Free weights are preferred over machine weights because they force both sides of your body to carry an equal load. Cyclists experiment with PowerCranks to prevent one leg from slacking off during a race. The exo ball is popular because it, likewise, is based on the premise that a happy, fit body is a balanced body. Yet we live our daily lives so physically out of whack it’s a wonder we can stay upright.

Think about it. You right-handers among us: When was the last time you opened a door with your left hand? And lefties, how many right-handed curls have you done lately with a venti Marble Mocha Macchiato? And how many of us have ever gotten out of the driver’s seat of a car with anything other than our left leg exiting first? The left leg does all the work, the right tags along for the ride.

Yoga instructor Sunny Davis makes these observations with only a portion of tongue in cheek. Using your right hand exclusively to turn on the faucet won’t drive you to an early grave. On the other hand, try this quick test: Fill a 64-ounce glass with water and pick it up with your dominant hand. Now pick it up with your other hand. Now get the paper towels.

All but the ambidextrous — your Michelangelos, your Einsteins, your Teslas (this Tesla, not that one) — have one side of their body stronger than the other. And while you could make an obsessive career out of consciously trying to bring both sides in synch, you can make an effort to bring both sides closer together.

Achieving balance. Pick a few righty/lefty tasks to start with and focus on those. It’s not important to try and keep track of whether you opened the door with your right hand the last time, or whether you used your left to turn on the faucet. If you remember, period, use your non-dominant hand; Chances are you’ll be lucky to remember half the time anyway.

Common righty/lefty tasks. Twenty tasks to start with. And remember, it’s not just about strength, it’s about dexterity as well.

1. Opening a door.
2. Turning a faucet on and off.
3. Climbing stairs. (You almost always lead with one foot over the other; Mix it up.)
4. Using a joystick.
5. Using a mouse.
6. Fetching a glass from the cupboard.
7. Tapping your foot to your favorite tune.
8. Playing air guitar.
9. Pulling a chair out.
10. Holding hands with your sweetie. (You should do this anyway after a while because of the sweaty palms thing.)
11. Blowing your nose.
12. Pumping gas.
13. Snapping your fingers.
14. Zipping up.
15. Buttoning up.
16. Using a fork. (Master the fork before advancing to the spoon.)
17. Hailing a cab.
18. Dialing a phone.
19. High-fiving.
20. Getting out of the car. (What other way is there to get out of a car, you may wonder, other than swinging your left leg out, then your right? Climb out the window Jimmie Johnson style? Try swinging both legs at the same time, advises Davis.)

Be reasonable. Don’t get silly with this. Writing one sentence left handed, the next right probably isn’t a good idea. Ditto shaving or throwing darts in a crowded pub. Focus your efforts on tasks that don’t require precision.

Or injuring innocent bystanders.

Photo: Yes, but can he make the same points on his left hand?