As readers of this blog will already know, I love experimenting in the gym. Tweaking & testing new techniques that may open up a new angle to a muscle, particularly with my left side (my CP side).
That being said, I also try and double down on what movements I know work. This is where the development of my training begins to solidify my growing knowledge of what works for me. Having established movements that click into place with my dexterity moves things on from just pushing for the biggest weight.
Variability in my training has helped me progress over the years whilst keeping a progressive challenge of training right at the forefront of my programme. That being said, the difference in my muscle structure from left to right is something I cannot ignore. I have to place structure in my programme to accommodate these differences. I feel fortunate I can train at all, but having different techniques to develop both my left and right side has helped maintain my quest for new challenges through the years.
Take my shoulder movements. A side raise using the machine cable produces a different angle for my right side to my left (with a limited mobility on my CP side.) The way I’ve developed a working delt set for my left is based around a ‘seated crossover’ which involves me sat on a bench at an incline, facing a cable machine with both wrists strapped (for stability) and pulling away from the machine. This can be used in variety of different ways and I’ve discovered can work for both delts and pectorals by altering the angle.
Using cables and their attachments have been a game changer in my growth to be able to use a number of ranges without the use of my hands to facilitate the movement.
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