I had this problem – my right bicep was bigger than the left. My left trapezius (the muscle right beside the neck and before the shoulder) was bigger than the right. So were my thighs.
So, for laymen like us, this so called muscle imbalance is quite common. What is the big deal then?
- Symmetrical muscles are less prone to injury. Just imagine that – the bigger or stronger of your right bicep, the more likely it will compensate for a weaker left bicep. Without realizing, you may overburden the right bicep. At the same time, your left bicep may further weaken. In cases you need to exert the close amount of strength on both biceps, the left bicep will not be able to take it compared with the stronger right one, making it prone to injury.
- The other reason will be aesthetic value (nicer to view). Body builder and models strive hard for this reason.
So, what are some of the possible solutions for muscle symmetry challenge:
- One of the ways is to go for dumbbell instead of barbell or machine. For instance, take dumbbell each in your right hand and left hand instead of using barbell for your bench press if you want to fix the problem of having imbalance chest muscles. As for thighs, you can opt for lunges instead of barbell squats.
- The other option is to train for additional set for the weaker part. Say, in order to have the right leg catch up in size and circumference with the left, I have worked only the right leg for an additional set or two.
- Sometimes, posture may be the reason causing this imbalance. So, make sure you get the form right in your training.
While boosting the muscle mass of your right leg or arms, continue to work the left ones so that it does not lose strength and flexibility. The result will not happen overnight, or even over the course of a week. As with any training or workout regimen, with time, hard work, and determination, we all can move toward equalizing the size of the muscles.
So, have you looked into the mirror to see which ball is bigger, left or right? I mean….
Your eye balls.
Category: Weight Training 
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Mike // Nov 27, 2007 at 6:21 PM
I’ve also noticed a difference in the size of my traps. I’m pretty sure it’s the result of boxing – Jab with the left, power with the right. Other sports will have this problem too – Tennis players, pitchers, batters etc.
My one leg is also a bit bigger than the other due to a chronic injury that makes me favour the left. When I’m in the gym I train them evenly, but it’s when I’m not in the gym, like getting out of my car or out of my seat, that I favour the left. It makes a huge difference.
Oh yeah, left ball, I mean eyeball, definately bigger :-)
ikengkai // Dec 2, 2007 at 1:10 PM
Wow huh, mun!! Good catch!
Let us do the proper workout to build muscle size and reduce total body fat!! yeah!!
Continue your good blog!! I like it.
ikengkai
will // Oct 19, 2008 at 4:47 AM
I grew up playing baseball and my muscles developed an imbalance. I fixed this problem by reversing the postures of my right and left sides and gathering my core muscle toward my center. Begin with your feet; analyze the difference in their density, notice the difference in dexterity between toes on the right and toes on the left, feel the difference in blood flow. Matching my feet was the key, the rest fell in place over time. My philosophy is, “You can change anything you are aware of”.
frank // Nov 24, 2008 at 4:50 PM
the main thing when it comes to muscle imbalance is having your pecs much stronger than your rhomboids, ive never heard of having one arm too strong compared to the other causing injuries though
john // Mar 22, 2009 at 12:41 PM
My left bicep is smaller than my right one. It does suck bad, but im training to fix it.
damiun raines // Jul 23, 2009 at 7:25 AM
i just started the p90x and my left arm is bigger than the right arm. i am right handed so please help to fix this issue. i will try to work out my right arm more to see what will happen
hey_ner // Aug 3, 2009 at 11:13 PM
my pecs wer not also symmetrical, my left pecs is much bigger than my right but im trying to fix it. i started doing the dumbell press instead of doing barbell press and i only workout the right pecs. am i doing the right thing? how long can i achieve a symmetrical pecs?
Fredd // Sep 9, 2009 at 2:47 AM
i have this problem too, my right pec, trap and shoulder is smaller than the left ones, also i think my abs too
what can i do, using dumbell?, also my right delt is alil bit bigger than the left one, i dont know this is so weird, plx someone msg me
Kadeem // Oct 2, 2009 at 9:02 PM
This is for (Mike) You are into boxing bro?!?! That’s pretty sick, so am i and i know what you mean my left trap is bigger than my right due to constant jabs w/ the left! Do you box to fight or just for personal fittness?!
Kadeem // Oct 2, 2009 at 9:12 PM
(Fred) I have the same problem as you, i don’t know how it occured probably impropper form in my earlier days of working out..But you should train each muscle and add more sets to the one that is weaker!(Y)
dave // Oct 4, 2009 at 9:38 AM
right shoulder is smaller than my left, left bicep and tricep is smaller than my right. from reading the article above im going to try just dumbbells for the parts im having trouble with. add 1 to 2 more sets on the lacking muscles.
josh // Mar 16, 2010 at 7:24 PM
man my right eye is smaller than my left.. its not lazy, its just smaller.. shit drives me nuts… i never noticed til recently.. anybody kno what the deal is?