Failing at Beginning of Seated DB Press Movements

Bigger Stronger Leaner Beginners
1

Hi I started really lifting about 18 months ago - but only started really “training” - instead of just going through the motions - about 4 months.

For my vertical pressing movements I had mostly focused on barbell military presses, however, I started mixing in seated DB presses and I noticed I keep failing at the beginning of the lift, but only on my left side.

What’s the best way to correct this?
Just to drop the weight on the left side until it builds up?

Are there additional exercises that target the muscles used in that portion of the lift?

I do do vertical pulls, as well horizontal push/pull exercises as well.

Any help would be appreciated, many thanks.

2

Using a lighter weight for both arms is probably the best thing to do. Your right side will be on hold while your let side catches up. Don’t just decrease the weight on one side.

3

You can also do the presses with one arm at a time, starting with the weaker arm, and then keeping the same effort with the stronger one to prevent imbalances.

4

[quote]Enkiduu wrote:
Using a lighter weight for both arms is probably the best thing to do. Your right side will be on hold while your let side catches up. Don’t just decrease the weight on one side.[/quote]

In addition to this, make sure not to do any more reps with your right side than your left side can do in good form. And try to “feel” the technique–try and concentrate on using identical form on both sides.

No doubt this is really impossible as we all have individual variation from one side to the other, but the point is that you might be pressing in a different way with your left side–compensating with a different muscle, elbow out instead of in, or whatever.

Also, you can think about doing drop sets with just the left side-- 1st pick a lighter weight both sides can do, go until the left side gives out, then drop the weight further and do a 1 arm dumbbell press with your left side. Doesn’t have to be to failure, just get a few more reps done in good form.

The increased volume may help you build that side up. But make sure it’s in good form and that it’s actually accomplishing the job you want to do–don’t make this a failure set at first (maybe occasionally is ok), and make sure your form doesn’t change.