MidnightBlue
Yellow Belt
Hi, everyone! About two weeks ago, I rejoined martial arts after almost seven years of NOT training and not really doing any sort of work out besides some occasional horseback riding or leisure activites. I'm 26... almost 27, and female... just in case that affects some advice you might be able to give.
I'm really trying to get back in shape, but I clearly had not realized just how out of shape I've gotten! I'm struggling most with, and desperately seeking advice with, the following:
I'm really trying to get back in shape, but I clearly had not realized just how out of shape I've gotten! I'm struggling most with, and desperately seeking advice with, the following:
- Balance--I used to have amazing balance, naturally, so I never had to work at it. Now, when I try to pivot with one leg up on certain techniques, I just about fall over. HELP! Can anyone please share tips with me to help me regain good balance quickly?
- My knees--years ago, I dislocated my right knee very badly... twice. Now that I'm back in MA, BOTH of my knees hurt rather awfully. Both are swollen right now, and I've been icing them off and on since last night. When I walk, they feel like they need to pop or crack. Also, the back of my right knee feels almost hyper-extended. I have no idea what to do. I've picked up braces from the local pharmacy that are supposed to help my knee not go out side to side, but they're bulky and uncomfortable, so I don't wear them. Is this sort of pain normal for some people? Can I just work through this, or should I be treating them a certain way?
- Flexibility--My flexibility seems to have gone the way of my balance. I'm pretty good at working on this on my own, know how to stretch, etc. My question lies here--I'm thinking of buying a PVC leg stretcher (like this one: http://www.martialartsequipmentdire...-p/flex-a-tron-pvc-leg-stretcher.htm?CartID=1). I used one years ago when I was a teen, but don't have it anymore. Does anyone have feedback on this type of stretcher? My biggest fear is that this could hurt my knees more. What do you all think?
- Endurance--Years ago, I just had endurance. I never thought about building it! Now, after a few basic techniques, it's about all I can do to catch my breath. Does anyone have advice for quickly building endurance back up?