Unequal sides, left is weaker

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
Unequal sides, left is weaker
8
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 5:21pm
I have been working out 3/4 times a week consistently for about 3 weeks and am starting to see good results. My workouts consist of 45min./1 hour of bike riding and 20/40 min. of weights or pilates. I knew my left side was weaker but it is also developing slower than my right. How can I equalize my sides? Should I do extra reps on my left side?

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2004
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 9:24pm
Some gyms will have equipment that will work unilaterally, meaning the stronger side doesn't compensate for the weaker. You may check to see if there is something like that at your club. Otherwise I would recommend free weights until you are consistently lifting the same on both sides with like effort. Or use the machines you traditionally use, and cut the weight in half and lift one side at a time with the thinks you can, like leg ext (R leg, then L leg), leg curl (R then L), leg press, bicep, tricep. Not all inclusive, but you get the idea. Let me know if I can be of more help.

-Michelle

ps I have the same problem from lifting baby up on my left side....lol

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 10:06pm
Hi....well that's a question I'm stumped on. But Michelle gave you some advice about checking this out at your local gym...see if they can help. Also the girls over

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-04-2003
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 11:54am

I too generally find that one side is weaker, but I know that most people do have a dominant side.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 10:33pm
You might check out Anna Benson's theory of non-dominant training. She's the lady who created The Firm videos and then did FitPrime, for which there is a website. She is now working on a new set of videos to be released this Winter which, I believe, also practice non-dominant training.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
Fri, 10-08-2004 - 5:42pm
Thanks all for your suggestions. I am not a Gym Rat by any means. I work out at home with free weights so I guess I am on the right track. I can really tell the difference when I am doing Pilates. Holding the proper form is just much more difficult on my left side. Guess it will just come with time. I will check out your other suggestions!

Thank you!!

Bridgett

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2003
Mon, 10-11-2004 - 12:22pm

Bridgett, I had a thought about you this weekend.

~~ Steffy ~~
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-10-2003
Thu, 10-14-2004 - 6:29pm
:) I have never really paid that much attention to sidedness until now. Well, other than being right handed.

I am trying really hard not to compensate with my right side when doing things like lunges and squats. Pilates is starting to get easier. Holding the proper form is hard on both sides! Ha!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-18-2004
Thu, 10-14-2004 - 6:45pm
As a sometimes ballet teacher, I recommend beginning with your left. It feels akward if you're right dominant and you'll think more about your movement, therefore, subconsciously working harder. Good luck.