Stiff shoulders - what to do?

[janz]

Hi all, I'm not sure if this is the right section to post this but do help if you can! Whenever I get into en-garde position, my coach always comments that I have very stiff shoulders (I'm a rightie). I can tell it myself, esp when I've been holding my epee for a few mins and can feel the strain acting up on my right shoulder.

But what should I do to loosen up? I've tried holding the grip more lightly with my fingers but it doesn't really help, since I still have to maintain the point. Thanks!

[rudd]

Have a read of this article by coach Dave Littell. Some good suggestion. Also use the search feature on the board. This has been discussed before.

[MyrddinsPrecint]

Most people are too stiff ALL of the time, it just shows up when you fence.

Work on relaxing your shoulders (and neck) when you're not fencing.

My shoulders are so stiff that trying to relax them doesn't work very well, so Telk suggested that I push my shoulders down (telling your body to do something usually works better than telling it to NOT do something). This forces some muscles/tendons to relax/strech a bit. (Occationally I can get my collarbone to crack that way.....)

[brutus]

perhaps try scrunching up you shoulders towards your neck as hard as possible, then completely relax them, works for me somtimes!

[fencerbill]

Belly dancing lessons.

[RebelFencer]

Pull distance and jump up and down a couple times, letting your weapon arm fall loosely (without hitting the ground). That and try to keep your non weapon shoulder loose, if it's tight your weapon shoulder will be tight as well.

[Applesauce and Foils]

Arm circles, both directions, big and small for a couple minutes. Works! Roll your neck too.