Endorphin addiction

[conrad665]

Hi,

I think I've become an endorphin addict;today we worked out with less effort than normal(maybe I felt so) and I didn't enjoy the lesson as I enjoyed before.Or in stressful days I find myself thinking that a training session would be great.I wonder what will happen if I have to give up karate due to my injuries.And now I will always want more like today.How will I control myself?I have a lot of injuries,so if I go on like that,I will be worse.Do you have any suggestions? Do you feel the same way?

[tonydee]

You might want to think about what's causing the injuries. Training hard enough to get an endorphine rush doesn't have to be injury prone. Find something sustainable. For example, if you're doing too much contact sparring, cut back and work hard at kata or basic techniques. If your injurying yourself because of poor flexibility or technique, spend the time to address is squarely so you can practice harder later. If you're injuring yourself on the bag, strap up or wear mitts, pick less injury prone techniques (e.g. roundhouse over side kick, elbow strike over punch).

If you tell us a bit more, might be able to offer more specific advice.

Cheers,

Tony

[conrad665]

I get some injuries in every lesson,but they are not worth mentioning.My big problem is plantar fasciitis on my both heels and patellofemoral pain.I can't walk long distances or stand for a long time.I suck at punching,so I usually use kicks,but now I will try to develop my punching skills and kick less.I hope the problems won't get worse.I won't force my limits during lessons anymore.Thanks for the advice

[tonydee]

I'm sorry but I've no real knowledge of these conditions. I guess you must have tried stretching, and seen a professional? FWIW, I personally stretch calves in three ways:

- with a leg out in front, deliberately bent at the knee, and the ball pulled back towards the shin with both hands, varying the angle at the ankle

- pushing against a pole or wall, with the rear leg, torso and arms forming one long line from floor to wall, as shallowing inclined as possible while keeping the leg behind straight and the rear foot nearly front-facing, again varying the angle at the ankle (and hence the specific muscles in the calves being stretched) by moving the heal around side to side.

- while leaning away from a post or wall, I lower my hips and place the heel as close to the wall as I can while keeping the foot upright. I then raise myself and/or pull myself towards the wall or pole.

I hope you habitually go through a thorough sequence of joint rotations before you start exercising, and that your kicking is technically correct. If you can upload some video somewhere, I could look at the technique for any potential causes of joint stress. I've seen many people suffer due to poor technique - even with decent flexibility. For traditional taekwondo (which is closer to Shotokan) and good technique, it's quite surprising how little flexibility or strength is needed to kick solidly chest or even head height, and how little stress it places on the joints.

Best of luck with the training and conditions,

Regards,

Tony

[mr_obvious]

With my specific medical conditions, my Docs gave me pills which simulate the endorphine rush......but without all that sweaty "work stuff."

I can't say that, at the end of my workout, not feeling it -- is not a disappointment though, rather, a bonus.

[conrad665]

We warm up well before starting and I'm quite flexible:).I can't upload videos,sorry,because I don't have a camera:(I don't think I do the techniques wrong,because my trainers never told me I did wrong.I got too far from the main subject while talking about my injuries.How can I stop my 'addiction' or at least reduce it?It is an alternative,as mr_obvious wrote,to take pills,but the idea of taking hormones from outside makes me frightened.

[mr_obvious]

Not necessarily what I was referring to, but anyway..... I strive to gain at least a little bit, beyond my previous mark in *whatever* I do (be it a certain kick, punch, cardio, strength exercise, etc.) Even a small step forward, is the right direction!