Free Weights

robh71

Hi
Just started using free weights after a while using machines and find my right arm considerably weaker than my left. Is this normal starting out? Any tips on best way to handle such an issue??
Thanks

runawaybishop

Most people have a stronger/dominant arm but a serious imbalance can cause issues down the road. You can do dumbbell arm work to balance them out, you do the same work on each arm but start with the weaker arm first.

conzy

runawaybishop wrote: »

You can do dumbbell arm work to balance them out, you do the same work on each arm but start with the weaker arm first.

I found this good, if you are aiming for 3x12 and you only get 9 reps on the last set on the weak arm, only do 9 on the right until the imbalance is eventually gone. otherwise the weak arm will always lag.

You could also try additional work on the weak side

jane82

It helps when using the bar to know what muscles you are working.
I think they call it a mind muscle connection or something. Concentrate on the two sides of muscle working equally with good posture.
Extra dummbell work as suggested above should work fine two so long as your posture is good on the bad side.
If you need more work on the left you can takeaway a bit of right time afterall you dont want one huge arm while the other isnt growing.
Dont go down the road of bad posture with the left though. What will likely happen is you will end up working your right lower back etc moreso than the intended left arm.
If you need to drop dumbell size to keep good posture at the start do so.

Alf Veedersane

jane82 wrote: »

It helps when using the bar to know what muscles you are working.
I think they call it a mind muscle connection or something.

That's just called knowing what you're doing.

Like knowing the difference between a wide grip curl and a close grip curl, for example.

jane82

Alf Veedersane wrote: »

That's just called knowing what you're doing.

Like knowing the difference between a wide grip curl and a close grip curl, for example.

Thats how you learn. You ask questions.

Edit: I was advising against going too heavy on the dumbell and using a quick snakehip manouver to use pendulum power. I wasnt meaning some good posture exercises were going to make his arm skinny and his lower back huge.

Alf Veedersane

jane82 wrote: »

Thats how you learn. You ask questions.

I'm just saying it's nothing to do with the mind-muscle connection.

Not having a go or anything....just to save the OP trying to process something that might confuse them.

jane82

People like jazzy names for basic methods at the start. Makes them feel like its a secret trick that helps them get ahead.Concentrating on the muscles used will give better form. Id call it the superest shiniest triple x mindcontrol method if somebody hadnt gave it a name before me.
It doesnt tell your muscles to grow with brain power but it does great things for technique.
Technique is magnifique.

Disclaimer technique may not be magnifique I just made it up and dont speak french.?;-)

robh71

Thanks all for responses. I think I'll drop down some weight on the stronger left side and see how I go.

P.S. The 'lob-sided' affect as I have come to call it is happening most evidently when using dumbells over head (90 degree seat and also 45 degree seat for upper chest). Thats where its most evident but I've noticed, after a 4 week stint away from gym that I'm slightly lob sided on seated low row also, bench press seems ok.

Thanks again