Left side weaker then the right

azazel833

Hi everyone.
I just started jym for very first first time in my life (42y now)
Im still trying to figure it out how the machines work and mostly wondering useless in the jym, but I noticed that my left side is significantly weaker then right.
Are they gonna equalify on there own, or I should train them differently ?
Thank you.

P.S Excuse my English, no native.

rugratz2015

I'm the same

rugratz2015

I've written 2 posts that aren't appearing?

ninerbuff

Muscle adaptation will happen if the force on both sides are equal. You'll adapt faster using free weights than machines from my experience since many machines can be pushed with just one hand and still travel on their tracked motion.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

lorrpb

Many people have one side stronger. Dumbbells are the best way to address this because each side is forced to its own work. It may improve but never completely equalize, depending on whether it's "just " a strength issue or there's an underlying injury or structural problem.

azazel833

No injury. Just when for example, Im able to do 10reps with right side I can do only 7-8 with left.
But this is observation only after 2 training.

estherdragonbat

It's a dominant hand issue. I'm left-handed, which means that when I have to lift or carry something and I only need one hand to do it, it's usually my left. Haven't played sports since high school, but if it involved kicking, it was always my left foot. Some time ago, when I belonged to a gym and probably used the same kinds of machines you're using, my left arm and leg were able to handle a good 10-20 lbs more than my right, just because those day-to-day activities built up more muscle on that side.

wrunyon0331

Muscle imbalances are always either a posture issue or a Central Nervous System issue. If it's a posture issue then it can be corrected by doing unilateral movements with proper form. Choose a dumbbell that is challenging to your weaker side and do the SAME number of reps with each side with proper form. If you don't know if your form is correct then just ask a trainer or someone knowledgeable at your gym to critique your form. Your stronger side will maintain while your weaker side gets stronger.
If it's a CNS problem then it could be a problem with your Atlas cervical vertebrae. This is the very first vertebrae that "floats" at the top of your spine and base of the skull. It can sometimes fall out of adjustment causing the electrical impulses in your brain to be distributed unevenly to both sides of your body. This causes your muscle-mind connection to be stronger with one side than the other and causes the imbalances. Look for an Atlas cervical specialist or a Nucco Adjustment in your area to help with this.
And I hate to say this one sometimes because I think too many people use it as an excuse but sometimes it's just *kitten* genetics, but I promise you that 99% of the time even with *kitten* genetics those too two solutions will help. Good luck with everything and if you decide to give any of this a shot let me know how it works for you!

azazel833

Thank you

ritzvin

I think it's fairly normal to be stronger on your dominant hand side. The non-dominant side will get stronger the more you use it.

ritzvin

I remember when I started cycling, my left hand (that I rarely use) was actually too weak to change out of the granny gear after cresting a hill..for a while I actually had to reach over with my right hand.

kenyonhaff

It's a pretty common thing noted in things like yoga or dance, balance or working on flexibility...one side is often better than another. Do not get too concerned about it...practice and persistence will balance out in the end. Do not get rough or frustrated on the "weaker" side...for instance, pushing hard on a muscle that is weaker than it's buddy on the other side.