Need help with Uneven development/definition

[RhiannonW]

My left arm is not defined like the right one. The triceps, biceps and front shoulder muscles aren't noticeable like the right arm. I do the same exercises and reps with the same weight for both arms, therefore I think the strength is equal - just not the definition. Why won't it get defined like the right one???? If I do more work with the left, it'll become stronger than the right. What can I do?
Any thoughts or ideas are appreciated.

 

[DebTaylor]

Are you right-handed? If so, the right side is your dominant, stronger side. I am left-handed, so I'm left-side dominant. I start my work on the right side.

Maybe, you could start your work on your non-dominant side, i.e., your left side, to build it up. I would not recommend doing more work on one side than the other -- you'd be lopsided for sure!

Hope that helps,

Deb

 

[RhiannonW]

What benefit comes from starting work on the weaker side if you don't do more reps or use more weight?

 

[clareMc]

Rhiannon:

see this month's issue of Muscle & Fitness Hers for an article on training the body uni-laterally, one side at a time. It could help to lessen the definition and strength differential between the two sides of the upper body. It probably will never eliminate it completely , however, unless you can re-learn how to become ambidextrous!!!

I am right handed and can handle significantly more weight on that side, and it will also be so, but I am acquiring definition on both sides pretty equally. I don't know what else to tell you I am afraid. maybe others can address this issue?

Do you favour barbell training for the upper body over dumbell training? One problem can be that with the barbell the dominant side will naturally step in to take more of the load to help the weaker side out so you can keep lifting. Try substituting work like Crazy 8's for biceps which Cathe does with the barbell for dumbells only and see if this makes a difference. You can find substitutes for most exercises that will allow you to train one side at a time and/or use dumbells only.

Clare

 

[RhiannonW]

Thanks, Clare.
I'll try the dumbbell suggestion.

 

[cmoroney]

Rhiannon,

Someone asked a similar question to Cathe on May 20, it is on page three of this forum it is called Uneven Strength and Cathe did answer this post, so did Kathryn who gave some excellent advice.

You see, I have the same problem - I am very defined on my right side and somewhat defined on my left side.

I hope this information helps you.

Cheryl