Stronger on one side than the other.

[ubercaffeinated]

I've been lifting regularly for two years now, and I've been noticing my right side is stronger than my left side (obviously because I'm right handed) - which translates to one side being bigger than the other. How do I prevent this? I realize very few people are perfectly symmetrical, but I don't want a "lopsided" appearance for a lack of better words. I'm sure I'm being nit-picky as the difference is nigh imperceptible, but for the sake of self-improvement there must be things I can do. Lately, I've been paying extra attention and focus to my left side, making damn sure my right side isn't over compensating.


What do you guys do?

 

[Red Dawn]

I notice this with my arms. I'm left handed so my left bicep is bigger than my right but my right tri's are bigger than my left so it evens out. I'm probably the only one that would notice it so it doesn't matter.

 

[KoolDrew]

Dumbells

 

[presidentender]

Stop doing unilateral lifts for a while and do iso stuff. Basically, this means using dumbbells instead of barbells or machines. You don't want the weight in your left hand to touch your right hand.

 

[BlackTigers]

As others have said, dumbbells are your friend.

When you do BB lifts, even though you may not notice it, one arm always compensates for the other. You can eliminate this with DB's.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

Ahh, I've been opting for barbells because I thought they would make things more even in the long run, but I'll go back to dumbbells. Thanks for the input.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: makoto00
Ahh, I've been opting for barbells because I thought they would make things more even in the long run, but I'll go back to dumbbells. Thanks for the input.

If you're following strict form, you will strengthen your weaker side using barbells. However, dumbbells can help out too.