my chest is uneven - UK-Muscle Body Building Community

phatxtiger · 28-07-2004, 08:45 PM

Hi guys, it is pretty embarrasing but my chest is uneven.

I am right handed, and my right side of chest is a lot smaller than my left side. I've been doing bench press for about 3 years now, though not constantly. It seems like i have both more fat and muscle the left side. Also, i have more hair on the left side.

I don't understand this because I rarely use my left side. Is my right size reducing because I use it too much? Because the general understanding is that the more you work out, the bigger you get, I am now confused, will working out more on the right size will make it even, or more uneven?

Hardrive · 28-07-2004, 11:59 PM

Hi there Phatxtiger

Many people develop an imbalance as a natural result of having a preferred "writing side". Having an injury can further accentuate this lack of symmetry.

If it is not the result of an injury then the best way to fix imbalances IMO is to drop back on the weight a little so that you are playing to the strength of your weaker side. Watch your form really closely - this is critical. You should notice the imbalance start to slowly disappear. If you try to lift too heavy, the problem can get worse as your stronger side will take up even more of the work and build at the cost of your weaker side. So perfect your form and moderate your weight.

Once you have your balance back, start working harder, but once again watch your form.

Hope this info helps if any one disagrees feel free to amend.

Killerkeane · 29-07-2004, 12:50 AM

yes, this weakness on one side is caused by (i believe) by your brain. The brain is divided into 2 parts, left and right
The left controls the right side of the body
the right controls left side of the body.
Everybody has a stronger side of the brain, my left arm is a lot weaker than my right,
After 8 reps benching, my left always gives in before my right which is a pain in that a$$ but like hardrive said, watch the form and develop the weaker side.

winger · 29-07-2004, 02:21 AM

I think it has something to do with the heart being more on the left side ;)

damagedgoods · 29-07-2004, 08:15 AM

have you noticed that often ladies have one breast bigger than the other....

I've been doing a bit of a survay over the past few years - well to be more accurate since I hit about 12years old ;) - from my investigation it appears that a woman will have the breast that is opposite her writing hand bigger - so if they are right handed the left tit is bigger and vica versa. I put it down to th body trying to maintian homeostasis - so as the dominant hand is used more that side of the body is subjected to more stress - the body tries to compensate by growing - but since the dominant side is used more it has less rest so grows less.

**big pete** · 29-07-2004, 09:15 AM

yeah, with winger. its to do with your heart. catchily know as the "heart-side"

same as me. my rib cage is slightly caved in on the right side (ribs bend in, as-against outwards) and to add insult to injury the pec muscle is smaller too.

when working chest ive tried pre-exhausting with flies, and doing 2 reps on the right for every one on the left. for the time i did it. it worked

Killerkeane · 29-07-2004, 12:01 PM

how can the placement of the heart affect lifting? Not a flame, just wondering

**big pete** · 29-07-2004, 12:13 PM

nutrient rich blood is recieved first i assume

crazycacti · 29-07-2004, 12:16 PM

If u have an asymetric part of ur body i'd use dumbells exclusively for at least 6 weeks - ie. Flat bench DB, Alt. Dumbbell curls.... this allows u to stop when the weaker side has fatigued and allows that side to catch up, it can be a blessing in disguise too since DB allow u to get more of a range of movement which allows for more of a stretch and allows ur supporting muscles to be used more

Mr T · 29-07-2004, 12:58 PM

yeah add in more dumbell work mate.......

Ultrasonic · 29-07-2004, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big pete

nutrient rich blood is recieved first i assume

Hmmm... much as I hate to disagree with you big guy, I don't think that can be quite right I'm afraid. I can't remember for certain where the blood supply for the pecs originates, but I expect it's very near the heart on the descending aorta, and will have one artery going to each side of the chest. So I think blood to each side should have the same percentage nutrient content. If there really is a recognised difference in growth between the left and right side of the chest then just possibly the blood supply is better to the left hand side (i.e. gets more blood and therefore more nutrients)? Or is able to develop to be better more easily than the right?

If this is commonly seen, do people who are left handed still tend to see more development on the left than the right?

Killerkeane · 29-07-2004, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultrasonic

Hmmm... much as I hate to disagree with you big guy, I don't think that can be quite right I'm afraid. I can't remember for certain where the blood supply for the pecs originates, but I expect it's very near the heart on the descending aorta, and will have one artery going to each side of the chest. So I think blood to each side should have the same percentage nutrient content. If there really is a recognised difference in growth between the left and right side of the chest then just possibly the blood supply is better to the left hand side (i.e. gets more blood and therefore more nutrients)? Or is able to develop to be better more easily than the right?

