Uneven strength

lizchic82

Hi guys,

Just after some advice...can anyone explain why one side of my body seems to be a lot stronger than the other? ... my left side seems to be, even though I am right handed. When I do clean and press, or just shoulder press, my left arm goes up strong and clean, but my right seems to struggle. Its ok on the first few reps, but once I start to get tired its this side that struggles. I use barbells.

Should I be concerned about this, and if so, what should I do to even up?

Thanks

branflakes1980

Bump because I am interested in the responses to this.

dbmata

Bring down the weight when doing exercises that use both hands equally, make sure they're putting out the same level of effort keeping things strong and balanced.

Then also hit that side hard with one handed work, while keeping the left side working. Just use weights on both that are appropriate to the right side, so your left side is still being worked but gives your right side time to catch up.

ncrugbyprop

Odds are that your dominant side is actually stronger but is lagging in order to support more of the weight during a press with barbells. This is usually shown during barbell presses once the muscles begin to fatigue. As the previous poster said, slow and in control through the entire range of motion is one way to strengthen the weaker side. Another is to use the same exercises with dumbells. Without the support of the dominant side, you should notice the weaker side begin to catch up. You may even want to throw in an extra rep or two for the weaker side.

lizchic82

Great, thanks :-) Just been reading up on Starting Strength, and it mentions that this is usual for novices, so I'm not a total freak then ;-)