Help - way too weak in non-dominant side!

[Zin]

Whats up everyone, I have a little problem - I always used my right arm to lift my scuba tanks for about 5 years (it was a subconscious habit) and now when I do excercises with dumbells like curls or what not at the same time, my left side always fails at least 4-5 reps before my right. It's bad on the bench press for example too; I can only do as many reps as my left side is capable of before failing, when I know I could probably be doing almost double with the right. It is noticable on just about every other upper body excrsise as well.

If I continue lifting equally on both sides will my less dominant side slowly reach a point when it is equal with my dominant side or should I actually concentrate on building my weaker side for a while?

Thanks

 

[Arnold]

continue to use primarily dumbbells until you get them even, also do a couple of extra sets on the weak side each work-out.

 

[BulkMeUp]

continue to use primarily dumbbells until you get them even, also do a couple of extra sets on the weak side each work-out.

I agree 100%.

 

[CowPimp]

I say use dumbells and start with the weaker arm. Only match the number of reps done with the weaker arm with your stronger arm.

 

[Zin]

Thanks guys, I will continue to do this - usually my left side is a little more sore and takes a little more time to completly heal up after my lifting day, I am taking this as a good sign.

 

[Spottieottie]

yea like everybody else said, bilateral training is better in some aspects so situations like yours do not happen. It also keeps the muscles more off balance than unilateral

 

[DimebagDarrell]

also, barbells are not a bad idea, as the strong side will only be able to work as hard as the weak side. good luck on catching up

my left shoulder is weaker than my right, so i do excercises with the left first, then do to the right only as many reps as i could manage with the left.