what to do if body sides progress unequally?

[ratcreature]

Like for example, I recently noticed that when doing sideplanks, it is somewhat easier on one side than the other, i.e. I could hold the plank longer on one side than the other if I hold it as long as possible. Also when doing split squats, I can do it slightly easier on my left than my right leg. How do I best help the "weaker" side to catch up in an exercise?

Comments

[daedala]

Two things:

1. Start moves on your weaker side. I at least reflexively use my dominant side first and then struggle to complete the reps on the weaker side. (Or "stronger" and "strong" sides, if you read Strongfirst. LOL.) Do what you can on the weaker side, and then don't do any more than that on the strong side.

If the imbalance is minor this should do it.

2. Do one set on your weaker side, one set on your strong side, and then another set on your weaker side. Don't try to make it even. If the imbalance is big, this should help. (H/T Bret Contreras.)

[ratcreature]

Thanks for the tip, I'll try the first method first, because I don't think the difference is very big, I just don't want it to get worse rather than improve with exercise. And right now I do tend to start exercises with the left leg first, not so much because it is dominant (I'm right handed) but because of some internalized left-to-right order thing I resort to when counting and keeping track of repetitions, probably because of reading order or something...

[daedala]

Oh, yeah, if you just don't want it to get worse, that should be sufficient. I hope it helps!

It can be really weird. Especially whole-body exercises. I tried to start my Turkish get ups today with my left arm up and got completely confused because I'd had my legs set the other way. I got started and couldn't figure out for a few seconds why it wasn't working.