Here’s an easy way to think of it:
Do you do the same thing over and over (this includes excessive sitting)? The same type of work? The same type of exercise? The same type of movement day after day after day?
And the biggie: Do you have recurring aches and pains that aren’t related to illness or injury?
Yes?
Then you probably have a muscle imbalance. That’s when one muscle is much stronger than another. Oftentimes, these muscles are very close together. The stronger muscle ends up taking over the bulk of the movement while the weaker muscle goes to sleep.
This imbalance can lead to pain, poor posture or even injury.
For example, runners and cyclists typically have strong quadriceps but weaker glutes.
Hairdressers typically have overactive forearms and wrists, tight upper traps and deltoids from elevating their arms all day.
Golfers usually have tight chest and shoulders but weak glutes.
People who sit for long periods often have tight hip flexors and hamstrings but are weak in the core and glutes and often end up with low back pain.
I feel like everyone has weak glutes!
This is why cross-training—doing all kinds of movement—including strength training with weights, is so critical for every body.
It improves body mechanics to prevent pain and injury.
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