high place with your non-dominant arm can help with balance and dexterity in the upper body.
Changing up these everyday activities is an easy way to create physical awareness and balance within ourselves.
If you’d like to take it a little further, there is an exercise I like to do that helps with all of the above. Ideally it’s from a lying down position and without the use of your hands. (Depending on personal flexibility and core strength, hands can be used.)
There are only two rules…
From a lying down position you have to get to your feet and back down without using your hands.
Every time you have to do it, do it a different way
This will encourage you to use your muscles throughout your body in different and creative ways.
