The Symmetry of Strength: Embracing Your Dominant Side

The Dominant Side Dilemma

The natural inclination to favor one side of the body over the other is a common phenomenon that affects us all. From the simple act of brushing our teeth to engaging in physically demanding tasks, our dominant side often takes center stage. However, as mobility and mind-body coach Dana Santas emphasizes, this dominance can lead to a myriad of issues, including pain, weakness, and the potential for overuse injuries.

A proactive, daily-life approach to cultivating a healthy body is the key to keeping back pain at bay, writes Dana Santas.

It's a fascinating aspect of human physiology that despite the apparent symmetry of our bodies, the dominance of one side can disrupt the delicate balance within. While it's perfectly normal for one side to be stronger and more coordinated, tipping the scales too far in favor of the dominant side can set off a chain reaction of imbalance-related issues that ripple through the body, affecting overall physical well-being.

Parents carrying their babies around all day on one hip can exacerbate issues with side dominance, bringing on chronic pain and increasing the potential for injury.

The Impact of Side Dominance

The impact of side dominance extends beyond the realm of professional sports and into our daily lives. Consider the repetitive demands placed on the dominant arm of a baseball pitcher or the strain experienced by checkout lane cashiers and stay-at-home parents, all of whom rely heavily on their dominant side. The result? Chronic pain, increased injury potential, and a persistent imbalance that can disrupt the natural harmony of the body.

It may seem far-fetched, but you'll be surprised at how tired you can get using a paper plate to exercise.

Furthermore, the aftermath of an injury can exacerbate side dominance, as the reliance on the dominant side during the healing process often persists even after the injury has subsided. This ongoing imbalance, if left unaddressed, can lead to prolonged discomfort and hinder the body's ability to function optimally.

Mobility coach Dana Santas demonstrates exercises to combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Balancing Act: Restoring Symmetry

Restoring balance in the body requires a proactive approach that encompasses awareness and targeted exercises. By recognizing the everyday activities that perpetuate side dominance, individuals can make simple yet effective changes to counteract overuse and promote symmetrical movement patterns. From carrying a bag over alternate shoulders to implementing unilateral training exercises, the path to restoring balance is within reach for all.

Asia, Indonesia, Bali, Fit Asian woman using dumbbells during home workout, in garden surrounded by tropical plants with sun rays and early morning mist

Unilateral training, in particular, emerges as a powerful tool in promoting symmetry and addressing existing imbalances. By focusing on each side individually, individuals can cultivate proper muscle firing patterns, enhance coordination, and lay a stable foundation for balanced strength. The utilization of dumbbells in unilateral strength training further ensures that each limb carries its load independently, promoting equilibrium and uncovering any strength discrepancies.