I saw a fitness buddy at the gym the other day running, so I hopped on the treadmill next to her. After about 20 minutes, I asked if she was going to the upper-body strengthening class in 10 minutes. She said, "It's my legs that need work, not my arms." While it's good to be honest with yourself about your problem areas, you shouldn't just focus on them every time you work out. Remember that your body works as a whole, and working certain areas and not others can cause imbalances in your body, which can lead to injuries. So even if you love the way your booty looks, but aren't a fan of your upper arms, don't skip out on the squats and lunges. Exercising your entire body will also help maintain the look and strength of your favorite parts as well.
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Fit Tip: Don't Just Work Your Problem Areas
Source: Getty
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It's actually sometimes better to work the opposite muscles of what you think needs work. Like, if you have small arms and big legs, you may think you need to focus on the legs but if you work your arms instead, you'll actually end up looking more balanced.
1I agree Spectra. I have a naturally tiny upper body and very narrow shoulders but I am more pear shaped from the waist down. I used to neglect my upper body but when I started hitting that area more intensely I felt a lot more balanced.
2I agree -- a comprehensive exercise routine yields the best results as far as overall shapeliness and fitness. The body does operate as a whole. Most body movements (including simple movements like walking) requires the entire body, not just the legs.
Also, I think total body conditioning makes for good posture, and moving better (and more beautifully) in general.
3good reminder!
4Maybe that was her subtle way of saying, "Leave me alone, you gym stalker. I don't appreciate you taking the machine next to me and hassling me for half an hour when I'm trying to break a sweat."
5(I hate anon comments!)
Anyway, good tip Fit.
6That's a great tip, but I have to say that I'm guilty about that. Sometimes I just skip my upper body training because it's my lower body I need to work on the most. I'll try not to do that anymore!
7I totally agree with the first two comments. I'm a little bit pear shaped so I do cardio for general health and focus my strength training on the upper body to balance out my lower half. For me, lower body strength training would just equal a larger lower half.
8(I love anon comments!)
9i spy a troll...
@ Spectra - good point! I have larger thighs and kind of concentrate on them.
10Yesterday, I noticed that my sub spin instructor had amazingly toned and buff legs and that her upper body (while smaller) was also nicely toned. So I plan on balancing my workout more from now on...
I'm pear shaped so I was stuck in the rut of working my lower body all the time which backfired! Now I work everywhere.
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