Muscle Strength vs. Size: Explored

[JCVanilla4125]

Hi,
Muscle strength and muscle size don't always correlate; in fact they often don't. Strength has more to do with the tendons leverage (determined by its position of insertion on the bone) and tensile strength; along with the muscles ability to contract. If your right arm is naturally stronger than your left, maybe your left had to get bigger (hypertrophy) to equal your right's natural ability. Nearly everyone has differences between their left and right sides. I'm left handed but my right arm is a quarter of an inch bigger than my left; and always has been. My right leg however is about a half an inch smaller than my left leg. It really doesn't matter as long as you are not seeing a difference in strength on either side. Remember the hallmark of the disease we won't name is weakness!!! In the absence of that, no worries!

 

[StephG22]

We never would have noticed these subtle differences that we've most likely always have had if we weren't so obsessed with our fears. I used to study every difference and get scared but I've since learned that it's much healthier not to even look. You will never get past these fears unless you stop looking.

 

[Selena647]

You're right StephG22! I have been (and kind of still am) a looker. By that I mean I've spend WAY too much time over the past 11 months staring at the size of my muscles. The days I tell myself not to look always turn out to be happier days for me.

Johnny my friend, I see your still concerned about atrophy. I know where you're coming from because that thought creeps into my head still on occasion. I just keep reminding myself, and now I'll remind you , what my neuro said "Atrophy is the ADVANCED stages of weakness". Say that phrase to yourself whenever those nasty thoughts come around. It helps me....I hope it helps you too ! )

Barb

 

[DJohnDavies]

Thanks for your responses.

StephG22 - you are so right that this all starts with the fear and consequent obsession over the fear. I mean, who in their right mind sits around measuring their limbs to check for differences? It's kind of embarrasing, really.

jcavan - I like your thinking about the left side getting bigger to keep up with the right. I've wondered about that too - especially as I've increased the weight on all my lifts. It's not like my right arm is any weaker than my left, it just seems like my left wants to get/be bigger.

Barb - thanks for being so supportive. And thanks for reminding me about what your neuro said.

Johnny

 

[Drogulus]

I am right handed and my right upper arm and thumb muscles are a little smaller than my left. Has been like that for years. Also my left leg is smaller than my right. Asymmetry is normal, I think.

 

[AllGoodHere]

A dominant arm (as pointed out by jcavan) doesn't have to be larger - it is most probably more skilled in that it is better coordinated and has a fuller range of motion. We are not symmetrical creatures - if you work at it really hard like gymnasts and dancers often do because they are expected to perform on both sides equally and also because they do aerial moves (spins and turns in the air demand a good right/left balance). You could get close but most of us aren't balanced muscularly (size varies). Ask any physical therapist and they will tell you how this tendency in us can often cause physical problems that they regularly treat in individuals that have no neurological problems. They have some kind of saying about this - 'we are a wonder of compensating dysfunction' or something of the sort (any PTs here?)