Ryan Terry Explains the Reasons to Take a Unilateral Approach to Lifting

Building a Bigger Chest with a Unilateral Approach: Tips from Ryan Terry

Ryan Terry, a renowned bodybuilder and three-time Olympia Men’s Physique gold winner, has shared his expertise on building a bigger chest without causing injury. In a recent social media post, Terry demonstrated the benefits of using a unilateral approach, specifically with the lying plate loaded chest press machine. This machine allows users to lift handles from both sides, making it an excellent alternative to the traditional barbell bench press.

Traditionally, the barbell bench press is considered the king of chest exercises, but Terry explains that a unilateral approach can be a smart swap, especially when dealing with injuries or imbalances. By using a machine-based unilateral approach, users can isolate the chest muscles, reducing the risk of injury to the shoulders and triceps. Terry notes that the bench press requires more stabilization, recruiting the shoulders and triceps, whereas the unilateral chest press follows a fixed path, requiring less balance and making it more effective at isolating the chest.

When to Choose a Unilateral Approach

Terry demonstrates the unilateral chest press by lying on the machine and working each arm in alternating fashion, using a slow and controlled motion guided by the machine. This approach is particularly useful when dealing with injuries or imbalances, as it allows users to target the chest muscles without putting excessive strain on the shoulders or triceps. Terry shares that he often uses this approach when he’s experiencing inflammation in his infraspinatus muscle, which restricts the mobility of his shoulder.

The unilateral approach can be adopted when exercising other muscle groups, such as arms or legs, but it’s essential to note that this doesn’t mean abandoning the bench press altogether. The bench press is still an effective exercise for building shoulder strength and overall chest development. However, knowing when to rely on a machine-based unilateral approach can be a valuable skill, especially for those who have experienced injuries or imbalances. Terry’s years of lifting experience have taught him the importance of adapting his training approach to his individual needs, and he shares his expertise through his Victerry app and social media channels.

For those looking to build a bigger chest without causing injury, Terry’s tips on taking a unilateral approach are definitely worth considering. By incorporating machine-based exercises into their routine and adapting their training approach to their individual needs, users can reduce the risk of injury and achieve their fitness goals. To learn more about Terry’s training approach and tips, follow him on social media or check out his Victerry app. For more information on building a bigger chest and avoiding injury, visit Here

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