Balance of Training

[still kicking]

Lately I have been having a hard time finding a balance in my training. Aside from the fact that I am kind of addicted and have a hard time taking a day off when I probably should... here is the thing. It is well known that as one ages muscle mass decreases, and joints wear out. How much each of these things occur, and how soon, varies between people, but in general, it is a fact of life. Here is what I have found in my own training, in a nutshell. If I train too little my muscles weaken and my joints get stiffer, but if I train too much my muscles break down and my joints get sore from wear. This is putting it in non-technical terms... I don't know what is actually going on, from a medical or physiological point of view, I'm just saying what feels to be true. I feel best if I train just the right amount, where sore or pulled muscles have had time to repair, joints are not too strained, yet joints aren't too stiffened up and muscles are still strong. The problem is it can be very difficult to find the "sweet spot" and train just the right amount. It did not used to be such a struggle.

[WireFrame]

If you're training 7 days a week, try taking 2 days rest during the week (train 2, rest one, train 2, rest 1, train 1) and see how that feels.

It's safer to build-up again from too little training than trying to recover from over-doing it.

[beagstkd]

You find even proffesional athletes face this dilemma. There are no correct responses because as you said, everyone is different. You'll just have to find the correct balance for you.

I will say that everyone needs days off from training to repair their body properly.

[tonydee]

Varying the training's important too. For example, practice joint locking as a rest from striking, or alternate reflex training with power, footwork with ground work....

Cheers,

Tony

[KarateGeorge]

Yeah, as Tonydee said, change things up on occassion. It not only helps keep things from getting boring, but it also helps reduce the effect of diminishing returns from training too much on one thing.

Also, it's no fun getting old, is it?

[still kicking]

beagstkd wrote:

You find even proffesional athletes face this dilemma. There are no correct responses because as you said, everyone is different. You'll just have to find the correct balance for you.

I think finding the balance is not so hard if I am just tuning in to my body, and what it feels right to do on any given night. The problem is trying to work it into the class schedule! I do not go to classes every day, but usually 3 or 4 times a week. Then on a couple of off days I will do some light stretching/yoga, and maybe some exercise bike. The thing is, in class we do a lot of low stance work, and even though we are always encouraged to hold back or sit out if we are injured or for any reason we need to, especially when we are "no longer young" (I resist that realization), when things are moving along in class it's hard to hold back. Especially in the advanced class, one wants to keep up. It's not just an ego thing, although I am sure that that's a part of it, but we are taught to work hard! However, I am starting to realize that if I overdo it I am more likely to get injured and be out for some time, which would be worse than resting for a few minutes in class.

KarateGeorge wrote:

it's no fun getting old, is it?

No, it is not. Grumble grumble. But I guess it's better than dying young, and at least I am still able to play.

[mr_obvious]

Might I also suggest season ("Winter," more precisely) playing as a major factor...? Cold weather kills performance for a lot of people; myself included.

[still kicking]

mr_obvious wrote:

Might I also suggest season ("Winter," more precisely) playing as a major factor...? Cold weather kills performance for a lot of people; myself included.

OK, good, well I look forward to feeling young again in a few months. I will put this information on my "reasons moving to Hawaii would be a good idea" list.

[mr_obvious]

Well....I'm here in Florida, where last week was record-setting-cold, on an epic scale. For several days, our daytime high temp barely climbed above freezing. Northerners, don't laugh -- our Summers would kill you!

Anyway......I couldn't bring myself to the gym, to the dojo, or even climb on my own treadmill. This week, we're back in the 70's and everything works as normal