Over the last few decades athletes have erupted in size. We’ve created athletes that are bigger, stronger and faster than ever before. However, if the athlete’s body is not balanced, performance will not be optimal. Muscular Balance allows our muscles and bones to line up properly, allowing for proper sequencing in movement. When athletes are physically balanced and posture is near perfection, there is no wasted energy when performing.
If you are not balanced, you are putting extra stress on certain parts of the body. These misalignments may lead to injuries or structural deficiencies and conditions. For example, pulled hamstrings arise when the quadriceps are more developed than the opposing muscle the hamstrings. The imbalance in strength will cause the hamstring to over extend and strain because it can’t handle the force initially created by the quads during sprinting and running movements. Tennis Elbow is a result of the muscles on the underside of the forearm being stronger than the muscles on the top of the forearm. And Torn Rotator Cuffs are more common when imbalances exist.
Imbalance and extra mass is also counterproductive to performance. For example, if you are overdeveloped in certain areas like your chest or the front of your shoulder then you will be limited in your range of motion; reducing the amount of velocity and force during swinging and throwing motions. Poor alignment and posture also make it difficult to run. Slouching depresses our rib cage which restricts our breathing. If we would have good posture when we run, we would be able to expand our rib cage allowing our lungs to fill with more air.
It doesn’t matter what sport or activity you are participating in, developing Muscular Balance is the key factor in boosting or enhancing your performance level. Swimmers will be better streamlined through the water, lineman will get a good push and ice skaters will spin correctly, etc. Tiger Woods, Dan O’Brien, Bo Jackson, Roger Federer, Dara Torres, Brandi Chastain and Monica Brandt are all examples of Athletes that epitomize Muscular Balance.
