Inside the Lab: The Science of Fixing Muscle Imbalances for Peak Performance
By Mark Pajich
At Pinnacle Fitness Kuala Lumpur, we believe in walking the talk. Our trainers don’t just design programmes for others; they put themselves through the same rigorous testing and training we recommend to clients.
That’s exactly what Hassan, one of our trainers and a competitive football player, did this year. He stepped into Universiti Malaya’s sports science lab for an isokinetic assessment, then spent three months following a customised programme we built for him at Pinnacle. The results highlight not only his progress as an athlete, but also how our evidence-based approach can help any client unlock performance gains.
Step 1: The Lab Findings
In April, Hassan’s Humac isokinetic test measured his knee and shoulder strength, endurance, and range of motion. The data revealed some hidden issues:
Quad imbalance: Right side was 16% stronger than the left.
Right quad fatigue: Lost power faster during repeated efforts.
Right knee ROM: 12% lower flexibility than the left.
Shoulder endurance gap: Right stabilisers fatigued 25% faster.
On the pitch, these weaknesses could reduce sprint efficiency, limit cutting power, and increase risk of overuse injuries.
Short Form Torque vs. Position Report: Knee Extension & Flexion (April 2025)
Short Form Torque vs. Position Report: Shoulder Internal/External Rotation (April 2025)
Step 2: Turning Data Into Training
Back at Pinnacle, Hassan’s programme was built around those findings. Every exercise had a purpose: balance out the legs, improve fatigue resistance, restore mobility, and strengthen shoulder stabilisers.
We used the same philosophy we apply with our clients; targeted, measurable, and progressive.
Step 3: Training Highlights
Here are four key drills from Hassan’s programme, and exactly why they worked:
1. Exxentric KBox Hamstring Curls
Built eccentric hamstring strength to support sprinting speed and protect the knee.
2. Keiser Air Runner Sprints
Tracked sprint wattage to build acceleration and repeat power addressing right quad fatigue directly.
3. Single-Leg Lunges with Knee Drive (Power Plate)
Targeted unilateral power to reduce left–right imbalance and improve explosive leg drive.
4. Leg Press
Delivered controlled, high-load work to strengthen both quads evenly
Step 4: The Results After 3 Months
By July, Hassan’s re-test showed clear improvements:
Quad imbalance reduced from 16% → 5%.
Left quad strength up 44%.
Right internal rotator deficit fixed.
Right knee flexibility improved.
Shoulder endurance gap narrowed (still a future focus).
The outcome was more balance, better endurance, and greater resilience on the pitch.
Long Form Torque vs. Position Report: Knee Extension & Flexion (July 2025)
Long Form Torque vs. Position Report: Shoulder Internal/External Rotation (July 2025)
Step 5: Why It Matters for You
Hassan’s journey shows the process we bring to every client:
1. Assess: identify hidden weaknesses with precision tools.
2. Train: build a targeted programme around the data.
3. Re-Test: measure progress and adjust.
It’s the same approach that helps footballers sprint harder, golfers swing faster, and clients of all ages move better and stay injury-free.
At Pinnacle, we don’t just talk about performance science — we live it. Hassan’s transformation is proof that with the right data and the right plan, you can turn hidden weaknesses into strengths.
If you want to discover what’s holding you back and train with purpose, our team is ready to help you achieve the same results.
For more information on our personal training programs, please contact us at 012-334-1511 or send us an enquiry here.