Finally, I started at a gym... Questions!

[Bigger Daddy Shinryuu]

Hi guys!

Recently I started at a gym. Of course, this generated soreness in my muscles, but now it is better. I have a few questions though (the trainer did not have time to answer them).

I use mainly machines, and have discovered that when I'm using them my left arm is weaker than my right. How can this problem be fixed? Using less weight for the left arm on the machines? (The bench press machine has separate devices for left and right arm, it isn't like disc bar).

Also, I feel like I'm going to have a flu soon, should I train or wait?

If you are coming down with the flu you should definitely wait on lifting. Your body needs the rest.

as for your left being weaker. This is very common. Just use equal weight. Let you weaker side quit first. Keep lifting and your left side will catch up to your right. I had the same problem when I started.

[Bigger Daddy Shinryuu]

Ok, thanks! I appreciate your advice. Seems though I won't be getting the flu after all, thank god for Zinc!

By the way, Sean! Welcome back to the board!

You can also try switching to dumbells and training the weaker side first even working the weaker side a little harder than the dominant side. Working with dumbells will also prevent the stronger side from putting too much strain on the weaker side and injuring it. For instance on a standard bench press if your dominant side is quite a bit stronger there is more pressure on the opposite weaker shoulder and if it can't handle it you can injure it. The bench you are using has been made to prevent this ( a good thing ).

Remember to start slow and increase slowly, if you hurt yourself then you arn't doing yourself any good.

Most people have one side that is somewhat stronger even after many years of training.

Probably not abad idea to switch to dumbells. You actually can do the barbell bench safely at lighter wieghts and it will likely work to the same end. Funny thing, when you first start working-out you feel and looked better, and actually get "stronger" in a work capacity sense. However, alot of this initial effect is sometimes referred to as "forging neuro-muscular pathways" or something similar to that. Essentially, you muscles and associated nerves are learning how to lift the weight. I wouldn't get to worried about that symetrical strength situation just yet...it will likely even-out on it's own over time. Just don't overdue things off the start. Recovery, metabolism, immune system, etc. can often take a while to adjust to the new stresses you putting on yourself. I know from experience that I never forced myself into overtraining in the past...just blindly ran along with my enthusiasm until reality kicked me in the arse. Need more work for your ambition? Do a few extra sets of ab work. It's the area that most folks blow-off and despite what alot of folks say, there actually pretty hard to overtrain. Depending on the specific ab exercise, they really do keep metabolism and energy up quite well for me on off days. A few general stretches on off days serves your enthusiam well and is slightly conducive to good recovery. Good luck and progress to you, Big D. groa

[Bigger Daddy Shinryuu]

OK, thanks guys for your replies, I really appreciate them!

Anyways, it turned out that I did get the flu so I took a break from exercise. Ironically, now that I have recovered from the flu, I have heaps of stuff to do at school. Well, that's life I guess. =)

[Canuck]

I am having a dickens of a time trying to find information or instructions of "ab" work. You said

"Do a few extra sets of ab work. It's the area that most folks blow-off and despite what alot of folks say, there actually pretty hard to overtrain. Depending on the specific ab exercise, they really do keep metabolism and energy up quite well for me on off days."

If you (or anyone) can explain just how to do this I woulud be very greatful.

Thankyou Canuck

get off the machines and use free weights, when u r on a machine u dont have to stabilize and balance the weight so one side can do more work the the other. free weights r the opposite.