[wannabjj]

One of the guys I'm trying to help in the weight room has a fairly large strength imbalance between his left and right side (I think it's primarily in his triceps, but I am not sure). When he does bench press or OHP or anything of that nature he twists his right shoulder up. This is especially noticeable in later sets. Having him go lower in weight and concentrate on form hasn't seemed to work - I think that he simply needs to get the right side stronger.

Questions:
1) How do I tell which muscle is the primary culprit, if that's possible?
2) How do I help him correct this? If it is for example his right tri, should I give him a couple isolation exercises to do extra sets for this side?

Thanks in advance.

[wannabjj]

double post

[Clint07]

Have you tried having him do the exercises with dumbells? That way he has to move an equal amount of weight with each hand and can't compensate for the difference.

[wannabjj]

Yeah - I had him do incline dumbbell presses yesterday in addition to the barbell work. He still twists like crazy, trying to push his right shoulder up.

[Cap'n]

Originally Posted by wannabjj

Yeah - I had him do incline dumbbell presses yesterday in addition to the barbell work. He still twists like crazy, trying to push his right shoulder up.

I'm assuming he's right handed? That'd be pretty strange if he wasn't...

Anyways, drill it into his head NOT to twist one side higher than the other. If he does it, stop him, and tell him again.

If he continues to do it despite your instructions, use a cattle prod. He'll get the message.

[wannabjj]

Originally Posted by Alan Goode

I'm assuming he's right handed? That'd be pretty strange if he wasn't...

Anyways, drill it into his head NOT to twist one side higher than the other. If he does it, stop him, and tell him again.

If he continues to do it despite your instructions, use a cattle prod. He'll get the message.

Actually, his left side is his dominant side. You think it's just a matter of continuing to drop weight and having him concentrate on form?

[BlastBeats]

This happened to me in benching a couple years ago because of a shoulder injury (that healed up nicely thank god). I just dropped the weight and concentrated on keeping form. If I felt myself starting to twist I would stop the lift and correct myself then lock it out or have my spotter get the weight up. Id rather not get the rep than keep doing it incorrectly. If that doesn't work maybe get a couple belts and strap his upper body to the bench so he physicaly can't twist.

[takeahnase]

Try floor presses maybe? I dunno, if he "twists" he may be in pain or at least feel some twinge or something in his shoulder.

[DEVILsSON]

I agree with doing unilateral training. Train both sides with the same weight(ie weight your weakest side can do)...while using good form

you can also consider adding more volume for the weaker side....

perhaps flex and hold muscles of the weak side and look/focus on the weak side as the weight is moving....I literally try to dig my left(weaker) side in to the bench whne doing bench presses..while looking at my left hand as I am pushing the weight...

also makes sure he sets up properly when doing bench....digs in with his feet...get a good arch....digs his shoulders/butt into the bench...etc.....

[BabyPhenom]

When he does exercises with a BB, make him lead with his weak side first.