Preventing Asymmetrical Development

[chinbeard]

I did a search on this, and it seems like a lot of people think that you don't need to worry about asymmetrical development/injuries if you take other forms of exercise like weightlifting.

I'm wondering if this is true, because I've been lifting weights long before I started fencing, and after a good practice, there is definitely an asymmetrical feeling in my legs. From what I read, it seems like it's not an issue, but I can't help but wonder/worry if I should be doing something besides just weightlifting, like going home and practicing lunges in the opposite direction, or learning to fence left-handed.

Does anyone know if any experts have weighed in on this issue?

[erooMynohtnA]

I was told that at Northwestern University the girl's team had a world class athletic trainer who had them doing about 20% non-dominant side work. I have no idea if it was effective in better fencing, injury prevention, or halting asymmetry.

Talking to higher level fencers than myself who do separate weight training, there is still asymmetric muscular development and flexibility.

I think a lot of it depends on how much/how hard you're training, but it can't hurt to train your off side.

[noodle]

Originally Posted by chinbeard

I did a search on this, and it seems like a lot of people think that you don't need to worry about asymmetrical development/injuries if you take other forms of exercise like weightlifting.

I'm wondering if this is true, because I've been lifting weights long before I started fencing, and after a good practice, there is definitely an asymmetrical feeling in my legs. From what I read, it seems like it's not an issue, but I can't help but wonder/worry if I should be doing something besides just weightlifting, like going home and practicing lunges in the opposite direction, or learning to fence left-handed.

Does anyone know if any experts have weighed in on this issue?

do the occasional off-handed fencing specific actions and continue with your non-fencing-specific training, striving for equality. like, don't start to do extra weight on one side of your body just because you can lift extra. strive for symmetry, if your off hand fails, stop lifting on your main hand.

you will never be totally even.

[Agent_V]

See here:
http://www.life.com/Life/essay/nakedpower/bayer.html

[fatfencer]

I think the best way to look at symmetry is this:

If you fence you do everything else with your off hand. Why? Because dominance plus effort equals asymmetry.

So to counteract I mouse with my left hand.

I used to fidget with my right leg, now I use my left.

Asymmetry tends to pull the spine out of alignment. So I do try to get some left handed lunges in.

When weighttraining I try to do more with my left side than my right. At least 10 percent more.

I'm pretty symmetrical though my right shoulder is slightly bigger and my right forearm is bigger too. Generally your body will try to keep both sides within a certain tolerance.

So I try to do more on my left side I guess and also play with my brain's assessment of dominance.

My 2 cents...

FF

[AlphaFire X5]

I've been fencing and training fairly regularly for two or three nights a week for about a year, year and a half now. The only measurable asymmetry I can find is that my right thigh is an inch larger in circumference than my left. This translates to something like 1/3 of an inch in diameter.

[TBean]

You should spend some of your time doing off-hand work. Thoughout the season I will fence with my left hand - about a week of off-handed fencing for every three weeks of dominant-hand, this also helps my tendonitus. Part of my footwork routine includes doing working my non-dominant side. It certainly helps, but don't get me wrong my right side is still more developed than my left, but this does off-set some.

[Teme]

Originally Posted by chinbeard

I did a search on this, and it seems like a lot of people think that you don't need to worry about asymmetrical development/injuries if you take other forms of exercise like weightlifting.

I'm one of those who don't worry about it nor do (much) any other exercise
At one point I did have visibly bigger right than left thigh, though.

Originally Posted by chinbeard

I'm wondering if this is true, because I've been lifting weights long before I started fencing, and after a good practice, there is definitely an asymmetrical feeling in my legs.

Now, there's a good chance that it's your front leg that is more tired, that you're an epee fencer (with that ominous forward leaning stance), and very good chance that you don't pull your self back from lunge, but push...

If any of the above matches, it's not weight training that you need, but:
- a proper stance (torso straight, weight balanced on both legs)
- a proper lunge and recovery (torso straight, back leg does most of the work)
- lots of additional agility footwork

Oh, well, the last one would do good for any of us

[advisorial notice: I wouldn't do weight training if my life depended on it... ]

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

I agree with Teme, in that asymetrical leg developement is probably the result of stance. I've never had asymetrical leg developement (even after 5 years of fencing), and I think its because I made an effort to use BOTH of my legs in every movement. I've had asymetrical upper body developement though. Not a whole lot you can do about that, except train out the differences with other activities (like weights, or climbing).

[Welted 24/7]

My legs are pretty much equally monstrous. Doing martial arts throughout the first few years of my fencing career probably helped even things out, since we worked both sides pretty equally, thus giving me a more even base to start off of.

My right arm has always been a little bigger than my left, which has only gotten more noticeable since I'd been in a cast for a month and a half on my left hand. It's off, but my now-healed wrist still isn't strong enough to get back to regular exercises yet. Too bad, too...I saved so much money on a gym membership by living out in the country and splitting wood every day.

[crquack]

I wish I realized the importance of training both sides earlier in life. Once past 40, the asymmetry has a way of catching up with you.

I try to do most things left handed at least some of the time, including fencing. My joints have been thanking me...

[FoilBlender]

Originally Posted by fatfencer

Asymmetry tends to pull the spine out of alignment.

Scary :/
I was never a muscular person and was never involved in much physical activity until I start to fence. Because of fencing, my muscles are completely asymmetrical. My Shoulder, arm, thigh, calf, ab are much stronger, toned and bigger on one side. I really hope this doesn't end up with me having lasting health issues

[fatfencer]

From Yan Hui, Confucius' greatest disciple. 'There is only profit in right conduct'

SO:

Do everything lefthanded/offhanded... or as much as you can.

I used to be very symmetrical from MA but years of sitting on my ass and then fencing recreationally led to asymmetry.


It only takes a few weeks of diligent, mindful effort. It's not hard.

Just remember that when you lunge the off leg is a positive contraction while the front leg catching you and slowing you down is a negative one. Negatives are a great way to build mass.

So stand on your off leg and slowly bend it, then once completely bent, explode upwards. Your lunge will thank you and your legs will be symmetrical quickly.

Upperbody: off handed dumbell extensions in all directions are your friend

FF

[FoilBlender]

Thanks, pal. I'll get onto that.

[Medinilla]

Well i try to complement, my fencing training, normally 4 hours three times a week, with going to the gym, doing some light weights, and conciously traying to reduce the asymmetries in my body, which luckily aren't so big.

In sumary,i alternate my fencing training, with some light gymming.

[emagdnim]

just fence with your off hand every other practice. Muahahah!!!!

but symmetry is something to strive for, along with weight lifting with the off hand, full body cardio will do wonders to keep you symmetrical.