Here’s a detailed question that has to do with imbalances, mindset and more…
Hi Logan,
My question is about mindset. I seem to have built up a lot of muscular imbalances, which seemed to become more prevalent since I had left big toe surgery. My history has only been doing some general bodybuilding training to sculpt, and feel strong v competitive. To correct them I have started a lot of programs however not felt much benefit, or given up as I can’t do some of the exercises (eg hip tightness meaning the 90/90 feels like it is pulling me apart and makes me feel worse). I suspect my mental state of focusing on what is wrong and trying to fix it is something that is inhibiting my progress, keeping me in a fight or flight state, and contributing to my lack of progress.
I am also frustrated with online programs as they often don’t lead one to discovering the compensations, which are automatic, especially when one is frustrated and angry with limitation.
I know I don’t breathe correctly, and get so confused with so much differing information.
As coaches in the past has pushed me and not picked up on the imbalances I find I question whether the are correctly designing a program and therefore wonder if I am coachable.
Your wisdom to bring some peace of mind for me would be appreciated Logan.
Judy
Interesting topics here.
You mention, “I suspect my mental state of focusing on what is wrong and trying to fix it is something that is inhibiting my progress, keeping me in a fight or flight state, and contributing to my lack of progress.”
So here is my mindset regarding such things. What am I trying to do? Most of my training is performance based, as in I want to do something such as a pistol squat or do a pullup with 106 lbs. attached. Is there an imbalance that is getting in the way of this? If so, then address it. If not, then it is not really a problem.
In other words, balance is an ideal, not an actual obtainable state.
Now, when you’re working with imbalances this can be a tricky thing. This is one area where listening to your body can lead you astray. Because what feels right is imbalance and what feels wrong may be working you towards balance.
From the outset let me be clear that imbalance is natural. We have a hand, an eye, etc. that we use more on one side than the other. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn one kidney does more work than the other. Imbalance is part of nature’s way of doing things. So imbalance is only a problem when it goes too far. When too extreme it can lead to limitation and even injury.
When you say “hip tightness meaning the 90/90 feels like it is pulling me apart and makes me feel worse” this could mean two things. One is it is not the right exercise for you because your imbalances aren’t letting you do it. That is one possibility.
The other is that you need to work with it slowly and carefully. Most likely, if the latter, then it needs to be worked on in a regressed way. Made simpler, easier so that your body can handle it despite the imbalances. And then worked on for a good deal until that starts to correct.
Without seeing you in action I can’t say for sure, except to say that “hip tightness” is something that most people would be better off in addressing.
Programs certainly are generally not a good way to handle imbalances.
As for coaches, well that depends on the quality of the coach.
This doesn’t give the answers, but hopefully can point in some helpful directions.