how to build up a single trap muscle?

divine` · 2 Oct 2007 at 18:49

Basically, having worked on a building site for 2 months, my right trap has grown to twice the size of my left, presumably because i've been using my right arm more as it's stronger/more natural for me to use, so I want to build the left one so it matches and i don't look like some kind of chronic masturbator!

Anything I can do for a few months to even them out a bit? it looks stupid atm

Gilly · 2 Oct 2007 at 19:02

You're worried because your right arm is much bigger than your left arm?

And you want us to believe that crap about a building site?

Pull downs, pull ups, inversed dumbbell curls, single arm pushups...

Fire 1 · 2 Oct 2007 at 19:02

Start using your left arm more?

Seriously though it is difficult to just target on muscle on its own.

divine` · 2 Oct 2007 at 19:07

Well, I finish work in two days, so I can't just switch arms and hope for the best.

I shall try what Gilly suggests.

And yes, it was building work.

Ed · 2 Oct 2007 at 20:24

Are you sure it's your trap that's giving the enlarged appearance?

To even any parts of the body you'll need to work all of it and let the body do its thing. One thing that's effective is to lay off dumbells and stick with the bar. That way your lift is as good as the weakest component.

divine` · 2 Oct 2007 at 22:45

fairly sure it's the trap.

is there anything else that goes from the shoulder to the neck across the back?

Chong Warrior · 2 Oct 2007 at 23:10

Yes that's the trapezius muscle.

If I were you I'd try deadlifting and clean & press. Start light and perfect the form, these should help balance things out over time.

Ed said:
To even any parts of the body you'll need to work all of it and let the body do its thing. One thing that's effective is to lay off dumbells and stick with the bar. That way your lift is as good as the weakest component.

Yep good advice

Heaven Can Wait · 3 Oct 2007 at 18:22

Ed said:
One thing that's effective is to lay off dumbells and stick with the bar. That way your lift is as good as the weakest component.

Its the other way round, no?
dumbbell press evens the arms as your pushing the same weight with each arm, with a bar you can push with one and hold one back a little untill one arm locks out.

Ultra_Extreme · 3 Oct 2007 at 19:17

Heaven Can Wait said:
Its the other way round, no?
dumbbell press evens the arms as your pushing the same weight with each arm, with a bar you can push with one and hold one back a little untill one arm locks out.

nope bar allows semi-assisted reps to be performed, as your weak arm weakens further under the strain, your strong arm is forced to compensate further. Whilst yes this will build your strong arm, it will put quite severe limits on your lifts overall, until your weak arm catches up that is.