Topic: Lunges?

[Andy Dick]

I sent a message a long these same lines to Chris but he hasn't gotten back to me yet :( , So I figured I would post it to see what you all think.

I was reading the other day that Bud Charniga advocated the use of lunges with a foot placement opposite the split jerk foot placement.  This was because the jerks unevenly stressed one side of the body so he used lunges to even out the stresses on the body.  What do you all think about this?  (so for me since I split my right foot forward, I would only do lunges with my left foot going forward)

My other question would be would it be better to just work your regular clean and jerks then, do a few sets of rack jerks with the opposite leg going forward.  After thinking about it this didnt seem as feasable due to the neurological stress and fatigue that would accumulate from doing so many jerks in addition to everything else in the program.  Lunges would be less stress.

Then I was thinking would there be merit to adding in more squat jerks in a program for variation and to have times where this stress is evened out.  Is this the reason why Dimas and Khakisvilis (I probably butchered the spelling) squat jerked all the time?

Andy

[Matt Erdman]

Do one leg squats (assisted if need be) and see if there is a strength difference. Of course your right leg may be stronger in the lunge exercise, but that could just be neurological.  Doing an unfamiliar, unilateral exercise will tell you if there is an actual muscular difference. Remember that both legs are supporting the weight in the jerk.

I wouldn't add an exercise just based on someone elses experience. You have to find out if it is something you really need.

[Andy Dick]

I was looking at from the stand point of wear and tear.  Do you know why these other great lifters did squat jerks instead of split?  Was it just that they were better at them or what?

[Dave Almeida]

It is because they were better at them. Lunges are only useful for deloading the spine. I don't see how an imbalance would be creating from jerking if you are squatting all the time. It's just stabilization with your legs after the drive.

[Ryan Marciniszyn]

I would think lunges have more application in correct squat imbalances than jerk imbalances.

[Matt Erdman]

I don't think there would be any particular wear and tear. That's just an issue of injury prevention and general health.

[Myles Astor]

I was looking at from the stand point of wear and tear.  Do you know why these other great lifters did squat jerks instead of split?  Was it just that they were better at them or what?

It was my understanding that a lot had to do with leg strength eg. Dimas had really strong legs and used the squat jerk as result.

Myles B. Astor, PhD