One side weaker than the other [Archive]

Fit_Steph04

12-06-2008, 04:00 PM

I've noticed that my left side is a little weaker than my right side on pretty much everything, but especially for the upper body. I was wondering how I should go about making my left side catch up to my right side? I am doing almost everything with dumbbells right now but I have a hard time finishing a set on the left side when the weight for the right side is ok or I could even do a bit more with the right side. How should I go about correcting this?
Thank you!

Blondell

12-06-2008, 04:07 PM

Your dominant side will almost always be stronger.

I've been working on this for the past couple of years but my right side still is stronger--although my left has begun to catch up. I use db's where possible.

I'm sure others who are more knowledgable will have more suggestions for ya. :)

Erik

12-06-2008, 04:24 PM

Your dominant side will almost always be stronger.

My non-dominant side is a bit stronger. :p

Blondell

12-06-2008, 04:28 PM

My non-dominant side is a bit stronger. :p
crazy Canadians. :sad: :lol3:

Erik

12-06-2008, 04:29 PM

I've noticed that my left side is a little weaker than my right side on pretty much everything, but especially for the upper body. I was wondering how I should go about making my left side catch up to my right side? I am doing almost everything with dumbbells right now but I have a hard time finishing a set on the left side when the weight for the right side is ok or I could even do a bit more with the right side. How should I go about correcting this?
Thank you!

Assuming it isn't due to some impaired neural firing (due to injury, subluxation, etc., etc), generally speaking ...

1. Unilateral movements.
2. Weak side first, strong side second
3. Do no more weight/reps for the weak side than you did for the strong side.

Is it a strength or a size/development issue, or both?

If there is that much of a bilateral deficit, as is apparent from your description, it sounds like it's a bit more than just a weak muscle.

Fit_Steph04

12-06-2008, 04:35 PM

It's only a strength issue, and I've never had any injuries that would have made my muscles malfunction or anything (I think)... I think the worst injuries I've ever had were ankle sprains... or tendonitis in my shoulders from doing something badly repeatedly in martial arts class...

Erik

12-06-2008, 04:40 PM

It's only a strength issue, and I've never had any injuries that would have made my muscles malfunction or anything (I think)... I think the worst injuries I've ever had were ankle sprains... or tendonitis in my shoulders from doing something badly repeatedly in martial arts class...

Have you always had such a large bilateral deficit?

Fit_Steph04

12-06-2008, 04:41 PM

I recently started noticing it, maybe because I've started lifting heavier so it's more apparent than it used to be...?

Patricia

12-06-2008, 05:56 PM

My non-dominant side is a bit stronger. :p

Same here.

Anca

12-06-2008, 05:58 PM

Is it possible to just have a size difference but no strength imbalances? My left shoulder is visibly bigger than my right one.
I have lateral DB throws on my plan now- would it be a good idea to do them just on the right side?

Noel Clark

12-06-2008, 06:00 PM

Is it possible to just have a size difference but no strength imbalances? My left shoulder is visibly bigger than my right one.
I have lateral DB throws on my plan now- would it be a good idea to do them just on the right side?

no

Petro

12-06-2008, 06:21 PM

My non-dominant side is a bit stronger. :p

I dont know if he is joking or not...but my non-dominate side is a bit stronger as well

Inatic

12-06-2008, 06:29 PM

I dont know if he is joking or not...but my non-dominate side is a bit stronger as well

in many things me as well.

Erik

12-06-2008, 06:30 PM

So much for Blondell's opinion.

:lol:

Blondell

12-06-2008, 09:11 PM

So much for Blondell's opinion.

:lol:
That doesn't change my views on you all at all! Still crazy in my book. :p

RpH

12-07-2008, 10:08 AM

My left pec is stronger than my right pec, but my right shoulder is stronger than my left shoulder. The insertion onto my sternum is a slightly different length on my pecs. That's the only difference I can find.

Adam

01-06-2009, 07:03 PM

My non-dominant side is a bit stronger. :p

Mine is too for some stuff.

I think I read somewhere that football (soccer) players' non-kicking leg is usually bigger/stronger, something to do with it having to support their weight whilst kicking. Maybe it's a similar thing :scratch:

Erik

01-06-2009, 08:09 PM

Mine is too for some stuff.

I think I read somewhere that football (soccer) players' non-kicking leg is usually bigger/stronger, something to do with it having to support their weight whilst kicking. Maybe it's a similar thing :scratch:
Noel could chime in on that one ... but I think her kicking leg is her bigger one.

Noel Clark

01-06-2009, 08:11 PM

Mine is too for some stuff.

I think I read somewhere that football (soccer) players' non-kicking leg is usually bigger/stronger, something to do with it having to support their weight whilst kicking. Maybe it's a similar thing :scratch:

Actually my kicking leg is bigger.

Patricia

01-12-2009, 11:57 AM

My non-dominant side is a bit stronger. :p

I'm weird like this too...
left handed (I eat and write with my left) but much stronger and more coordinated (as far as sports are concerned) with my right side.

Noel Clark

01-12-2009, 12:10 PM

I'm weird like this too...
left handed (I eat and write with my left) but much stronger and more coordinated (as far as sports are concerned) with my right side.

That is my hubby. Eats and writes with his left but is a righty in things like baseball.