For example, when you do dumbbell curls, you could be leaning over too much on one side. This can create an imbalance in your muscle tone. When you lift barbells, you could be lifting one side higher than the other. This could make one arm stronger. If you are feeling pain or discomfort as you work out, it could be a sign that your form is off.
Being mindful while you exercise can also help you avoid potential injuries.
For example, when you do shoulder presses with a dumbbell, make sure your posture remains upright.
Personal trainers are certified in physical training and exercise, so they know how to create safe, healthy workout plans that are right for you.
Pull one arm across your chest and hold it for about 30 seconds, then repeat that on the other side. Try pushing your arm behind your head and holding it for 30 seconds, then repeat that on the other side.
To do tricep pushups, get into a normal push up position but keep your arms close to your shoulders. Lower your body down while keeping your arms parallel to your torso. To do tricep dips, get into a crab walk position with your hands behind you facing towards you and your torso facing upwards. Lift your rear off the ground and then bend your arms to do a reverse pushup motion. To do a shoulder press, grab a barbell or 2 dumbbells. Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart and your back straight, and raise your weights directly above your head. Then, lower them down so the weights are next to your head.
For example, if you always do bicep curls during your arm workout, try switching to pushups instead. Try doing dynamic exercises, like a curl and press. [8] X Expert Source Adam ShutyCertified Strength & Conditioning Specialist Expert Interview. 25 June 2021. Single arm exercises are a great way to strengthen your non-dominant arm. [9] X Expert Source Adam ShutyCertified Strength & Conditioning Specialist Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.
Perform the same exercise with both arms to see how much stronger your non-dominant arm is. For instance, if you can do 10 reps of an exercise with your dominant arm and only 6 reps with your other arm, your strength gap would be about 4 reps. [11] X Expert Source Adam ShutyCertified Strength & Conditioning Specialist Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.
You don’t have to give up barbells completely, but it is much easier to focus on one arm when that’s the only one you are working out. For example, instead of doing bicep curls with a barbell, try doing them with a dumbbell instead.
For example, if you did 10 bicep curls on each arm, do 5 extra on your weaker arm. Use caution when you work out your weaker arm more, as you could actually make your weaker arm stronger than your other arm. Try taking at least 6 weeks off your usual workout routine to correct your muscle imbalance. You’ll need at least 6 weeks to see strength gains and muscle growth in your weaker arm. [15] X Expert Source Adam ShutyCertified Strength & Conditioning Specialist Expert Interview. 25 June 2021.
It can be hard to track changes in yourself since you look at yourself every day. Taking pictures can help with that.