I always plan with my physical trainer, but conditional training is not missing from my training.
How many conditional trainings you have in a week?
It depends a lot on the training period I'm in. I always plan with my physical trainer, but conditional training is not missing from my training.
Do you have a dedicated fitness trainer?
I've been working with a physical trainer for almost two years and the differences are obvious. I'm much more confident and I feel stronger. It took a long time to find someone who understood the specifics of our sport, but Gabriel Ghita is the right man and I'm lucky to have him on my team.
What do you like the most and what is your least favorite part in conditional training?
I don't have any favorite exercises, not even in conditional training, not even when we're talking about fencing. The question is if I'm not in the mood for training. And when I didn't... I'm doing.
What are your strengths and weaknesses in this type of training?
Strengths are less important, for them you don't have to work too hard, just keep them. But whatever it means to be training for the upper body doesn't fit into my favorites.
What kind of tools do you use if any (e.g. kettle bell, power band…etc.)?
Power bands are one of the best inventions. You can work a lot of exercises with them and put them in your luggage when you go to competitions. When I'm at home, I work in a gym I use most of the accessories.
What do you do to prevent injuries?
I'm trying to pay special attention to the recovery part. Food and rest are very important. And I understood that after the age of 30, recovery is as important as training!
Have you ever had a serious injury/operation? If yes, how long did it take to get back in shape?
Right around this time I'm recovering from surgery. It wasn't urgent, just the years of fencing left their mark, and I wanted to take advantage of this period to get back in time for the next challenges. After 6 weeks of immobilization, I am proud that I can walk again and I predict that in maximum two months I will be back on the pist!
What do you think about the importance of physical condition of fencers nowadays and before? Has it changed a lot? How dominant is it in fencing?
Fencing like other sports I think has changed in recent years. Physical condition matters more and more, which is a good thing. As long as attention is paid to technical training and we don't end up dueling like in the movies, I guess it's all good.
