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Unilateral Exercises
March 11, 2024
A unilateral exercise is resistance training or weight bearing exercise when you only
work one limb at a time (one arm or one leg). Examples of unilateral exercises for your
lower body include step-ups, split squats, or lunges. Upper-body exercises include 1
arm dumbbell or cable row, and a 1 arm dumbbell or cable press.
Unilateral exercises are great to include in your workout routine because they improve
stabilization and reduce the risk of injury. When you are only working one side at a
time, your body is forced to use the muscles that keep you stable and balanced. This
translates into better balance in everyday life.
These exercises are also great to improve muscle imbalances. We all have a dominant
side or one arm and leg that is stronger than the other. When doing exercises that
involve both sides at once, your dominant side can carry more of the workload without
you realizing it. If it is a squat or bench press, your stronger side can actually be lifting
more than half the weight. Unilateral exercises ensure both your strong and weak side
are getting equal work and help to balance out any differences in strength.
For more understanding of the proper ways to exercise for your health and your goals,
contact Axio Fitness today!
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