Symmetry

[Carmello]

I'm noticing that my left side is not as full as my right side on my upper body. i don't like it, and am growing upset about it. Does anyone know how to train for symmetry? Do yous guys have this problem? Do u care? or do yous do something about it?

[NoCalBbEr]

everyone has that problem. unbalanced muscles or a side is strong then the other. its really normal.  i think that the only way is to do uniateral movements...... start with your weak side first. 

alot of the pors have that  problem.. some really care and some dont.

my sister told my that i have one forearm  bigger then the other.. i'm  23 yr old. so you can image why.. i didn't know it was true but i heard that  people that are right handed have really weak left hand. which to me makes since b/c everythings made for rightys

[D-bol]

everyone has one arm bigger than the other...thats why its smart to change hands when jerking off every second time

being serious now - asymetry is quite common. Do unilateral movements, grab a heavier weight for the smaller part. for example: grab a 30 dbell for weaker shoulder and 25 for stronger and do them seperately.

[Carmello]

everyone has one arm bigger than the other...thats why its smart to change hands when jerking off every second time

being serious now - asymetry is quite common. Do unilateral movements, grab a heavier weight for the smaller part. for example: grab a 30 dbell for weaker shoulder and 25 for stronger and do them seperately.

Yeah but in turn, wouldn't that be counter productive being that u might not be able to move the heavier weight with the weaker part the right way, and the lighter weight with the stronger part will make u get a better squeeze, and pump, thus making your weaker side weaker, and stronger more so?

[D-bol]

heavier here doesnt mean prohibitive...just heavier than the one on your other side
in bbing its not a target to move heaviest possible weight, but to work the muscle thoroughly

[Alex Velickovic]

unilateral movements. too easy.

[NoCalBbEr]

heavier weights makes your muscle unbalance in the first place. if it too weight for your left side to lift, your right side will kick in  to help it left...

so what if you need to lower the weights down..  your not even going to come close to your weight if you were doing two arms at a time. but if you really need to work on it.. then it doesnt matter the weights. stop ego training

[NoCalBbEr]

everyone has one arm bigger than the other...thats why its smart to change hands when jerking off every second time

being serious now - asymetry is quite common. Do unilateral movements, grab a heavier weight for the smaller part. for example: grab a 30 dbell for weaker shoulder and 25 for stronger and do them seperately.

does that work?? would  it be come like a see-saw kind of  R.O.M.. with a side heavier then then the other??

[D-bol]

look, it worked for me...
i know people are afraid to use lighter weight or substitute seemingly easier exercises for (seemingly) harder ones...but sometimes you gotta take those measures to achieve goals

[Carmello]

What about an extra 2 or 3 reps after a set of db curls, or db side laterals? Would that even u out after a while, or do I gotta go lighter on the stronger side? How about an extra set? I'm sure there are many here with this problem, and I'm sure someone knows how to correct it through expirience.

[D-bol]

u see, you approach is typical "more-is-better"...a classic mistake most bbers make...
maybe doing less on your stronger side to even out? ever thought of that?
I know it might sound contraversial, but sometimes you gotta do less for better bodypart to bring up the weaker one.

I'll explain:

when you do less for stronger part you:
1. maintain the stronger part size/shape/etc but temporarily "freeze" its further growth
2. at the same time you have more enegrgy to work your weaker part and develope it further to bring on par w/ weaker part.
3. able to mentally concentrate more on your weaker part.

So in essence, you will be doing maintenance work for your weaker/smaller part while cathcing up growth of your weaker part.

Personally, I had my massive chest, back, and shoulders overpowering my arms. I actually STOPPED any exercise for chest and back for ONE MONTH and only focused on arms. At the end of it my arms impoved significantly and my chest/back have marginally diminished, thus creating overall balance.

[Carmello]

good stuff. I'll give it a try. Thanks!