Wear and Tear on us older guys

[shotochem]

Hi All,

As you all know MA tends to produce a lot of wear and tear on the old bones and joints after a while. Aside of willpower and Ibuprofin what do some of you older guys do to keep up with the kids?

Recently, I modified my training schedule to every other day or 3 days a week but never consecutive days. I can't believe what a difference it has made. I had almost forgotten what fresh legs felt like.

I have also decided to eliminate many of the crazy excercises that are not meant for those of us who are not kids anymore (ie. anything that resembles squaty,kicky, duck walky-like movements and requires more that a 360 degree movement).

I havent pulled a muscle or thrown anything out since.

Could I really be getting smarter???

[CagedWarrior]

You might want to look into suppliments such as fish oil or other omega complexes, and shark cartilage. Very good for your joints. If you have a real problem, like your knee is hurting, look into glucosamine (sp?) as well.

[The Saint]

glucosamine is crap,I've tried it and it didn't work well.

Change you diet for more energy. You body uses energy to digest food. The more complex foods you eat the more energy your body wull need to digest it. That is why you feel sleepy after a large meal on the holidays. Refined sugar is the worst thing for you body to digest. The only way for our body to break refined sugar down is to use calcium. Hmm what has calcium in it in your body (bones and teeth) the two things that you need. You need teeth to eat and bones to support muscle tissues, cells, etc. Another big no, no is anything SOY. It's a freakin' bean, it's a manufactured item that is filled with traces of aluminum. (do a bit of reserch and you'll find it)

If you eat foods that can be digested easy then you body will use energy in other areas, such as tissue and cell growth. You lose weight because your body has excess energy to burn fat and you sleep better and don't feel as achy. Man to be a teenager again would be awesome, but can't magically reverse time. I am not saying to abandon steak and other meats, just to eat better meats. Hotdogsa are an example, they are bits and parts that your dog shouldn't even eat. Eat your meats with salads as the green letuce is easy to digest and will help ease the digesting process of the meat.

There's a lot of people that swear by supplements. Do we even know the long term effects of the supplements, not yet, give it another 10 years The natural vitamins from fish, fruit and other animals is good for us. Natural erbs and plants are also good for us.

Bottom line is to stop all the ahes and pain you suffer from could be as easy as eating better.

[Red J]

I havent pulled a muscle or thrown anything out since.

Could I really be getting smarter???

Yes.

There is something to be said about rest and recovery, and doing sensible exercises/drills that don't overload your joints and ligaments, but help you improve your skill level.

[CagedWarrior]

glucosamine is crap,I've tried it and it didn't work well.

Maybe you didn't take enough, or your joint problems were bad regardless of the help it gave. Or maybe your body just doesn't use it well. I assure you, though, it is, generally, helpful.

[shotochem]

I have taken glucoseamine for years and it has made a difference for me.

I'm finding that a little common sense goes a long way.

I'm starting to realize that I'm not 18 anymore. I can't do the crazy stuff as much as I used to without after effects. It's just a change in mentality.

My Sensei always tells me "you not 20 yrs old don't try to fight like one. Keep it simple, use you head!!! Ahhh!!! not for blocking for thinking!!!!!"

[Kicks]

For further reading, check out my article "Martial Arts for the Over 40 Crowd" at http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=14510

glucosamine is crap

I consider glucosamine chondroitin the miracle drug. My kness were once in a condition that I was in constant pain. It hurt to drive my car, I suffered just putting my socks on in the morning, and forget about doing any training. I was told about glucosamine chondroitin by a cancer survivor and I started taking it. Within a few days I could put my socks on without pain, I could drive and walk comfortably. In about a week I was doing light focus pad drills. After 10 days I was back sparring again.

I guess the moral to this story is, everybody's body is different and reacts differently to various stimulus, whether it be physical, mental, or even spiritual.