Barbell

ThePhantom · Post by **ThePhantom** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 1:52 am

I just started using the barbell for chest exercises (used 2 use dumbells) but anyway, i've found that when I use the barbell it doesnt go up striaght (ie i tilt it more to 1 side than the other). Does anyone know what may be casuing this and what I can do to make sure it goes up and straight? Cheers

Twitch · Post by **Twitch** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:37 am

Sounds like one side is overcompensating for the other. When you were using dumbells, did the same thing happen?

ThePhantom · Post by **ThePhantom** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:40 am

Twitch wrote:Sounds like one side is overcompensating for the other. When you were using dumbells, did the same thing happen?

When I use dumbells it didn't happen. I would do dumbell flys and it neve rhappened.

Twitch · Post by **Twitch** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 9:46 am

Dumbell flys target somewhat of a different muscle than barbell bench presses. Bench pressing using a lot of triceps as well. Try doing some tricep kickbacks with dumbells and see if one arm is stronger than the other.

FeeFee · Post by **FeeFee** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 11:30 am

When I do bench presses with bar bells, I have a lsight tilt to one side too...trainer says one side is stronger than the other and to correct it, I should use dumbells, so thats what I've been doing. I think I'm seeing an improvement, slowly but surely.

jbeach · Post by **jbeach** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:30 pm

ThePhantom - I think most people will have the same problem when initially using a barbell. Just keep at it and eventually it will even out. Keep up with the dumbbells too, as that will help. Same thing happened to me when I started using the barbell. To this day, when I'm doing the last couple reps at a heavier weight, sometimes I still find that left arm lags behind right.

benjamteal · Post by **benjamteal** » Sun Sep 02, 2007 1:07 pm

It also gives you an opportunity to realize the "mind-muscle" connection. Concentrate on lifting the bar evenly when you are using lighter weight. This will allow the weaker side to catch up in strength to its counter part.

The other thing you do, as FeeFee mentioned above, is use the dumbbells to bench press (instead of flye). This ensures that, independently, both sides are usine similar weight. Be sure to again concentrate of form, since you want both sides following the same lifting motion.

swanso5 · Post by **swanso5** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 9:32 am

you have tightness in the back of the shoulder and probably an irritated subscapularis...search sleeper stretch and do that everyday as well as focusing on Rows and External Rotations, rubber Band Internal Rotation with arm at side and at 90 degrees keeping shoulder baldes locked in place, wrist straight and pelvis pulled up

search what you don't know