Answering a great question...
workouts, advice, strength, imbalance
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I recieved a question from one of my "fitsters" yesterday and I asked him if I could post my answer because I think it would be very useful information for a lot of people. He agreed and actually had the same idea so here it goes.
The question had to do with whether or not I had any advice for him because he feels less strength on one side of his body (particularly his chest and arm).
1.) First know we are all made with imbalance. Its a right brain, left brain deal and that is partially what makes you left or right handed. If you are right handed you will most likely hold a child or groceries in your left hand as you open the door with your right. Fine motor skills with your right or dominant hand and gross motor (big movement) with your left. This is speaking in general terms but I think you get the idea. Perfect balance left to right, in my opinion, is unattainable but you want to bridge that gap as much as possible.
With that said don't worry too much unless the imbalance seems to be significant - which leads to what I think was the original question.
2.) What to do...
Here's a short list.
a. When doing ANY exercise one side at a time - always do the weaker side first. Set the bar with that side and then match your strong side to that. Doing it strong side first will allow both sides to get stronger but the weaker side will never catch the strong side.
b. Stay away from straight bar benching and curling.
c. So...use dumbbells when ever possible.
d. Try a single arm dumbbell bench (flat)...great movement.
e. Try push ups with a medicine ball under your weaker hand and make sure you extend all the way up so that when you finish your strong hand is off the floor. This also hits that side of the chest a bit deeper so be careful.
f. Stability... read entire entry
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on 7/9/2008
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5.9
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