Anxiety and hard training for competition

[rhilllakefield]

Hi guys,

Does anyone have any suggestions for hard training for competition? I have issues with anxiety and depression and it can be flared up with extremely hard cardio/ training until exhaustion.

I'm looking at a kyokushin circuit this year and was wondering if anyone had any advice.

[DWx]

What is your current routine?

Honestly if what you're doing now is causing anxiety...stop doing it!

You don't need to train until exhaustion routinely if it's causing issues. It's all about smart training and realising what works for you.

For cardio, start with something you like doing: running, swimming, biking, skipping, maybe a combination of them, or maybe something else. Then use this to slowly raise your base level of fitness. No need to go crazy every session. Then once you've got a good baseline fitness, you can start building on this with high intensity bursts - quick recovery. But you absolutely do not have to go until exhaustion.

[rhilllakefield]

Thanks Dwx,

Well, the good news is, the longer I train the easier it'll be on my system, but I agree with what you're saying.

I'll be going back to kyokushin for a stint, and theyre training is generally hard!

I'm going to be honest with myself, and if its too much I'll pull back. It's too bad, I love the style but its taxing!

A typical class would be warmup, pad training, sparring 6 + rounds continuously and kata to finish. Usually 1.5 hours intensive. It's not always gruelling, but its a lot. Muay Thay I found the same, youd almost train until you were delirious. I agree, it's not necessary most of the time.

[Nidan Melbourne]

Have you just started training in Kyokushin training?

I know training hard can have a negative side effect on people with anxiety.

IMHO I believe that you may just want to travel for a little longer prior to competing in that style. Because I feel like that may add to your anxiety levels, until you get more comfortable with it

[username19853]

When training for competition, top athletes such as MMA fighters tend to follow a specific plan. Let's say three months out, they'll use each month as a "phase" to focus. Cardio, then strength, then intensity.

I'd say start with a high volume of training and light to moderate intensity. Then as your competition nears, slowly decrease the volume of your training and increase the intensity.

Example: at the beginning, you're working on 3 mile runs, getting your time down as much as you can. As time goes on, you'll decrease how much you run so that you can increase how fast you run. By the end of your training camp, that 3 miles has gone down to 100m to 400m sprints.

Hope this helps, or at least gives you some ideas. Good luck!

[IcemanSK]

Hi guys,

Does anyone have any suggestions for hard training for competition? I have issues with anxiety and depression and it can be flared up with extremely hard cardio/ training until exhaustion.

I'm looking at a kyokushin circuit this year and was wondering if anyone had any advice.

I had a similar situation a few years ago when I would get emotional during running that seemed only to be brought on by the training. I sought counseling & it helped alot. It might also be a physical cause, like an adrenaline dump. I would also agree with DWx on this one. Try something new. However, seeing a therapist &/or discussing it with your doctor might be good, as well.

I wish you well. You're not alone.

[rhilllakefield]

Thanks for the reply guys. Sorry for the late reply. These are good thoughts, and I'm glad to know my situation isn't unique.

I'm going to try the higher volume training and gradually up the intensity. I've been traiing for years and used to kickbox with no negatives....our bodies change I guess.

At 37 it's something id like to do again before im mileaged out but it wont break my heart if it doesn't fly.

I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

[Alan Armstrong]

The anxiety you are feeling from intensive training is a natural phenomena. Due to the fact of working out to exhaustion has made you feel vulnerable if attacked. You have the 'afterburn' effect also throughout your body trying to recover from the stress and tension that your workouts have put you through. Acknowledge that you need recovery time because you earned it. Treat yourself to something relaxing none competitive like swimming or casual scenic walks. We already live in the stressful modern age and for fun as martial artists can take that stress to the max. Nature should be a part of every martial artists life. If all else fails just breathe! All the best.