Training only one side of the body?

[alien amp pharm]

Recently I broke my left arm attempting a snowboard jump.

Unfortunately this was during the early stages of my weight lifting program.

I know I will be out at least 6-8 weeks, but would there be any benefit to lifting weights for my right side only? Has there been studies did one this subject?

I can still do legs and cardio thank goodness.

 

[Cynical Simian]

Well, you'd build up a pretty sizable imbalance by training only the right side/arm that'd be further magnified by atrophy from disuse of the left. IMO, just focusing on core work for the upper body would be the best way to go. This'd help replace the core stimulus of upper-body compound exercises, put you in a good position for when your arm heals, and probably just generally help all of your lifts.

 

[tattooi2k]

i would just focas on my legs till your healed

 

[36drew]

I'd work on squatting like madman. I've heard from many bros that squats are strange. So long as you keep squatting, the rest of the body won't atrophy (at least not for an extended period, say 5+ months). Not too mention you could see huge leg gains.

Squat 3x week. Fun.

 

[wakefib]

i have heard that training one side of the body does help to stop atrophy. i heard it from my gym teacher in high school, i never read up on it, but i consider him a pretty reliable source.

 

[NorgePrecision]

I'd definitely focus on squats and cardio. I had a person tell me today that he saw a study where new lifters were assessed at the beginning by doing the bench press and then concentrated on nothing but squat for a number of months. After doing nothing but squatting, they're bench increased 40%. I'm not sure how much truth there is to this as it was just a random person in the gym, but he did seem knowledgable as he is an avid squat and deadlifter.

 

[Lee]

squats could be painful with a broken arm, but give it a shot. and just keep up cardio. maybe an elliptical to prevent the bouncing on yer arm like a treadmill would give.

 

[silver_shadow]

squats could be painful with a broken arm, but give it a shot. and just keep up cardio. maybe an elliptical to prevent the bouncing on yer arm like a treadmill would give.

you could throw in some leg press there for variety.

 

[nelmsjer]

Research shows that training one side of the body will be beneficial to the other. However, I have not ever designed a program for a circumstance like this.

Unfortunately, I have NO CLUE where to find this information from without hitting my exercise physiology textbook in the States.

 

[casualbb]

i'd just pound the squats. you could also do some kind of pec deck exercise if the weight rests up on your arm (think the machines)

 

[alien amp pharm]

thanks for the replies.

i think i will stick with legs as you all suggested. More than likely curls, extensions, calf raises, etc. I dont think i can handle squats with my arm.

i can also do abs and as it heals do pec deck and reverse pec deck, etc as casual bb said.

Injuries suck.

 

[stilleto]

i have heard that training one side of the body does help to stop atrophy. i heard it from my gym teacher in high school, i never read up on it, but i consider him a pretty reliable source.

its true.
aap, it depends on what you train for- looks or strength. if its for strength, then train the other side, but use machines because as i once discovered, its near impossible to do dumbell presses with only one hand and not roll off the bench. you'll help keep some strength that way.

if you train for looks, I don't know about all that imbalance stuff.

 

[bignate73]

stilleto, you can press with one hand...its not that hard. i've done 80lb presses on the ball with zero problems.

you should be able to do front squats with a cast, depends on how big the cast is of course. walking lunges, box jumps, stair bounding, etc, all viable ways of training your legs.