correcting quad imbalance

[smaul]

There's a noticeable difference between my quads, especially in the tear-drop area.  I've been doing single leg leg extensions for about a year but this doesn't seem to be helping.  I've recently started trying single leg leg presses but this seems to put a lot of stress on my hips.  Any suggestions?  In strength my quads seem to be about equal though. 

[JasonH]

i would put it down to genetics and say there's not a vast amount you can do to even them up. I have the same problem with my biceps - my right is far bigger and more shapely than my left but they're both the same strength - training them unilaterally has no difference on their development. I would just go back to the big basic compound movements like squats, leg presses and hacks and train them both equally.

[haider]

Split Bulgarian Squats are a good exercise you can try (google it).

lots of other unilateral exercises you can fouc your training around.

[slaveboy1980]

There's a noticeable difference between my quads, especially in the tear-drop area.  I've been doing single leg leg extensions for about a year but this doesn't seem to be helping.  I've recently started trying single leg leg presses but this seems to put a lot of stress on my hips.  Any suggestions?  In strength my quads seem to be about equal though. 

as long as there isnt a big strength difference between the legs, no need to panic. how do you position yourself when you do the single leg leg presses?

haidar the lion gave good advice. (bulgarian split squats)

leg ext are basically worthless..sure you get a good pump...but in general they suck.

[MisterMagoo]

sounds like you've got one quad that responds to stimulus differently. everyone's got imbalances and unless you're talking a vast visible difference between the two (i mean one leg's 24" and the others 27"), don't sweat it.

[Beener]

I've got one quad that has this part that flares out at the side nice, the other doesnt. Used to bother me, before i realized its jsut how my muscles are shaped and its not that one leg is stronger/bigger than the other.

[webcake]

I've got one quad that has this part that flares out at the side nice, the other doesnt. Used to bother me, before i realized its jsut how my muscles are shaped and its not that one leg is stronger/bigger than the other.

Its pretty normal. My right quad is bigger than the left, it kinda annoys me, but i guess i notice it a lot more than anyone else would.

but...

Possibly visiting a physiotherapist might be a good idea. A difference in size of the Vastus Medialis (tear drop) is quite often an indication of an underlying knee problem. Your knee might not even be sore, but its something to keep in mind...

[smaul]

Possibly visiting a physiotherapist might be a good idea. A difference in size of the Vastus Medialis (tear drop) is quite often an indication of an underlying knee problem. Your knee might not even be sore, but its something to keep in mind...

Now that you mention it.  Once in a while my left knee feels painful underneath the kneecap when I train heavy.  I usually end my workout or do light weights then, guess it could be related.

Thanks for all the advice guys!