one side bigger than the other??

KaciWood19
KaciWood19 Posts: 396 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
After I completed the warrior dash 1 and a half weeks ago, I noticed that my left thigh is bigger than my right. I assumed it was just swollen from the dash, but I am still noticing in the mirror that my right thigh is slimmer. I usually do the arc trainer or run, and I just started lifting but haven't done anything lower body yet. Is this normal? Is there some way I can "catch it up"?

I didn't take a measurement when I noticed it, but I am going to take measurements tonight to see if it is just a sight/shape difference or if it truly is larger. My boyfriend also noticed it when I asked him.

Any advice welcome :) Hope I don't sound like a crazy person!

Replies

  • ATLMel
    ATLMel Posts: 392 Member
    Muscle imbalances are common. That's why weight training is important, even if you are primarily a runner. Weight training can help out with those imbalances and inconsistencies.
  • jppd47
    jppd47 Posts: 737 Member
    I know that my left upper back/shoulder are was always a bit larger than my right. And the hair on the left side of my chest grows thicker than the right side..
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    This is normal.


    I have a pretty drastic left to right imbalance due to years of bowling. DB work helps to correct it.
  • mcrowe1016
    mcrowe1016 Posts: 647 Member
    My left bicep is smaller than my right - maybe because I am right handed?
  • i_miss_donuts
    i_miss_donuts Posts: 180 Member
    Last year I was running 25-30 miles a week and doing circuit training with lots of plyometric components on a concrete floor with just a thin pad. My left leg (below the knee) started bothering me (hurt to put weight on it) and my calf area swelled noticeably. I went to the Dr. and he said that I may have a deep tissue injury that would resolve itself with rest. So I took about 6 months off from running and circuit training and focused on low-impact exercise. I returned to my regular training in January. Six months later my left calf doesn't hurt anymore, but is still noticeably larger at the calf muscle than the other. It also has less muscle tone in the calf. It is very strange. Because mine is this way I tend to look at other's calves to see if it is common and I have noticed it on quite a few people. My doc suggested it may be because we favor one leg in all things - just as we favor a hand. Curious to see if you get any other answers.
  • KaciWood19
    KaciWood19 Posts: 396 Member
    Thank you everyone! I did assume it was like a muscle injury which is why I haven't done any lower body strength training yet. I've also only ran once, and it didnt bother me so I was hoping to start lower body lifting this week. I will take my measurments tonight and hope that stength training helps!

    Am I correct in thinking this is why free weight training is better than machines?
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