Right Arm Different 1RM Than Left Arm

[WormwoodScrubs]

Hello.

In trying various exercises, looking for my 1RM, I've found that my right arm can typically lift 2 to 5 lbs heavier than my left. I'd really like for my left to catch up to my right without losing strength in my right arm. Any advice, educated crowd??

Thanks!

Marcia

 

[Madison511]

Obviously I am not Cathe---but I know in her other weight training DVD's she has said that you can add a couple of extra repetions on the weak side so it can catch up the the stronger side....maybe you could practice doing that before the DVD's are actually at your home and you need to find that 1 RM Hope that helps.

 

[kathryn]

I strength discrepancy like this between your two sides is normal.

To help the weaker side catch up, here are a few things to try:
1) Use dumbells for all arm work, at least until the weak side catches up.
2) Start your sets on your weak side, and add one more set for that side (with assistance if necessary: it's easy to spot yourself for negative reps when doing concentration curls, for example)
3) Do the same number of reps for both sides, but push yourself a bit on the weaker side, and do assisted negatives (using your other hand to help get the weight up, then lowering with the weak arm alone) for the last few reps of the last set.

Make sure not to overdo it, though. Gaining strength means allowing for sufficient recovery for the muscle to grow, so don't try to 'catch up' by working the weaker arm too many days of the week.

 

[WormwoodScrubs]

Thank you for the replies! I will do as you both suggested and add extra sets to my weaker side (with proper rest, of course). I do use dumbbells for all upper body work, still my right arm is definitely stronger. But your advice was wonderful. Hopefully, my left arm will be closer or equal to my right once STS is ready to ship!!

Thanks again.