use your
right foot on the centre stand
not your left. reason being that if the bike was to roll forward there is an increased risk of you tripping over youself if you use the left. hope that makes sense.
It really is all about technique, not brute strength. The lads have already described how to postion yourself with the bike, but just to break it down, and sorry if this is a simpleton approach but it works for new learners...
1) with bike on side stand stand facing it

and take hold of the left hand grip
2) (this is easier without panniers fitted) take hold of the frame just above the pillion footpeg, as mentioned above...alternatively hold the pillion grab handle if panniers ae fitted
3) locate the centre stand foot bar with your
right foot and push it towards the floor. When it touches slowly raise the bike until both sides are in contact with the deck. (I have seen many people struggle with a centre because it was only touching on one side

)
4) finally, and this is were technique comes into it, in one swift movement push your body weight down through your leg and
gently lift and guide with your right arm. If you're doing it right then arm work should be minimal