How to correct a symetry issue?

[Cameron_R]

Hi,

From years of playing competitive tennis right handed, my right side is stronger than my left, biceps in particular.

Since I've started lifting, my left bi always fails first, so it gets worked harder than my right and now my left bi is bigger than my right!

Left side is larger and weaker

Right side is smaller and stronger !

Anyone got any suggestions on how to correct this kind of symmetry issue without making the strength difference even worse?

[Shutupandsquat]

Have you measured them or are you posing them differently? It sounds weird to have the right side smaller, especially since most tennis players lats, arms and shoulders are generally bigger on the side they use most (My brother told me that). If you're building mass and your right side actually IS smaller, start off using that side first. Although your left side would fail earlier, you can always spot yourself. If you're doing strength, do the other way around. Others may disagree because I'm still learning but that's just what I think.

[Pseudonym]

I'm the same, Cameron. I'm right-handed, but in my latest measurements, my left bicep was bigger - I can only assume I was over-compensating. (Although, to add to the confusion, my right bicep had a slightly better peak, even though it was smaller!)

As Shutup says, switching the side you start with is a good approach to take. I alternate it though, rather than making a permanent switch - otherwise you could find yourself over-compensating in the other direction!

[Optimass]

Always start curls with your weaker side - and let the weight be guided by the weaker side too. You'll probably never correct it mate - I have a 1/2 inch difference which I think is really noticable but others don't pick up on.

I think once your brain knows its there your pretty much jinxed :pfft:

[PeterDolan]

I have a 1/2 inch difference which I think is really noticable but others don't pick up on

You'd probably find that'd be the case with almost everyone, like you said though, it isn't very noticeable

[aidangro]

I'm the same, Cameron. I'm right-handed, but in my latest measurements, my left bicep was bigger - I can only assume I was over-compensating. (Although, to add to the confusion, my right bicep had a slightly better peak, even though it was smaller!)

As Shutup says, switching the side you start with is a good approach to take. I alternate it though, rather than making a permanent switch - otherwise you could find yourself over-compensating in the other direction!

ha thats funny my right bicep is a tad smaller with a better peak as well, gives the illusion that its bigger than the left one.

[Cameron_R]

I have a 1/2 inch difference which I think is really noticable but others don't pick up on

You'd probably find that'd be the case with almost everyone, like you said though, it isn't very noticeable

Good points. If my training partner ( )didn't make me do a front double biceps in the mirror at the gym, this would not be an issue! Ignorance is bliss

I'll just keep the t-shirt sleeves on and avoid any more posing hey!

(but I will start with my left and see how that goes).

Thanks everyone

[Dubble_D]

:doh:

[Sifo-Dyas]

The reason for the size/strength discrepancy will be due to a disproportionate muscle fibre ratio.

Type 1 fibres are slower to contract and slower to fatigue and they re also smaller in size, Type 2 fibres are faster to contract and faster to fatigue and are bigger in size.

Bodybuilders attempt to target type 2 fibres, and to increase the ratio of type 2 fibres which will maximise the over all size of the muscles.

It is like comparing an Olympic sprinter to a marathon runner. The marathon runner has smaller legs but these legs are stronger from the perspective that can endure load for an incredible amount of time. Whereas sprinters have much larger legs and they are powerful and fast over a short distance but could be considered weaker as they can not endure a long load.

Being a right handed tennis player your right side has a greater proportion of type 1 fibres than your left.

If you focus on styles of hypertrophy training that will target type 2 fibres, within a reasonable time this ratio will correct itself as some of the type 1 fibres can, and will covert back to type 2 fibres in response to your new training methods.

[Shutupandsquat]

I have a 1/2 inch difference which I think is really noticable but others don't pick up on

You'd probably find that'd be the case with almost everyone, like you said though, it isn't very noticeable

I'll just keep the t-shirt sleeves on and avoid any more posing hey!

Hell nah! Look at the arms to give yourself that goal to aim for; to remind you of what needs to be done.

[PeterDolan]

The marathon runner has smaller legs but these legs are stronger from the perspective that can endure load for an incredible amount of time. Whereas sprinters have much larger legs and they are powerful and fast over a short distance but could be considered weaker as they can not endure a long load

But sprinters legs are stronger, I get what you're saying but by your arguement, a marathon runner has stronger legs than a PLer

[Deano]

I have symetry problems, I slouch to the right side....but I dont care cause im a straight uso 'I lean wit it rock wit it.

[tomsammce]

I have symetry problems, I slouch to the right side....but I dont care cause im a straight uso 'I lean wit it rock wit it.

ahahahahahahaha!

[Rookie]

I have symetry problems, I slouch to the right side....but I dont care cause im a straight uso 'I lean wit it rock wit it.

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHAA, too much bench Deano?

[Shutupandsquat]

I have symetry problems, I slouch to the right side....but I dont care cause im a straight uso 'I lean wit it rock wit it.

Are you joking or being serious?

[crazyfacials]

I have symetry problems, I slouch to the right side....but I dont care cause im a straight uso 'I lean wit it rock wit it.

Are you joking or being serious?

Deano is a straight up G

[Rookie]

I have symetry problems, I slouch to the right side....but I dont care cause im a straight uso 'I lean wit it rock wit it.

Are you joking or being serious?

Deano is a straight up G

I think this video describes Deano well

[Sifo-Dyas]

The marathon runner has smaller legs but these legs are stronger from the perspective that can endure load for an incredible amount of time. Whereas sprinters have much larger legs and they are powerful and fast over a short distance but could be considered weaker as they can not endure a long load

But sprinters legs are stronger, I get what you're saying but by your arguement, a marathon runner has stronger legs than a PLer

Stronger from the perspective that the muscles are able to endure load a much longer duration. If you calculate the total load between the two athletes the marathon runner would be able to move or lift a combined total greater than that of a power lifter. A marathon runner does not have anywhere near the explosive fast power and immediate strength of a power lifter. This is the difference between fast twitch and slow twitch muscle fibres and how their size will effect symmetry

[PeterDolan]

But strength is what you can lift for 1RM, you are referring to a combination of aerobic capacity and muscular endurance