Muscle and strength Imbalances

[NYCmitch25]

Do any of you have any tricks or tips on how to deal with muscle imbalances? Anyone have issues with this?

i.e 1 bicep stronger than another or 1 leg stronger than another ect.

Incorporating dumbells?

[Shibby]

If you only use barbells and single pully machines this will happen.

[Stonecold54]

yes in a way but I have been training for 10 years + and my left bicep is still smaller than my right bicep but it has the ability to lift a weight longer. I don't think it will ever "balance" out.

[lookin 4 juice]

my left is weaker just because my right is the more dominant side for me...thats usually how the human body is...whatever side is used more for everyday things is usually going to be slightly stronger..the muscle fibers are used to more stimulation.

[NYCmitch25]

I agree with you Stone. I know some muscles will never be "equal." I just dont want to run the risk of injury. Prevent major imbalances and problems associated with it.

For instance, imbalances in my shoulder have created some issues. I had to "work-through" rehab pain associated to rotator cuff tendon. The pain felt like a nagging tooth ache. What happens to a lot of lifters (due to the bench press) is eventually, the weaker rotator cuff (left in my case) becomes virtually useless in performing it's intended role in stabilizing the shoulder.

I had to avoid movements and grips for several months along with overtaining which all would aggrevate the shoulder. Rotator cuff exercises have helped. Its gettting much better but some days it sucks.

Any tips on keeping healthy shoulders? Its not terrible - I still can rep heavy weight - i.e 295 flat bench for 8. I am hesitant to push myself at times. I would like to someday be completely pain free! Anyone have particular exercises to help my situation?

*Shibby - I should incorporate DB's in every workout?

Thanks all.

[Scrumhalf]

There are a lot of rotator cuff exercises that you can do to strengthen your rotator cuff muscles. These can be done typically as part of a warmup session before your regular lifting..

Here is a URL describing exercises that I routinely use:

http://familydoctor.org/265.xml

[SkinnyGuy84]

i guess im weird, because my left bicep is bigger and stronger then my right, and i am right handed, and use my right for everything how can this be?

[NYCmitch25]

Originally posted by Scrumhalf
There are a lot of rotator cuff exercises that you can do to strengthen your rotator cuff muscles. These can be done typically as part of a warmup session before your regular lifting..

Here is a URL describing exercises that I routinely use:

http://familydoctor.org/265.xml

Thanks =)

[Shibby]

Originally posted by NYCmitch25
*Shibby - I should incorporate DB's in every workout?

Thanks all.

I do just for the fact it gives me a whole different feel when lifting and keeps my form tight. It looks real funny when you lift something and one side always comes up before the other.

[SkinnyGuy84]

shibby, you use DBs in all your workouts? do you get good results from this? cuz its something i like doing but is not too popular with my gym partner

[Shibby]

As much as possible. I like to make sure my stabilizing muscles will support what every I try to do with an individual limb. Increasing the capabilities of my ROM without risking injury.

[SkinnyGuy84]

nice thats deffinitly something im goin to try out thanks

[mcalo4]

Originally posted by SkinnyGuy84
i guess im weird, because my left bicep is bigger and stronger then my right, and i am right handed, and use my right for everything how can this be?

Overtraining that right arm by jerking off. let it rest. hahaha

[NYCmitch25]

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/benblack4.htm

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbin...ggingBodyParts

Chest - Dumbbell Presses and Flyes
Shoulders - Arnold Presses / One-Arm Cable Lateral Raises
Biceps - Seated Alternating Curls / Cable Curls
Triceps - Overhead Dumbbell Extensions / Dumbbell Kickbacks
Back - One-Arm Dumbbell Rows
Lower Back - Dumbbell Deadlifts
Quads - Split Squats / Dumbbell Lunges / Single Leg Extensions
Hams - Single Leg Curls
Calves - Single Leg Calf Raise