View Full Version : One arm stronger than the other....


Bahamut727
October 11th, 2007, 09:56 PM
I'm pretty sure this is in the right forum, but if not, I apologize.

When I work out, my right arm is always considerably stronger than my left (understandable cause I am right handed). However this causes problems because one arm will be able to do an exercise no problem, while the other one will struggle with the same weight, forcing me to go down in weight that is way too easy for my right arm....

I'm assuming this is a relatively common problem. Is there any tips you guys have to even out my arms a bit?

Thanks!

jkugelman
October 11th, 2007, 10:01 PM
Sure. Do your left arm first, then only do that many reps on your right arm. That way you're ensured an even workout, and your left arm in time should catch up to your right.

Bahamut727
October 11th, 2007, 10:09 PM
Sure. Do your left arm first, then only do that many reps on your right arm. That way you're ensured an even workout, and your left arm in time should catch up to your right.

what do you mean? If I'm doing the same amount of reps each arm, wont that only keep them being unequal? the only thing I can think of is more reps with the left or else stop doing my right arm altogether for a while and I don't think either of those are good ideas.

also I feel weird doing some exercises with only one arm at a time. Like DB press for example. that would feel odd only having one weight, not to mention off balance. or should I just hold the other to my chest while I do it?

MannishBoy
October 11th, 2007, 10:30 PM
what do you mean? If I'm doing the same amount of reps each arm, wont that only keep them being unequal? the only thing I can think of is more reps with the left or else stop doing my right arm altogether for a while and I don't think either of those are good ideas.

If you hold yourself to the weak arms max reps on the stronger side, you'll eventually even up. Don't do more reps on one side. He's got it right.

also I feel weird doing some exercises with only one arm at a time. Like DB press for example. that would feel odd only having one weight, not to mention off balance. or should I just hold the other to my chest while I do it?

DB presses are great to do one armed occasionally. Try it, it's a great "core" exercise in addition to the normal muscles worked.

Also, if doing a BB exercise, terminate the set when the weak arm starts to lag too far behind. Eventually this stuff will straighten itself out. If you keep allowing it to continue, you'll build in a habit of imbalanced lifting. I used to be like that on the bench, and it took me quite some time of cutting off the set before the weak side started lagging to even out, but it did happen.

chicanerous
October 11th, 2007, 10:35 PM
what do you mean?
Stick with dumbbell exercises. Use the same weight on each side. Don't do more reps with the stronger side than you can with the weak side. Afterwards, you can do a few extra reps with the weaker side to speed up the evening up process, but it's not necessary.

If I'm doing the same amount of reps each arm, wont that only keep them being unequal?
No. The stronger side isn't working as hard as the weaker side. So, the weaker side is subject to a greater stress and, thus, progresses faster than the stronger side.

also I feel weird doing some exercises with only one arm at a time. Like DB press for example. that would feel odd only having one weight, not to mention off balance. or should I just hold the other to my chest while I do it?
Use dumbbells that are the same weight. There's no need to use one at a time.