Unilateral, Bilateral or Both?

[Primal]

Just a continuation off from my last thread, I took your guys opinions and my friends too and I signed up to the hardcore gym. Wow... probably one of the best choices I have made! Absolutely huge guys in there and the women all look like figure competitors! Daaamn! Everyone is really nice and helpful too, I got asked by 3 different people today if I needed a spot in 5 minutes haha! Oh yeah, forgot to mention that Ronnie Coleman signed the wall too! I didn't notice that when I first walked in. Anyways, at this new gym there are a lot of different machines that I haven't used before like a unilateral standing trap raise machine, single leg extensions and some more (sorry don't really know the correct names for a few). Since I have the option now, I was wondering if on some sets (or all) I should take advantage of this and do some movements unilaterally? I've heard people say that doing this really helps show you which arm is weaker and what leg needs more focusing on e.c.t. I have also heard that this helps with muscle imbalances and can give a greater contraction and feel on the muscle. I'm not to sure I need to focus on the muscle imbalances part as you said before Prae that it doesn't really matter until I get much bigger and that I'm still working on.

What do you guys think? Just stay with the bilateral movements or switch it up with some unilateral stuff too? Or does it really matter? I have a feeling it might be the latter hahaha :P just curious however! Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

-Primal

[cog]

Unilateral is sometimes useful.Examples might be coming back from an injury,or simply one side not having quite the mind muscle connection,an example might be having a favored leg you would make a big leap from.One sided trap raises are actually needed for complete development concerning the tie in to the neck.One legged extensions usually offer a little better concentration.Calves are often a good choice for unilaterals,many people have one slightly better than the other.I don't believe one legged squats will ever amount to anything oth.

[Praetorian]

Unilateral can be great when used correctly. Ed Coan used to do unilateral leg presses for a huge carry over to squats. Bulgarian split squats aka John Meadows style, leg extensions at the end for a super burn.

P

[Primal]

Cool, sounds like unilateral movements do have some merit to them! I will tie them in to my sets, especially if I can get a better feel for the muscle as you mentioned cog. I'll just play it by feel and try it out tomorrow I suppose! Thanks!

-Primal

[cog]

Unilateral can be great when used correctly. Ed Coan used to do unilateral leg presses for a huge carry over to squats. Bulgarian split squats aka John Meadows style, leg extensions at the end for a super burn.

P

I like the split squat,used to like them on a smithy as well,unilateral leg presses can be humbling.:)I mentioned here before a former Canadian short track guy witnessed oly speedskating champ Eric Heiden doing unilateral leg presses for reps with 1100!For some reason single leg kettlebell squats seem completely useless...