Ask the Anytime Gal: Consistent training, time will create balanced, strong body

Question: I just started lifting weights and noticed that I have some significant muscular imbalances when it comes to strength. Is this normal, and if so, what can I do about it?

Answer: This is completely normal, and is something that most people deal with when they start a strength training program. Most of us have a dominant side that becomes stronger as we age, thanks to repetitive use. This leaves us with a weaker side that can make strength training more challenging.

Luckily, these weaknesses can be overcome. If you engage in a regular lifting program, your weaker side will gradually catch up over time. You don’t even need to focus specifically on your weaker areas, though many people do, in order to balance things out a bit faster. Bottom line—consistent training and time will create a balanced and strong body, so just stick with it!

Question: I have trouble remembering to stretch after workouts. Is it really that important, and if so, what am I missing by not doing it regularly?

Answer: Yes, stretching is a very important part of an overall fitness routine. In fact, it’s just as important as strength training and cardiovascular conditioning, though many individuals don’t adhere to a regular program like they do with these other forms of exercise. Stretching offers numerous benefits, including injury prevention, an increased efficiency of movement and improved blood flow and nutrient delivery to the joints. It also improves muscle coordination, overall balance and postural alignment. It can even help to alleviate muscle soreness and stress after a workout. These are pretty impressive results for just a few minutes of relaxation. Unfortunately, people always seem to be crunched for time, and stretching is usually the first thing to go. In order to make it a consistent part of your training regimen, you need plan for it. Reserve the last ten minutes of your session for stretching, and try not to let your schedule get in the way. After all, you wouldn’t normally cut your lifting or cardio sessions short, would you?

About the author: Jayme Smid is the club manager at Anytime Fitness in Brandon. To submit a question for future articles, please contact the author at jayme.smid@anytimefitness.com.