Training & Nutrition - Left Quad > Right Quad?

I have been training moderately hard for the last year or so, and I have noticed that my left quad is slightly bigger than my right quad. Strangely enough, after long rides or sometimes during, if I develop knee pain its usually in my left knee. At first I thought maybe my legs are of unequal length, but I'm not sure - they look the same to me. Anyone have any suggestions or comments?

Most folks legs are not exactly the same length.

Could be a pelvic tilt to one side. Could also be that you always start with the left leg after a stop (I know I do). Could be a neuromuscular imbalance that makes you push harder with your left leg.

Same here, my left quad and calf are larger than my right. I am left leg dominate

Hi,

On some rides or workouts, do some isolated leg work. This way both legs have to work.

Also if you are doing weights, choose exercises where the left and right leg are completely isolated.

This is a good way to help correct muscular imbalances.

If you have access to a trainer/bike that displays power (Computrainer, some Tacx's, PowerTap, etc...) you'll actually see if one leg develops more power by doing isolated leg work.

Regards,

Michel
www.freetrainingplan.com

Not unusual. You're a snowflake, there's no one else out there just like you.

Oddly, I'm left leg dominant, but my right leg is noticeably larger. According to my doc, it's neurological. Mitochondria or something.

Az

My right leg is bigger, but when doing one-legged pedaling, my left leg does better. As said above, that's the thing. Isolated leg workouts.

Thanks for the responses, has anyone tried anything cleat or shoe-wise to try to correct this? I placed a second pad/insole? from my MTB shoe into the right road shoe for my ride today and felt no change, which could be a good thing I suppose.

Also, if I am right-handed, does that mean I am left leg dominant?