Shoulder development & strength

**Ronin** · Posted On: 11/20/2003 1:23pm

I currently do overhead presses with a barbell in a power rack for my shoulder development ( besides dips, shrugs, chest presses and chins that also hit the shoulders), it is the only direct Exercise I do for my shoulders.
I am doing 160lbs for 7 reps ( this was my last workout), but, my left shoulder gives out on me before my right.

Any suggestions on fixing that problem ?

**udo** · Posted On: 11/20/2003 4:15pm

You could go to barbells and try to work the left more to try and get it to catch up.

**udo** · Posted On: 11/20/2003 4:19pm

I remember seeing an article with some info on how to even out left-right side bias on Frank Shamrock's site but I can't find it right now.

**udo** · Posted On: 11/20/2003 4:23pm

I found the link, originally posted by FoM?, but it doesn't work anymore.

**Chudo** · Posted On: 11/20/2003 4:23pm

You mean dumbells---going to dumbells is a good idea. You won't have to work it more though. The problem with using a barbell is that the strong side can compensate for the weak. SPECIALLY WHEN USING A POWER RACK.

Just do some overhead presses with dumbells and eventually your shoulders will even out. You ever do front raises and side laterals and reverse flyes? These three with the overhead press really hit the shoulders well. The shoulder had 3 different heads that all need to be worked for propper development. These exercises will ensure that all 3 heads get hit. Sometimes I do reverse flyes with my back workout though. And sometimes I do front raises right after my bench press. Change it up every once in a while-----

**udo** · Posted On: 11/20/2003 4:25pm

Right, right, dumbells. My bad. I always seem to get the two mixed up.

**Chudo** · Posted On: 11/20/2003 4:28pm

That's okay when I first posted I said Bumbells.

**Nid** · Posted On: 11/20/2003 6:17pm

SPECIALLY WHEN USING A POWER RACK.

Are you talking about a smith machine? The only thing I can imagine the power rack actually being used for is holding the bar at chest height (or wheverever) while plates are added. After that it's just you and the bar.

But yeah, the smith machine is also difficult to get perfectly centered under.

No such concerns with dumbells.

**Ronin** · Posted On: 11/21/2003 7:58am

a power rack is also called a safety rack, you use a barbell, but the barbell is free not on a track like the smith machine, the power rack has safety bars to catch the barbell when you train to failure or your muscles give out.
I will give the dumbells a try.
Muchos Gracias ( or shoudl I say Gracies ?) guys.