Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 382, Messages: 54581

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

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Sudden weakness in my left arm

Gandalph
Gandalph
Posts: 8
Joined: 2004/11/28
United States
2004/12/30, 06:47 AM
This seems more of a training issue than an injury. That's why I'm posting here.

Things have been progressing nicely in the gym.
Making some gains, increasing weights...
Then about 1 week ago, I went in for my workout and discovered I couldn't lift as much with my left arm as I have been.
No pain. No numbness. I simply couldn't lift as much.

I thought that maybe I was over training so I took a week off. But last night I had the same problem.

Has this ever happened to anyone?
Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions?
(Someone thought it could be because I sleep on my left side?).

This is very frustrating!!
2004/12/30, 06:52 AM
what exercise was it? describe the situation better...what poundage/reps did you use? were you using barbell exercises and then switch to dumbells?
princesslodgey
princesslodgey
Posts: 1,748
Joined: 2004/02/21
United Kingdom
2004/12/30, 07:39 AM
Can I clarify that you were previously able to curl 40lbs with your left and are now struggling to curl 20lbs?

Have you had any neck pain or previously had neck problems?

Vedakathryn
Vedakathryn
Posts: 1,585
Joined: 2004/05/28
United States
2004/12/30, 11:06 AM
This has happened to me in the past when I have overworked a muscle group. I would give it rest to recoup, but when in doubt, go have it checked out! :)

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Veda
MISERY IS OPTIONAL
***When you are up to your ears in trouble, try using the part that is not submerged.
***The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!
puresurfr2
puresurfr2
Posts: 16
Joined: 2004/12/28
United States
2004/12/30, 12:25 PM
Is there any pain involved or does the muscle just feel weak ??? it is obvious that the muscle in the left arm is not firing normally ! this can be muscle or nerve based ....keep me up to date and i can offer some advice ! i used to be a physical therapist / exercise specialist !
Reddy
Reddy
Posts: 597
Joined: 2003/09/11
United States
2004/12/30, 01:08 PM
left side?? go to the doctor - that is the side that is most effective by heart troubles - get that ruled out asap
I hate to worry you but better safe than sorry

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Reddy

All people smile in the same language
Gandalph
Gandalph
Posts: 8
Joined: 2004/11/28
United States
2004/12/30, 02:42 PM


============
Quoting from princesslodgey:

Can I clarify that you were previously able to curl 40lbs with your left and are now struggling to curl 20lbs?

Have you had any neck pain or previously had neck problems?


=============
Hi Princess,
Yes, that's correct.
Just all of a sudden I can't lift as much with my left arm.

Nope. No pain. No previous injuries.
Gandalph
Gandalph
Posts: 8
Joined: 2004/11/28
United States
2004/12/30, 02:48 PM


============
Quoting from puresurfr2:

Is there any pain involved or does the muscle just feel weak ??? it is obvious that the muscle in the left arm is not firing normally ! this can be muscle or nerve based ....keep me up to date and i can offer some advice ! i used to be a physical therapist / exercise specialist !
=============

Puresurfr,
No pain. No numbness. Just weak all of a sudden.
Being nerve based is why someone suggested that it may be because I sleep on my left side.

Gandalph
Gandalph
Posts: 8
Joined: 2004/11/28
United States
2004/12/30, 02:50 PM
Thanks to all for your input.

I guess I'll get to a doctor and get anything major ruled out.
princesslodgey
princesslodgey
Posts: 1,748
Joined: 2004/02/21
United Kingdom
2004/12/31, 09:08 AM

Whilst heart problems can cause left arm pain, they would be very unlikely to cause weakness on it's own. It would also be more of a problem doing cardio than doing weights.

That said I think going to the doctor would be a good idea (or a physio)

good luck, keep us posted.