If this is commonly seen, do people who are left handed still tend to see more development on the left than the right?

i would definetly say, the side that develops the fastest and most effective is the opposite thw writing hand, kicking foot, etc etc.
Thing is my left tricep is weaker than my right, but my left bicep is stronger than my right, i think it is just the form more than anything

28-07-2004, 08:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
phatxtiger Newbie Trainer Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2	my chest is uneven Hi guys, it is pretty embarrasing but my chest is uneven. I am right handed, and my right side of chest is a lot smaller than my left side. I've been doing bench press for about 3 years now, though not constantly. It seems like i have both more fat and muscle the left side. Also, i have more hair on the left side. I don't understand this because I rarely use my left side. Is my right size reducing because I use it too much? Because the general understanding is that the more you work out, the bigger you get, I am now confused, will working out more on the right size will make it even, or more uneven?

28-07-2004, 11:59 PM	#2 (permalink)
Hardrive Gym Addict Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: uk Posts: 154	Hi there Phatxtiger Many people develop an imbalance as a natural result of having a preferred "writing side". Having an injury can further accentuate this lack of symmetry. If it is not the result of an injury then the best way to fix imbalances IMO is to drop back on the weight a little so that you are playing to the strength of your weaker side. Watch your form really closely - this is critical. You should notice the imbalance start to slowly disappear. If you try to lift too heavy, the problem can get worse as your stronger side will take up even more of the work and build at the cost of your weaker side. So perfect your form and moderate your weight. Once you have your balance back, start working harder, but once again watch your form. Hope this info helps if any one disagrees feel free to amend. __________________ "One man has enthusiasm for 30 minutes, another for 30 days, but it is the man who has it for 30 years who makes a success of his life." ----------------------------------

29-07-2004, 12:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Killerkeane The Geezer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Somerset although im not proud lol. Posts: 2,978	yes, this weakness on one side is caused by (i believe) by your brain. The brain is divided into 2 parts, left and right The left controls the right side of the body the right controls left side of the body. Everybody has a stronger side of the brain, my left arm is a lot weaker than my right, After 8 reps benching, my left always gives in before my right which is a pain in that a$$ but like hardrive said, watch the form and develop the weaker side. __________________ Fortes Fortuna Paratus Mens-Fortune favours the prepared mind.:amen:

29-07-2004, 02:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
winger UK-Muscle Male Animal Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Southern California, USA Posts: 10,328 Blog Entries: 1	I think it has something to do with the heart being more on the left side ;) __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

29-07-2004, 09:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
big pete UK-Muscle Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: south midlands Posts: 3,797	yeah, with winger. its to do with your heart. catchily know as the "heart-side" same as me. my rib cage is slightly caved in on the right side (ribs bend in, as-against outwards) and to add insult to injury the pec muscle is smaller too. when working chest ive tried pre-exhausting with flies, and doing 2 reps on the right for every one on the left. for the time i did it. it worked __________________ any questions?? feel free to email me on.... To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 'there is greatness inside all of us, how deep are you willing to dig? '

29-07-2004, 08:15 AM	#5 (permalink)
damagedgoods Looking Freaky Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Wisbech Posts: 763	have you noticed that often ladies have one breast bigger than the other.... I've been doing a bit of a survay over the past few years - well to be more accurate since I hit about 12years old ;) - from my investigation it appears that a woman will have the breast that is opposite her writing hand bigger - so if they are right handed the left tit is bigger and vica versa. I put it down to th body trying to maintian homeostasis - so as the dominant hand is used more that side of the body is subjected to more stress - the body tries to compensate by growing - but since the dominant side is used more it has less rest so grows less.

29-07-2004, 12:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
Killerkeane The Geezer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Somerset although im not proud lol. Posts: 2,978	how can the placement of the heart affect lifting? Not a flame, just wondering __________________ Fortes Fortuna Paratus Mens-Fortune favours the prepared mind.:amen:

29-07-2004, 12:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
big pete UK-Muscle Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: south midlands Posts: 3,797	nutrient rich blood is recieved first i assume __________________ any questions?? feel free to email me on.... To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 'there is greatness inside all of us, how deep are you willing to dig? '

29-07-2004, 12:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
crazycacti Fat and bulking... Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Isle of Man/Newcastle Posts: 1,417	If u have an asymetric part of ur body i'd use dumbells exclusively for at least 6 weeks - ie. Flat bench DB, Alt. Dumbbell curls.... this allows u to stop when the weaker side has fatigued and allows that side to catch up, it can be a blessing in disguise too since DB allow u to get more of a range of movement which allows for more of a stretch and allows ur supporting muscles to be used more

29-07-2004, 12:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
Mr T Looking Freaky Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: N.Ireland Posts: 709	yeah add in more dumbell work mate....... __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.