Are Your Body Proportions Holding You Back?

Some things really are easier or harder depending on our body proportions:

Have you been trying too long? Coming up short?

Your anatomical proportions—especially limb and torso length—significantly impact how easy or difficult certain exercises are for you.

For example:

Taller people and/or those with longer arms struggle more with chin-ups because…

• we have to move our body weight a greater distance
• our center of mass is further from the pivot point (elbows), increasing effort
• heavier weight and long limbs compound the challenge

Similar challenges apply to other exercises such as:

• push-ups: longer limbs require more effort due to longer distances and less favorable leverage
• handstands: harder for taller people because a higher center of gravity reduces stability

Even flexibility exercises like yoga poses are affected by proportions—long limbs change leverage and balance needs; some exercises therefore become easier or harder.

On which note, it’s not all bad for the long-of-limb either. For example, longer arms make things easier in:

• L-sits (extra clearance from ground)
• forearm stands (more surface area to balance)
• binds in yoga (easier reach)

All this means that comparing our progress to the abilities of others (friends, influencers, etc) often overlooks the hidden advantages or disadvantages created by individual biomechanics. So, instead, best for focus on our own progress.

For more on all of this plus some modifications to make some of the above easier where bodily proportions made them harder, enjoy:

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Want to learn more?

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Getting Flexible, Starting As An Adult: How Long Does It Really Take? (We’ll Not Stretch The Truth)

Take care!