Our bodies are all built differently. We’re all put together in various ways that separate us from our peers. Longer torsos, differing bone structure, various muscle belly insertion points… We are all built differently, which makes sports like bodybuilding so interesting. Despite how different so many athletes are assembled, we all have a shot at winning a physique show by displaying our strengths (and minimizing our weaknesses) as effectively as possible.
There are times when these differences can hold us back from achieving greatness in the sport of bodybuilding as well. There are times when a certain imbalance can be so distracting to the eyes of judges or onlookers that immediate action must be taken to overcome the imbalance. One such imbalance that limits the achievement of many bodybuilders occurs in the pectorals. Pec differences can be due to many things, but the rest is a pair of chest muscle that don’t look like a pair. Rather, you see one outstanding pectoral and another that doesn’t look quite so nice. The causes of pectoral muscle imbalances may vary, as do the solutions to the problem. Let’s examine how to address a pectoral imbalance.
Look for damage
First off, you need to determine if the problem is due to medical or training reasons. If you have a legitimate problem, such as a torn pectoral or nerve damage, than there isn’t much you can do in the weight room to change things up. In that case, you will need to visit a physician and learn your options for restructuring or repairing the damaged area. If the area is healthy and medically sound, then you know that it is your training style and body layout which has led to the problem.
Determine and solve the problem
Now that you have learned the cause of the imbalance, you can quickly find the problem. Next, we will attack this problem using whatever training methodologies might be available to help change the course of action which led us to this point. We caused the imbalance, and it is up to us to solve it! Isolate with dumbbells. Flex the weaker pectoral. Stick with more isolation work for the weaker side. Stop allowing your triceps and shoulders to do the brunt of the work on chest training days. Pre-exhaust the area with flyes before bench pressing. Stretch every day. Look at the movements in the gym that you haven’t used for chest, and give them a try! Work with various low, high, and moderate repetition ranges. Mix things up!
Give it time
Patience is a virtue! We’re talking about an area that is already starting weak for whatever reason, which means you may actually see quick progress once you start giving the area the right kind of training. If it grew weak thanks to the wrong training, you may be able to reverse course quickly! If not, then patience is something you may need to find as you implement your new training program with great enthusiasm and await the results.
Re-Evaluate
Once you have devoted a solid 4 or 5 months to specific training to change up your pectoral imbalance, it is time to revisit the situation to determine if you have made satisfactory changes. If your chest looks the same, then it may definitely be time to work with a top bodybuilding trainer, and to visit a physician if you have not already. Maybe you couldn’t isolate any nerve or muscle damage which might have caused the imbalance. However, since you cannot solve the issue using traditional means, it is time to take it to a professional. Start from step one, find the solution, implement it, then re-evaluate once again!
