[Albert Naugle Gudiño]

Albert Naugle Gudiño on September 27, 2011 at 10:00 am #17862

So I’ve always noticed greater size in my right thigh than my left and I decided to measure.
The circumference of my right thigh is 1.5cm larger than my left, but also my left calf is .6cm larger than my right.
This is after about a month of trying to correct this imbalance in the gym.

My athletic history is that I’ve been playing futbol (aka soccer) since age 5 and had a very right leg dominated kick until my
later teenage years where I worked on that as well.

What I want to know is should I be concerned with this? is it possible to be perfectly symmetrical? are Elite athletes
in the same boat or are they “perfect”

In my running I really don’t notice any difference. The concern comes when I Squat, Deadlift and jump from both feet.

when I do these exercises I feel (or at least think) I load more on my right side.

I have 1000 more questions on this but you get the idea. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[Craig Pickering]

Craig Pickering on September 28, 2011 at 8:58 am #111056

I have often wondered the same. I get left sided achillies issues, and so measured my calf circumferences. I found that my left one was about 1.5cm smaller. This might just be coincidence.

Certainly, it makes sense that you should attempt to load both legs equally in strength exercises, as both legs have equal contribution in running. It also prevents unequal loading around the spine, and unequal tissue lengths/tensions.

Having said that, you will never be perfectly symmetrical. If you are right footed, it makes sense that the muscles in this leg might be larger, as they are used more. If you play less football and concentrate on symmetrical resistance exercises, this would go back to normal.

[Albert Naugle Gudiño]

Albert Naugle Gudiño on September 28, 2011 at 9:43 am #111058

Thanks Craig.

I absolutely try and make sure to load both legs evenly in the gym. The football has come to a full stop for the past 2 years which is why I’m still a little concerned.

Whats more, I lead with my left leg in the blocks. It just feels more comfortable. I also jump (as in long jump or dunk) off of my left foot as well. Should I be starting with my right leg forward if indeed it is stronger? I know your “supposed” to start with your strongest leg forward, but I feel awkward and not nearly as quick as when I do with my left.

Again your help is greatly appreciated.

[Carl Valle]

Carl Valle on September 28, 2011 at 9:49 am #111059

I have often wondered the same. I get left sided achillies issues, and so measured my calf circumferences. I found that my left one was about 1.5cm smaller. This might just be coincidence.

Certainly, it makes sense that you should attempt to load both legs equally in strength exercises, as both legs have equal contribution in running. It also prevents unequal loading around the spine, and unequal tissue lengths/tensions.

Having said that, you will never be perfectly symmetrical. If you are right footed, it makes sense that the muscles in this leg might be larger, as they are used more. If you play less football and concentrate on symmetrical resistance exercises, this would go back to normal.

Check foot mechanics….that’s usually the cause and the symptoms move up the chain.

[Albert Naugle Gudiño]

Albert Naugle Gudiño on September 28, 2011 at 1:32 pm #111067

what are proper foot mechanics? POSE?

[Craig Pickering]

Craig Pickering on September 28, 2011 at 8:24 pm #111072

[quote author="Craig Pickering" date="1317180507"]I have often wondered the same. I get left sided achillies issues, and so measured my calf circumferences. I found that my left one was about 1.5cm smaller. This might just be coincidence.

Certainly, it makes sense that you should attempt to load both legs equally in strength exercises, as both legs have equal contribution in running. It also prevents unequal loading around the spine, and unequal tissue lengths/tensions.

Having said that, you will never be perfectly symmetrical. If you are right footed, it makes sense that the muscles in this leg might be larger, as they are used more. If you play less football and concentrate on symmetrical resistance exercises, this would go back to normal.

Check foot mechanics….that’s usually the cause and the symptoms move up the chain.[/quote]

Dont I know it! My left ankle is pretty well blocked, which no-one can really shift that well!