Why One Side Feels Stronger (and What It Really Means)
Ever start a Pilates class and feel like one side of your body is secretly plotting against you? You’re moving through the exercises, feeling strong on one side… then you switch, and suddenly your leg feels much weaker or your arm is all wobbly.
You’re not imagining it—this happens to nearly everyone. And it’s not a bad thing! In fact, noticing it means you’re paying attention and building that all-important mind-body connection.
That’s where real change begins.
Why We’re Naturally Uneven
Most of us naturally have a dominant side—the one we use more often for everyday tasks. Think about how you move through daily life:
You carry your bag on the same shoulder.
You step up with the same leg first.
You stand with your weight shifted more to one hip.
This isn’t “wrong,” it’s just how your body has adapted to the way you move through life. These little patterns add up over time, training one side of your body to be slightly more dominant. It’s called a functional imbalance—and it’s completely normal.
The good news?
Pilates is amazing at uncovering these patterns and helping to create balance. This equates to better movement patterns, less pain and the kind of strength that carries you through life with confidence.
It’s Not Just Muscle Strength
When a movement feels harder on one side, it’s not always because that arm or leg is “weaker.” Often, it’s your support system—your stabilizers, like your core and outer hips—that aren’t firing as effectively on that side.
Take side-lying leg lifts, for example. Sure, your leg is doing the lifting, but your pelvis, obliques, and hip stabilizers are working hard to hold everything steady. If those smaller muscles are slacking on one side, the whole movement feels wobbly.
Your Brain Needs Practice, Too
Here’s something most people forget: strength isn’t only about muscles. It’s also about neural pathways—the way your brain communicates with your body.
If one side hasn’t practiced a certain movement as much, your brain is still figuring out the “how.” That’s why you might feel less coordinated or a bit shaky—it’s your nervous system catching up, not a sign that something’s wrong.
What About Structural Imbalances?
Yes, things like a slightly tilted pelvis or mild scoliosis can play a role. But for the majority of people, these side-to-side differences are more about habits than anatomy.
How to Approach It
When you notice a difference, don’t get frustrated—see it as a sign that your body is waking up. Pilates is designed to help you notice those small details so you can move with more control and balance.
Even if one side feels a little weaker—that doesn’t mean you’re not making progress. Every intentional rep is helping you build strength where you need it most, reduce your risk of injury, and create more ease and range of motion in your body. With time, you’ll feel more balanced and always remember - perfection isn’t the goal.
As a certified Pilates instructor with over a decade of experience, I specialize in helping adults build functional strength, improve posture, and prevent injury. Through my online Pilates studio, I combine proven Pilates techniques with smart, intentional movement to help you feel stronger every day.