Question about symmetry and muscle weakness
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 12:51 pm
I am a novice (girl if that matters) and am 2 days into both No S and Shovelglove. I am recovering from long term spinal problems and pinched nerves resulting in moderate left side weakness. Also a car accident 4 months ago, that caused depression and wrecked havoc on my eating habits and workout habits. I put on maybe 20-30 lbs of fat and lost so much muscle. I am working out again with doctors approval and am seeking to be most efficient.
My right side is fine. I have no problems completing 7 of each movement pattern. But my left side is so weak, the movements are so much more difficult. I am holding the sledgehammer closer to the head to decrease resistance, compared to my right side. But, I am still struggling to compete 7 of each movement with good form and without allowing other muscles to compensate.
I was told by my doctor in regards to weight lifting, I should start on my weak side and do an extra set on my weak side. I haven't really gotten back into lifting the same way I was before the car accident. I mostly do big compound lifts (squats, deadlifts, presses pulls). So this advise did not really apply since haven't been doing isolation work.
So far, I really like the Shovelglove workout. I don't want increase the imbalance between the sides of my body. Any suggestions would be helpful. Since, I am a novice I have been starting on my right side, as my more coordinated side to learn the movements.
My idea for a modification would be to start on my left for 5, then right for 7, then left again for 5 (for each movement this applies to).
Thanks for any suggestions or other encouragement. I "borrowed" my brother's sledgehammer, it is probably 8 lbs, not sure though.
My right side is fine. I have no problems completing 7 of each movement pattern. But my left side is so weak, the movements are so much more difficult. I am holding the sledgehammer closer to the head to decrease resistance, compared to my right side. But, I am still struggling to compete 7 of each movement with good form and without allowing other muscles to compensate.
I was told by my doctor in regards to weight lifting, I should start on my weak side and do an extra set on my weak side. I haven't really gotten back into lifting the same way I was before the car accident. I mostly do big compound lifts (squats, deadlifts, presses pulls). So this advise did not really apply since haven't been doing isolation work.
So far, I really like the Shovelglove workout. I don't want increase the imbalance between the sides of my body. Any suggestions would be helpful. Since, I am a novice I have been starting on my right side, as my more coordinated side to learn the movements.
My idea for a modification would be to start on my left for 5, then right for 7, then left again for 5 (for each movement this applies to).
Thanks for any suggestions or other encouragement. I "borrowed" my brother's sledgehammer, it is probably 8 lbs, not sure though.