SOMEONE PLEASE HELP - JP Fitness Forums

MARTY · 01-05-2005, 08:03 AM

I HAVE A SMALL PROBLEM. WHEN I AM WORKING OUT ON THE BENCH PRESSES AND THINGS RELATED TO THE PECS, IT SEEMS AS IF MY LEFT PEC IS GAINING MORE STRENGTH AND MASS THAN THE RIGHT PEC. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY COMMENTS OR SOLUTIONS THAT COULD HELP ME OUT HERE. THANKS, MARTY

Jean-Paul · 01-05-2005, 08:24 AM

Two things,
One, turn off the all caps button. Typing all caps is considered YELLING and people tend to avoid posts like that. Just a little tip from uncle jp!

Second, addressing your problem... Have you tried doing dumbbell work? If not, that may be a way to even things out for you. It is really hard to assess what you may be doing wrong without actually watching you in person. It may not even be a pec issue, but that one of your arms is more dominant. This is really common in "newbies", but the more you work out the more you will even out. Don't get too frustrated yet.

Are you feeling any pain in your right side? Could the weakness be the result of an injury?

Good luck... Keep us updated.

Newlife · 01-05-2005, 09:49 AM

I second the DB's. I was in the same boat when I started lifting. Left arm was much stronger and also seemed to recover faster. Swithced to DB's for a while and things balanced right out. I think everyone to some degree has a dominant side, but like JP stated, the longer you lift, the more balanced you "should" get provided you train correctly.

Simon. · 01-05-2005, 12:43 PM

erm what if the case is one arm is actually bigger than the other, but both can lift the exact same weight? oO

Newlife · 01-05-2005, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Simon Glumcher:
erm what if the case is one arm is actually bigger than the other, but both can lift the exact same weight? oO

That would be a pretty rare case if you ask me. Somehow one arm got bigger for a reason. The smaller arm should never be able to lift the same amount of weight as the larger arm unless both arms were trained individually with different approaches. Again, I see no way in real life how this could happen, but maybe I am wrong in my thinking...Anyone?

chris_f · 01-05-2005, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Newlife:

quote:
Originally posted by Simon Glumcher:
erm what if the case is one arm is actually bigger than the other, but both can lift the exact same weight? oO

That would be a pretty rare case if you ask me. Somehow one arm got bigger for a reason. The smaller arm should never be able to lift the same amount of weight as the larger arm unless both arms were trained individually with different approaches. Again, I see no way in real life how this could happen, but maybe I am wrong in my thinking...Anyone? [/quote]I'm like that, actually. Until i started weight training, i didn't really use my left arm for anything. Since i've been lifting, i've gained a bit of strength in both arms, and my left arm is now almost as strong as my right, but still noticably smaller. I've done DB and single arm work for quite a while too.

In the last year or so I have really put on much mass (despite numerous attempts, I hover at 152 lbs). I have, however, gained lots of strength, which means that my arms are about as strong, but one is definately bigger than the other.

Newlife · 01-05-2005, 02:22 PM

Almost as strong would be the key word I think. I just can't picture a situation where one arm is noticable bigger, yet the smaller arm can lift the exact amount.

Example. the large arm does DB presses and gets 10 reps. How can the smaller arm lift the same amount of weight and reps if all other factors are the same. They have both seen the same training placed on them unless they were trained in a different manner, yet one arm is seeing additional resistance in everyday life. I'm going to try and find some data to show this.

chris_f · 01-05-2005, 07:44 PM

Newlife: I know that logically it wouldn't make sense!!! I haven't tested it that way in a while. I know the left has definately caught up with the right one quite a bit though... I'll test myself tomorrow and let you know

BRITISHBULLDOG · 01-06-2005, 05:57 AM

marty it happens to us all,my right side was way stronger than my left but all i did was carry on doing bench presses and it sorted its self out.Practice your press and all will be resolved.Also dumbells are good as everyone said but i just carried on with the benching and you will become better in a month or two!

Newlife · 01-06-2005, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sharkbait31:
Newlife: I know that logically it wouldn't make sense!!! I haven't tested it that way in a while. I know the left has definately caught up with the right one quite a bit though... I'll test myself tomorrow and let you know

Cool, and Thanks.

MARTY · 01-06-2005, 08:36 AM

Sorry bout the caps JP and I wanted to say thanks to everyone for the response back on my little problem. I used to work out alot 8 to 10 years ago and never had this problem, but I'm now 27 years old and started weight lifting again and the problem just come up. I WILL start trying more DB's and keep working hard to see that everything balances out. Thanks again JP, Newlife, Sharkbait and British Bulldog

chris_f · 01-06-2005, 09:59 AM

Marty: Good luck man, and let us know how everything works out! And definately come back to us if you have more questions, or, hang around and just chat. It's fun 'round here! [img]smile.gif[/img]

CtA318 · 01-06-2005, 10:05 AM

Hm. Even the question was already answerd I have an input.

My left pec is bigger than my right. I am a righty. They both can lift the same amount of weight. Is it possible that there is more fat on my left side than my right? Thats what it seems like when I rub the muscle out. The muscles themselves dont seem to be bigger or smaller its just the cushioning around them. Anyone inputs on this?

Newlife · 01-06-2005, 10:24 AM

CtA318, That is interesting and now that a few people have posted this, I am really confused.

I still can't understand how 2 muscles that are of different sizes on the same body can perform the same. It just doesn't make sense to me unless one is only fatter, but has the sanme muscle mass. My understanding is the body accumulates fat in a pretty symetrical (sp?) pattern and would not lump up more fat on one side vs. the other.

How are people judging that both muscles are exact in performance? When I do alternating presses to failure, 1 arm ALWAYS fails prior to the other. It may be a difference of only 1 rep, but it never fails that my left (larger) arm always performs slightly better and to me that would make sense. Can someone help me understand this?

Thanks for the great discussion!

chris_f · 01-06-2005, 11:07 AM

Newlife: Snowstorm is keeping me from the gym today, but i'm gonna test to failure tomorrow and fill you in... this is interesting for sure!

Also, you're right! it logically doens't make sense!

BRITISHBULLDOG · 01-06-2005, 11:45 AM

no problems marty we all go throw this stage!Marty why dont you have a look in the fitness faq and get yourself a good workout so you know you are going in the right direction,if it muscle mass you are looking for try "home grown muscle" its a 12 month program?Anyway good luck for the future friend

gettinhuge · 01-06-2005, 11:57 AM

I have noticed that working your week side first and then your strong side helps me. I am just saying this works for me. Are you using a michine or freeweights? Machines seem to work the strong side alittle more. I also agree with the DB thing. I try to alternate DB and BB everyother week on alot of my exercises. Hope this helps, good luck.