Hi,

I have a concern regarding my pectoral muscles. I had worked out for a little while - maybe 6 months - using, basically, a machine. Part of the reason I used the machine was because first, this was the first time I was hitting the gym, and second, I didn't have a spotter, and was too worried about dropping the weights on myself!

In any case, I moved to a new city, and stopped going to the gym for probably 9 months. About 1 month ago. Since I go with a friend now, I'm working on freeweights. However, at this point, the only exercise I do with my pectorals is the freeweight bar.

I noticed tonight to my horror that the right side of my chest is bigger than the left side (and yes, I am a righty). When I was working out with the machine benchpress, I didn't notice any size difference.

I'm not sure why this is the case - maybe in fact there was a difference in muscle size / strength from the bench machine? Or maybe in the time I didn't work out, as I'm a righty, the left side atrophed more?

When working out, I do notice I am a bit weaker on my left side. But, if I'm doing, say, 6 reps, I "droop" more on my left side - but only when I'm struggling to get the bar up in the last one or two reps.

Regardless, my question is this: if I continue on the freeweight bench, will this "autocorrect", or do I have to work specifically to build up that left side, otherwise it will either stay smaller? As this is freeweights, I can't imagine the difference will get any bigger....

Thanks a ton for any advice on this!!!