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Balancing the Body Through Movement and Exercise – A Different Approach

Normally, when using movement and exercise to restore balance throughout the body the focus is on working symmetrically. For example, if we were to touch our toes, most of us would keep our feet aligned and together, creating a similar stretch through each leg. However, it’s often more beneficial to work in an unbalanced or asymmetrical way in order to create balance.

What is a balanced body and why do we want one?

A balanced body is a body in which our two halves are symmetrical. For example, our left and right hands are the same, our wrists, our forearms etc. Of course our left and right hands seem symmetrical, but in reality our dominant hand is in most cases considerably stronger and more agile than the other hand. The more symmetrical we are, the more efficient, graceful, and easy our movements become and the less “wear” we exert on our body. Our body simply feels better the more balanced we become.

Why do our bodies become unbalanced?

One of the body’s great strengths is its ability to automatically adapt to the environment around it. For example, if we stub our toe the body absorbs the blow and repairs itself. However, what we often don’t realize is that we absorb the blow not only in our big toe but throughout our entire body. Each and every part of the body is connected and cannot change without affecting every other part to some degree. So when we stub our toe and allow our body to simply adapt, we are actually introducing a small amount of imbalance throughout our entire body. Imbalances are cumulative and are compounded because most of us have a dominant side and develop patterns of movement. Simply using one of our hands to write over a period of fifty years creates imbalance. While it’s mostly impractical to try to correct these types of balances (e.g. writing with our opposite hand) we can focus on the large imbalances. These might be caused during birth, by an accident or even by the way we sit in the same chair over a period of years.

How do we bring about more balance in our body?

We can bring balance to our body by moving and exercising in an unbalanced or asymmetrical way with the intent to create balance. Because each and every part of the body is connected, creating more balance in one area automatically creates more balance throughout the entire body.

For example, if we take the touching toes example from above, we might find it more beneficial to move one foot slightly forward or backwards and introduce a different stretch through each leg. This in turn might cause a slight shift in our hips, shoulders, and ease a crook in the neck. We can use this principal in yoga, Pilates, weight training or in almost any kind of activity in which we move. For sports that require a dominant arm or leg consider training with the opposite arm or leg or at least using them more often. Or consider cross-training and incorporating movement and/or exercise that uses each side of the body in a more balanced way. Simply answering the telephone with the opposite hand than we usually do will introduce a little balance.

It’s easy working symmetrically, but how do we work asymmetrically?

We spend so much time directing our body to do things we forget that our body “knows” how to move. The body’s natural state is one of balance and if given the right environment the body will automatically balance itself. We simply need to practicelistening to our bodies so that we can create the right environment, movement and/or exercise.

An easy technique to get in touch with your body (best done in a safe quiet place) is to simply begin by standing up and allowing your body to move. You might find you’ll lean to one side, one arm will move, you’ll open your mouth, turn your head. You might end up standing on one foot, kneeling, crouching or lying down. Let go of any idea of what your body should be doing or what you’ve been taught. Let your body guide you as to what is beneficial. In almost all cases you’ll find that the body wants to move in an asymmetrical way in order to bring about greater symmetry or balance to the whole body.