Getting Started

[THE MAILMAN]

I started Tae Kwon Do training about 4 months ago. I am still not in as good of shape as I need to be. I fatigue in class way too easily. Last week, while helping out with my son's baseball practice, I pulled a hamstring. I am taking a month off of TKD, even though I think I will only NEED 2 weeks. My plan is to use the extra time to work on Cardio-vascular fitness and strengthening of my torso and legs so that I can begin isometrics leading to the splits. I think I can develop a good plan for training when I am not attending TKD classes. My question is, when I restart attending TKD classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays (which I never know beforehand if it will be a technical, endurance, or strength class), how will I know how to train effectively given the variation in the classes? Is there a generic program that I can use? I could really use your advice.

Thanks,

[Thomas Kurz]

Why you do not know beforehand what the workout's content is going to be? Can't you ask you TKD instructor?

[THE MAILMAN]

The content of the workouts is not the always the same at the lower levels. It changes from week to week. I am still in the early ranks, and it seems to be more of the whim of the instructor at these levels. When I advance another rank, the workouts are posted.

Thank you for your reply. I am really enjoying your book, and will probably purchase the video before too long.

Tim

[Thomas Kurz]

The workouts do not have to be the same--after all, the abilities of the class change--but the instructor must have a plan based on observation of the group, experience, and on knowledge of exercise physiology, sports training methods, sports psychology, etc.

[THE MAILMAN]

I'll discuss it with him and see what he says.

Thank you for your input.

Tim

[mmeloon]

Last week, while helping out with my son's baseball practice, I pulled a hamstring. I am taking a month off of TKD, even though I think I will only NEED 2 weeks. My plan is to use the extra time to work on Cardio-vascular fitness and strengthening of my torso and legs so that I can begin isometrics leading to the splits.

Have you seen a sports medicine doctor about this injury? It might be a good idea to find out what they think of your planned fitness routine during your "extra time". I'm not a physician but spending that time working on strengthening your legs (as you seem to be planning) seems a bit odd to me. Plus, doctors have treatment modalities available to them that might speed your recovery (e.g., massage).

Good luck. Injuries are no fun. Make sure your hamstring is healed before going back to throwing full-force kicks.

-Mark

[THE MAILMAN]

Thanks for your concern. The muscle pull wasn't that bad. I am at 90% already. I don't have any pain unless I stretch too far. I am back to about 90% of my flexibility without doing any stretching that is painful. I could probably go back to full strength kicking in another week or two, but I am going to give it a month.

My plans are to work on cardio primarily and strengthening of my core (stomach/back). I will probably wait to get into much strengthening of my legs until I am at 100%.

I was at testing (for others ) last Thursday, and a blackbelt test on Friday. I really had to work at it to stick to my decision to take a month off. I wanted to practice so much. In the long run I think I will be happy with my decision.

Thanks again for your concern.

Tim

[Kit]

mmeloon's advice on seeing a sports medicine doctor sounds good.

I injured my lower back about two years ago and took the same attitude as the mailman (ie..take a few weeks off and let it recover, then get back into training). The result was a recurring injury that in the end resulted in me not being able to train (or walk or sit comfortably) for 6 months.

Time put in now to heal properly with the proper advice will lead to better performance. Just resting, sadly, often is not enough.

Now I have found a good chirporatic doctor who has shown me some stretches and we have gone through my training routine together, i have been able to train consistently without further injury. And the gains are showing.

Hang in there! Keep the long term in your sights along with the short term.

[/quote]

[THE MAILMAN]

Thanks Kit!

I may just go and talk to the doc. The advice you gave me actually sounded like me to my Sabunim (Sensei, Instructor). I told him I would rather take a month off now to recover than take 6 months off because I didn't.

I will rethink my strategy.

Tim