Most of us focus on what trainers call the mirror muscles – the ones you see when you look in the mirror (biceps, quadriceps). But just as every action has an equal and opposite reaction, every muscle has a mate that works in the opposite way. For example, you use your triceps to extend your arm and your biceps to bend it. To avoid imbalances that can lead to inujury, it's essential to train both equally.
Action plan: Consider doing weight training in what's known as a split. Work, say, your biceps and hamstrings one day, then your triceps and quadriceps the next. This way, you'll hit every muscle pair over te course of a week. One exception: the back muscles. "Many people have weak back muscles from working at a computer all day." If you're deskbound from nine to five, follow a two-to-one ratio when working your back and chest. That is, for every exercise you do for the chest, do two for the back.
reprinted from january 2012 |realsimple.com
If you have any questions or need help designing a workout routine to fit your needs, see a gym instructor. Inquire at the Fitness Desk or at the Pro Shop.