Uneven Body

[Cece]

I am finding that I seem to be training unevenly - my left side is becoming bigger/more defined/stronger than my right. I was pretty even before, but am noticing a big difference. Is it worth training "sides" separately - i.e. dumbell curls instead of barbell curls - or will it all even out in the end? I have been trying to "visualize" pulling/pushing more with my right side (the weaker side) but find that I need to try something else. /forum/images/icons/blush.gif

If ya haven't already, let me suggest asking this on the training forum as well. I know you're not the only one and the question has come up before. Unfortunately I really didn't pay close attention to the responses given. Then again, maybe see if you can find those particular threads on a search in training?

Anyway, the only thing I can think of is to do a couple extra reps on the weaker side. I don't really think it's a good idea to train "sides" separately. And on another note, I know that some of my muscle groups are uneven as well as far as strength and definition goes. I think that is normal as nobody is perfect. And my left quad is 1/2" bigger than my right because of all the indoor speed skating I do, I'm always turning left, lol, funny, but very true. And of course we are hardest on ourselves whereas someone else probably wouldn't even notice. /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

Oh, by the way, cute avatar! I used to watch the snorks! Am I remembering the name correctly? /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[Cece]

You're right, I guess that no one really would notice in the long run. I've always been bigger on the left side (my left foot is 1/2 bigger, my left thigh and calf and bicep is about 1/2 inch larger) I guess I don't want the discrepancy to get any bigger! I'm not especially thrilled with the idea of working out only one side - it would feel more uneven! I'll do a search and if I don't find anything I'll post elsewhere.

And yes, it is a Snork! From when cartoons were innocent and fun... sigh!

[Adam Knowlden]

Hey Cece,

The best thing to do is analyze what body parts are smaller first.
Let's say its your right bicep. OK.
Now, try to find what area of the bicep is smaller.
Outer bis, inner bis, lower, or upper, or bicep peak.

Analyze the problem then try to find ways to fix it.

Let's say its your right inner bicep.
I'd recommend pre-exhuasting it with some inner bicep curls for three sets.
Then top that off with some barbell curls.

The inner bicep of your weaker arm will be pre-stressed from the inner bicep curls and will be forced to work extra hard to keep up with the rest of your biceps.

Also, you might have a stronger muscle-to-mind link with your left arm. This is usually the case depending on what hand you use the most. People that are left handed have a tendency to build up their left arm easier. Why is that? Cause you use it all the time for writing, grabbing, and any task that requires coordination. As a result you have built up a superior mind-muscle link with that arm. Consequently, the other side is not used as much and this link isn't as strong.

There are ways to correct it. Concentration during compound movements is one. Focus hard on your weaker arm and make sure it is putting in just as much effort as the stronger arm. Often times we get so foucsed on pulling or pushing that we forget to get a full contraction. For example, on barbell curls really make sure your weaker arm is lifting and curling the weightjust as hard as your weaker arm. Really focus in on this.

The second is to pick a lighter weight and do a movement like concentration curls for your weaker arm(This is assuming its your bicep that is lagging, if its your tricep replace this with tricep kickbacks). Go lighter and don't even count reps. Get really slow reps, and squeeze your bicep hard the whole time, especially at the top of the range of motion. Go to failure, then immediately pick up a lighter dumbbell and repeat the process. Go to failure and this time , on the last rep,hold the dumbbell in a static state for 10-30 seconds. Then drop the dumbbell and flex and sqeeze the bicep for 30 seconds.

You should have an extreme pump in that arm. This will teach your mind how to better coordinate the weaker arm.

you can do some independent work as well.

For instance incline dumbbell curls.

Use the same weight for both arms and curl both arms together until failure. Now after initial failure drop the dumbbell is being used with the stronger arm, and use the stronger arm to help force out some extra reps for the weaker arm. Make sure to emphasize the negative portion of the lift really hard.

I hope that helps ya out! /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

[Cece]

thanks Old School - what an amazing reply. None of the other posts on the subject compare. /forum/images/icons/grin.gif

<blockquote><font class="small">posted by Cece:</font><hr /> thanks Old School - what an amazing reply. None of the other posts on the subject compare. /forum/images/icons/grin.gif <hr /></blockquote>

He's like his title says, "The Training Oracle". /forum/images/icons/smile.gif And I asked him to help ya cause I knew he'd have a good answer for you. /forum/images/icons/wink.gif

[Adam Knowlden]

No problem-o!

Let me know if any of that helps!

By the way, Snorks rock!

The old cartoons were so kool!