Enter Unilateral Training. Uni... meaning one, Lateral... meaning side. The theory behind this training principle is that by training one side individually then the other using the same weight, you will allow each side to work equally causing the weaker side to gradually build up to create a more balanced muscular system. An added bonus to this training is, when doing the exercises you will engage your core as well as it is used to stabilize the body. Below are some exercises that can be used to work each side of the body individually allowing for equal effort to be used by both legs, arms, or whatever muscle group you are training;
LOWER BODY
Single Leg Extensions Single Laying or Seated Leg Curls
Single Leg Deadlifts
Lunges
Leg Press - one leg at a time
JB Stomp (An exercise I made up)
Step Ups
Calf
Single Calf Extension on Leg Press
Standing Single Leg Raise On Step/Block
Seated Single Calf Raise
UPPER BODY
Back
Dumbbell Rows
Single Arm Lat Pulldown (Use the "D" handle instead of a bar and do one side at a time.)
Single Arm Cable Row
Single Arm Straight Arm Pulldown
Single Arm High Pulley Cable Row
Chest
One Hand Pushup
Dumbbell Chest Press (Decline, Flat, Incline)
Single Arm Dumbbell Chest Press (Decline, Flat, Incline)
Dumbbell Fly (Decline, Flat, Incline)
Single Arm Dumbbell Fly (Decline, Flat, Incline)
Machine Chest Press - One arm at a time
Shoulders
Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Single Arm Shoulder Press
Alternating Dumbbell Press
Dumbbell Lateral, Anterior Raise and Rear Lateral Raise
Single Arm Dumbbell Anterior, Lateral and Rear Lateral Raise
Triceps
Single Arm Dumbbell "Skull Crushers"
Single Arm Dumbbell or Cable Kickbacks
Single Arm Cable Pressdown
Dumbbell Behind The Head Triceps Extensions
Single Arm Laying Side Presses
Single Arm Machine Triceps Extension
Biceps
Alternating Dumbbell Curl
Single Arm Dumbbell Curl
Single Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl
Dumbbell Concentration Curl
Single Arm Cable Curl
Single Arm Machine Curl
This list is certainly not extensive. There are dozens of exercises for each muscle group which will allow you to train each side of the body independently to allow the weaker side to build up strength and endurance to create a more symmetrical body. Feel free to contact myself or any CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER for a demonstration of the above exercises and ideas for developing a well rounded workout program.
*As always, contact your physician before beginning this and any other fitness program. If you feel pain and/or discomfort cease the activity and consult your physician.