Opposites Attract

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

This is a basic principle in physics,

And the basis of my blog today.

I was getting my hair done today,

(BTW...Matty at Ground Zero....you do a fabulous job with my hair.

Thanks to you and Tom DiGrandis of Salon Royal Court for saving my locks over the past year!)

As he was blowing my hair dry I complimented him on his technique with the brush,

Not for my sake, but for his.

See, Stylist have a lot of repetitive motion in their wrists, shoulders and hips because of the work they do.

Now, back to my original statement, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

If you keep tightening one set of muscles over and over again, there has to be a reaction:

another set of muscles gets lengthened and weak, leading to muscle fatigue, pain and long term injury.

This scenario is most often seen with computer users and the well known Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The muscles of the forearm are stressed continuously in one direction, eventually impinging the Carpal Nerve and causing a variety of distressful symptoms.

So, what are you to do to help avoid such an outcome?

Move in the opposite direction!

Stretch and strengthen the muscles you are not using all day.

Pay attention to the pattern of motion you are most accustomed to, and try the opposite motion.

For example: a hair stylist stands with his arms extended forward all day. The opposite would be to mimic the motion of a back stroke, slowly circling each arm 360 degrees from the shoulder.

If this motion is painful or difficult to complete, you may want to consult a physician or physical therapist to rule out any injury.

If you sit or drive for hours a day, can you now understand why Spinning or cycling may not help your muscular balance? These exercises are using the same muscles in the same pattern over and over. Instead, try a dance class, jumping jacks, yoga or Pilates to help your body move in multiple planes or directions.

Take a look at whatever motion you perform most frequently, and attempt to use opposite motions as often as possible.

This simple technique will help maintain a healthy, functional body you can enjoy for years to come.

Have a healthy day!