View Full Version : symmetry/balancing left vs. right


digitalnebula
March 23rd, 2005, 11:34 AM
Let me start by saying that I am *REALLY* right handed.
My entire left side lags behind my right in muscle size.
That includes deltoid, bicep, and tricep. It is significant enough that I can see the size difference in the mirror.

What would you guys recommend I do to help my left side catch up?

Extra set of exercises on left side only?

I searched the forum and found some folks fighting this same problem but did not stumble across any solutions.

Any input would be appreciated.

Ta2d
March 23rd, 2005, 12:37 PM
Let me start by saying that I am *REALLY* right handed.
My entire left side lags behind my right in muscle size.
That includes deltoid, bicep, and tricep. It is significant enough that I can see the size difference in the mirror.

What would you guys recommend I do to help my left side catch up?

Extra set of exercises on left side only?

I searched the forum and found some folks fighting this same problem but did not stumble across any solutions.

Any input would be appreciated.

Always start your sets/reps with your weaker side and then when you get to your strong side never do more reps with your stronger side than you were able to complete with your weaker side. This should allow your weaker side to slowly catch up.

fitnessdave
March 23rd, 2005, 01:16 PM
Funny as I seem to have the opposite problem. I am completely right-handed as well, yet my left side seems stronger. I typically jump off my left foot for high jump (when I use to do it) and obviously still for basketball (I'm not a two footed jumper) so that seems more dominant in that simple aspect. However, when talking about arms and specifically bicep curls I feel like my left arm is stronger and bigger than my right - is this the opposite of how it usually is?

Yeah I would suggest what has been said. Start with your left and never do more with your strong arm than with your weak.

RMe
March 23rd, 2005, 01:55 PM
The biggest thing that will help you is isolation. Skip BB and do more DB exercises. Most people have a tendency to really concentrate on one side, usually the predominent one. Using Dumbbells helps to reduce this problem. Also, focus on extra reps with your weak side to catch up, but don't overtrain as your resting phase is when you grow. :gl:

Steve
March 23rd, 2005, 03:37 PM
The biggest thing that will help you is isolation. Skip BB and do more DB exercises.

Ditto that ................ :db:

digitalnebula
March 23rd, 2005, 06:17 PM
Thanks for the suggestions.
DBs sound like a logical approach.

glenn_001
March 24th, 2005, 06:01 AM
Let me start by saying that I am *REALLY* right handed.
My entire left side lags behind my right in muscle size.
That includes deltoid, bicep, and tricep. It is significant enough that I can see the size difference in the mirror.

What would you guys recommend I do to help my left side catch up?

Extra set of exercises on left side only?

I searched the forum and found some folks fighting this same problem but did not stumble across any solutions.

Any input would be appreciated.

Ive been training for awhile now and my left arm is still weaker than the right, it started out at probably 50% strength compared to my right, shoulder and bicep most noticeable, now its at about 80% compared to my right.
My legs however are the opposite left is bigger than the right but this is due to a motorcycle accident that smashed my hip.
All ok now but i do tend to favour the left leg, it takes conscious effort not to.
Even with the weaknesses ive had huge strength and size gains in the short time ive been training though.( genetically i had a pretty good rough draft to work with)
I know eventually it will all even out. :tu: