True to my word I took a week off. I only worked out on Monday last week. Even though I thought strongly about training Tuesday and I fought the urges to workout Saturday and Sunday of this last week.
H my partner was very great about keeping me on track. Telling me I needed the rest. I did enjoy the time off. But I am glad to be back at it again this week. I did enjoy the rest.
The brain starts to worry that all this inactivity will be a detriment, however, logically I know that one week will not affect my aerobic conditioning or my muscle development. The biggest danger is the mental aspect. For those that are just starting to train/workout they are building an developing those habits. On the other hand those of us who have been training consistently will worry that we are losing progress.
I do feel like the rest helped. When you detrain, or take a rest, you allow your body to replenish the glycogen energy stores in your muscles and liver, your muscles, tendons, and joints repair themselves.
If you are working out 5 to 6 days a week, taking a week break every 12 weeks is helpful and necessary.
When I trained today I felt great. My muscles were firing, I did not find myself sluggish, and I had plenty of energy. I was happy to do my workout and excited to get my training in this week.
Training 11/23/2020: 50 minutes- 1 mile run, weight lifting, core
Today was a great day of training. H came with me on the run, I finished up my weight lifting workout. It was super chilly out.
Training felt great, glad to start this holiday week off like this.
1) Glute activation and stretch 2) 1 mile run 3) glute activation A) walking lunge with kick back 45 seconds B ) banded kick back, side kick 45 seconds C) banded plus sign squat walk 45 seconds D) Banded hip thrusters 45 seconds
4) weight lifting– super set 30 seconds rest between sets- working on time and attention A) Barbell Back Squats 3x sets of 8 reps B ) Jump Squats 3x sets of 15 reps
C) goblet squats 3x sets of 18 reps D) bench glute kick backs 3x sets for 30 seconds
E) banded leg abductor 3x sets for 1 minute each leg (L/R) F) single leg dead lift 3x sets alternating leg for 1 min each
5) Core: Dana Lynn Bailey’s 10 minute core workout. 45 seconds on with 15 seconds rest between each 1) Hollow body 2) Hollow body reverse crunches 3) Sit Bicycles 4) Star Crunches 5) Side Right planks dips 6) Side Left planks dips 7) High Plank opposite Side Knee to Elbow 8 ) V Sit Leg Circles 9) Heel Touches 10) Explosive Sit Ups
Rolled legs out afterward.
So that is the one day of workout I did last week. I took the time to rest and recuperate. It was nice to rest or detrain during the holidays. I spent time with family, played games with my kiddos, and enjoyed the time together.
It is a short post, but I am already back at the training as of today. Like I said the training felt great. It was a huge difference. I had gone way to long without a break. It has been about a year without a full week break. I started training harder when Covid-19 hit. Because that was a thing I can control.
Don’t be stupid like past me, and take care of yourself. Future me is looking out and trying to be smarter.
Thank you for reading, and please let me know if you liked this post with a like. If you feel like commenting feel free to do so, I would love to hear from you. If you want to hear more about my adventures and journey subscribe.
To those that have already subscribed I am amazed and honored. Just this month alone I have had 20 new subscribers just this month. That is amazing! Thank you all.
I am feeling overtraining setting in. To head it off I am going to try to take advantage of the holidays and change things up a bit.
So the question you may ask about overtraining:
What is overtraining?
What are the signs symptoms?
Who can it affect?
How do you deal with it?
You are chugging along, you have been working out. You have been sticking to your training. You have made progress but you wake up and feel strange. You feel tired, restless, no amount of sleep is helping, you maybe don’t love what you are doing any more, you have hit a plateau and you are not making any progress. You are sore and its taking longer for you to heal up.
You might be experiencing overtraining or training fatigue.
What is overtraining?
Here is a definition of overtraining or training fatigue from a children’s hospital sports medicine group. You may think what does a children’s hospital know about adults? Pediatricians will see athlete’s up to 18, some even will see people up to 21… so a person can be considered a child in the medical sense and the information can still be applicable to our needs as adults.
Burnout, or overtraining syndrome, is a condition in which an athlete experiences fatigue and declining performance in sport despite continuing or increased training. Overtraining can result in mood changes, decreased motivation, frequent injuries and even infections. Burnout is thought to be a result of the physical and emotional stress of training.
Just as described above, a overtraining is a condition that can cause a cascading effect and if left unchecked and unaddressed it can cause more issues.
What are the signs/symptoms you might be experiencing overtraining?
an athletes performance declines, and or they experience fatigue – not your normal fatigue after a hard workout, your workouts you feel sluggish
lack of motivation – where once you did, you do not looking forward to the exercise
decrease in the enthusiasm of the sport/training – temporary loss of your love for a sport or training.
recovery is taking longer – after an adequate amount of rest you
emotional volatility – disproportionate emotional response, not one particular emotion. Like snapping at people, crying more often
trouble sleeping – insomnia, interrupted sleep, and less restful sleep
more prone to illness and injury– your immune system is taking a beating because your body is can’t recover.
Lethargy and reduced sex drive – if you are exhausted, and lethargic it is reasonable to that your sex drive will be reduced.
You might think that only a olympic athlete, an athlete that trains 20 hours a week, or a professional athlete will get this. But you might be surprised to find that anyone can find themselves with the overtraining or training fatigue symptoms. This can happen to an athlete of any training level.
People new to training or working out can experience this, because their threshold is lower than an athlete that has been training for a while. If they are less fit, their bodies cannot compensate as well as the well trained athlete and therefore can experience training fatigue.
People who have to quickly upped their amount of training recently, and have not taken adequate rest can experience this condition.
People who are experienced athletes can find themselves facing this problem when they don’t take adequate rest.
I also believe that external stressors, like this Covid-19 pandemic, can also factor into the causes of possible training fatigue or overtraining. I generally take adequate days off, usually 2 to 1 day a week, however I have not been sleeping well since the pandemic hit, and due to political stimulus over the past weeks. I think my body is just tired, and needs a rest.
How do you deal with it?
Not to be flippant but, rest is the first and foremost thing you should do. The pushing through and unwillingness to acknowledge that you need rest is the reason you may be here.
If you have injuries you must address those, and tend to those as well.
The length of rest is variable per person, but generally it is agreed upon but sports doctors, and therapists that when your symptoms have gone away or are retreating you are going in the right direction. When the lethargy no mater how much rest you get is gone, when your motivated to reach your goals, when you sex drive, and your love for your sport returns are all great signs.
In the future:
Schedule in breaks. I am bad about this. I have been training for years, without scheduling a week or two off here and there. I tend to wait till I am injured and it forces me to take the time off.
Look for signs of overtraining and Listen to your body.
Try to reduce the stressors externally in your life. I know easier said than done, especially if a pandemic is foisted on you, and or the political landscape of the country you are in has you questioning the sanity of the politicians, and the future of your country. But I digress…
Tune in your diet. If you are not fueling your body with enough food and good enough food your body cannot recover, and rest properly.
If you don’t do these things, it will be far easier to fall back into an overtraining, training fatigue cascade of symptoms that you will have to address or run the risk of greater injury.
Monday 11/16/2020:1 hour – 1 mile run, leg and glute day, core workout
I was feeling a little sassy today, don’t know if I feel like I can pull off a crop top yet but wore it anyway.
Woke up late for me 8 am and slept great. It’s been a while since I slept like that. So I got to my workout and start of my day and week.
Leg day but had to be careful with my tweaky knee still so I focused on making sure to keep it steady, aware of placement, and movement.
1 mile run
Weight Lifting Leg and Glute day: all exercises done in a super set, 15 seconds rest between sets
1) Back Squats 3x sets of 8 reps 2) Jump Squats 3x sets of 10 reps
3) Dead Lift 3x sets of 10 reps 4) Bulgarian Split Squats 3x sets of 15 reps ( L/R)
5) resistance band Leg Adductor 3x sets 1 minute (L/R) 6) Goblet Squat 3x sets of 15 reps
7) Single Leg Dead Lift 3x sets of 1 min
Core: Dana Lynn Bailey’s 10 minute core workout. 45 seconds on with 15 seconds rest between each 1) Hollow body 2) Hollow body reverse crunches 3) Sit Bicycles 4) Star Crunches 5) Side Right planks dips 6) Side Left planks dips 7) High Plank opposite Side Knee to Elbow 8 ) V Sit Leg Circles 9) Heel Touches 10) Explosive Sit Ups
Monday 11/16/2020:workout #2 – Ran another mile with H and helped him through part of my leg day.
Tuesday 11/17/2020:1 hour of Muay Thai training
A great day of training. I am as exhausted but really looked forward to training today. Consistency is the key to getting better and reaching your goals.
We worked on Teeps, knees, and 4 counts. I even dented the heavy bag with my knee.
Thanks Khun kru Krysta for the great class.
Training: jumping jacks, kicks and ladder kicks in between rounds for active recovery.
1) lead Teep, rear Teep 2) Held pads for H
3) Lead Teep, Rear Kick, Hook, Cross, lead Kick 4) Held Pads for H
5) Rear Teep, Lead Kick, Cross, Hook, Rear Kick 6) held Pads for H
7) Lead Teep, Lead Kick, Cross, Hook, Rear Knee, Rear Kick 8 ) held Pads for H
9) Jab, Cross, Uppercut, Rear Body kick, Pead leg kick Jab, Cross, Uppercut, Rear Body Kick, Rear Leg Kick 10) Held Pads for H
Friday 11/20/2020: 47 minutes run, agility ladder, and full body weight lifting workout
We ran a mile, I decided to add some footwork agility to my workout with the ladder, then I worked in a full body weight lifting workout.
Workout: 1) barbell clean and press – 3x sets of 6 reps 2) dumbbell seated snow angels – 3x sets of 10 reps 3) kettlebell swings – 3x sets of 50 seconds, 10 seconds rest 4) kettlebell high pull – 3x sets of 50 seconds, 10 seconds rest 5) kettlebell tricep overhead extension – 3x sets of 50 seconds, 10 seconds rest
It was a short quick one but I am glad I got it in. Missed Wednesday and Thursday workouts so needed to do something today. Yay!
Saturday 11/21/2020: 2 hours of training. Kali/staff and Muay Thai
Training was fun and challenging today. We were outside in uneven ground that made it challenging, but it was fun. It reminded me of Thai Camp! I miss Thai Camp this year.
When you are outside on uneven ground, you want to focus on proper form, target acquisition, and working the technique. You do this so you don’t break yourself.
In a leg kick you want to sink your weight, but for the body kicks you focus on the lifting the body and getting/pivoting on the balls of your feet.
Thank you Khun Kru Krysta!
Kali: We worked on- 1) high box with the staff 2) high box with the jab/Speer with staff 3) hubud with double stick
Muay Thai: knees up a hill for active recovery 1) shadow boxing 2) shadow boxing 3) plus sign drill w/ Jab, Cross, Rear Leg Kick 4) Jab, Cross, Rear Body Kick 5) H turn to kick me 6) Jab, Cross, Switch kick to the Body or lead body kick 7) H’s turn to kick me 8 ) Jab, Cross, Leg kick, partner kick response you shield. 9) H’s turn to kick me 10) pushing knees up the hill
Extra curricular 3 x 3 minute rounds of Sparring
Overtraining is a real thing. It is something to look out for. Keep in mind it is not just fatigue after a great workout. It is the inability to recover fully after your training. You then train again while tired, and feel lethargic, sluggish, and unable to attain the goals you are going for much less the levels of training you once had experienced.
Everything feels harder, and that is no fun.
I am starting to feel these symptoms. I know my body enough that I am aware that I am feeling like I am slogging up slope, in the mud. So I am going to take advantage of the coming holidays, and take some extra time off. I am going to change up my workouts.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms you may have to stop all together. But if you catch it early then you can just schedule in more rest time and let your body catch up.
Thank you for reading. If you liked it please click the like button. If you wanted to comment please feel free to do so I would love to hear from you. If you want to keep up with my adventures and all the things I learn as I go through my training and reach for my goals please subscribe. Have a great week, if you are in the states Happy Thanksgiving to you.
I post some videos of my training on my instagram #sharpcupcake .
Really no witty repatee today just a general you gotta get out there and do your workouts. You have to get out there and train. It does not look like this pandemic is going to end any time soon, so waiting for it to end is not a solution.
What ever you can do at home do. Run if you can, order some resistance bands they are pretty cheap, get some kettle bells, and youtube has a wealthy of information you can use. Youtube has workouts to try, yoga you can do from home.
You may not have your team sports you like to do any more, but I am sure there are drills out there that you can do. If you like soccer there are ball drills you can do at home. An agility ladder, also pretty inexpensive is great for soccer, football, tennis, Muay Thai, any sport really that has you on your feet.
Don’t be afraid to change up your workouts. If you have been doing workouts at home great. Change it up, learn a new skill. Focus on one skill you want to make better. Like say agility, or hand eye coordination.
This is my week of martial arts training, and workouts. Nothing special just me working at my training. Sometimes you just need to grind away. Results come when you consistent and intentional about your training. I put up some video on my instagram account #sharpcupcake if you are interested.
Monday 11/09/2020: 1 hour and 10 minutes – 1 mile run, weight lifting leg and butt day, core
I am smiling cause I got that workout done even though it was hard to start and I really was not looking forward to doing it this morning.
Also look at this cool shirt I made. It was inspired by a quote from my Muay Thai coach Krysta. Yay! The back side of the shirt says, “I can’t… I have Muay Thai” I made it for my training team/class mates.
So while I was not feeling like doing the workout I did it and happy I did, I wore clothes that made me feel good, and kicked this workouts butt, also my own butt.
1 mile run
Leg and Glute warm up/activation (45 seconds on 15 seconds off) 1) lunge stand kick back 2) mini band squat walk 3) mini band kick back to side kick 4) banded hip thrusters
Weight lifting leg glute – done in a superset 1) back squats 3x sets of 8 reps 2) jump squats 3x sets of 10 reps
3) reverse extensions 3x sets of 12 reps 4) dumbbell lunges 3x sets of 12 reps
5) dead lifts 3x sets of 10 reps 6) Bulgarian split squats 3x sets of 15 reps (L/R)
7) leg abductor 1 minute each leg (L/R) 8 ) goblet squats 3x sets of 10 reps
9) 4 way mini band walks 1 minute 3x sets 10) single leg dead lift 3x sets of 20 reps
Core: Dana Lynn Bailey’s 10 minute core workout. 45 seconds on with 15 seconds rest between each 1) Hollow body 2) Hollow body reverse crunches 3) Sit Bicycles 4) Star Crunches 5) Side Right planks dips 6) Side Left planks dips 7) High Plank opposite Side Knee to Elbow 8 ) V Sit Leg Circles 9) Heel Touches 10) Explosive Sit Ups
Tuesday 11/10/2020: 1 hour of Muay Thai training
So it’s been a day! Had some good things like a great compliment and happy letter to my company from a customer about my customer service.
Then I had some things that made me doubt myself that those internal voices got to me. I hate it when my brain does this.
On top of all that D.O.M.S. set in. But after I got warmed up and moving even thought I still felt sore things felt better. I just focused on fixing one thing today in training. So I could have a singular area to sick my brain on, it let me drown everything else out. I did it and had a great class. Thanks for a great class Khun Kru Krysta!
Training: jab cross flurries, and double kicks for active recovery
1) Jab, Cross, Body kick, Jab, Cross, leg kick 2) held pads for H
3) Jab, Cross, Uppercut, Cross, Rear Body Kick 4) held pads for H
5) Jab, Cross, Overhand, Cross, Rear leg Kick 6) held pads for H
7) Jab, Cross, Body Hook, Cross, Rear Body Kick 8 ) held pads for H
9) Jab, Cross, Body Hook, Head Hook, Rear Body Kick, Rear Leg Kick 10) held pads for H
What a great day of training. Still wrestling with feelings of self worth, but it was a great training day. And H my partner did the entire thing with me. He said he wanted to get as strong as I am. Yay!
We ran a mile in the rain, but it was a pleasant warm rain.
Shoulder arm warm up
Weight lifting workout: 15 seconds rest between sets. Focus on time and attention. 1) Seated Snow Angels 5x sets of 10 reps 2) Dumbbell Shoulder Press to Chest Press 5x sets of 10 3) Front Raise to Lateral Raise 5x sets of 10 reps 4) Bicep Curl 5x sets of 15 reps 5) Tricep Dips 5x sets of 10 reps 6) Halos 3x sets of 10 (L/R) 7) Tricep Kick Back 5x sets of 15 reps 8 ) Shoulder stabilization band exercise 3x sets of 10 (L/R)
Core: Dana Lynn Bailey’s 10 minute core workout.45 seconds on with 15 seconds rest between each 1) Hollow body 2) Hollow body reverse crunches 3) Sit Bicycles 4) Star Crunches 5) Side Right planks dips 6) Side Left planks dips 7) High Plank opposite Side Knee to Elbow 8 ) V Sit Leg Circles 9) Heel Touches 10) Explosive Sit Ups
Thursday 11/12/2020: 1 hour and 10 minutes – Muay Thai training
Great day of training today. We worked the lead kicks today Tuesday we worked the rear kicks. Then I did extra curricular knees on the bag. 150 knees to be exact.
I took an ok picture (I generally hate pictures of me) and one where I show my arms. I hate my arms but one of my online friends suggested we show all our bits because beautiful is not just what we were taught is beautiful.
Beautiful is strong, smart, kind, has cellulite, anxiety, has an oval/round/square/diamond/rectangular face, has scars, is working better themselves every day, even on the days where it’s hard. Beautiful is not what the magazines tell us, it’s what we see in our friends and loved ones. I keep comparing myself to everyone else and keep coming up short. I trying to learn to love me. I am trying to see the beautiful in me. I can find it in everyone else.
Training: jab cross flurries, kicks for active recovery between rounds 1) shadow boxing Jab, Cross, Rear Kick Spin Through with Shield opposite leg 2) shadow boxing Jab, Cross, Lead Kick Spin Through with Shield opposite leg
3) Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross, Lead Body Kick 4) held pads for H
5) Jab, Cross, Overhand Cross, Lead Leg kick 6) held pads for H
7) Jab, Cross, Body Hook, Cross, Lead Body Kick 8 ) held pads for H
9) Jab, Cross, Body Hook, Head Hook, Cross, Lead Body Kick, Lead Leg Kick 10) held pads for H
Extra curricular:150 skip knees to the bag Video of part of the skip knees is on my instagram #sharpcupcake
Saturday 11/14/2020:2 hours 15 minutes – Kali/Staff class, and Muay Thai training, with 4 rounds of sparring afterward
Even though my face looks a little meh, I had a great day of training. It was very cold outside when the wind was blowing and my face was showing it. Lol
Kali/Staff training– We worked equise with low backhand high backhand, switch, and jab/stab
Then we worked western pole arm training Kevin was kind enough help us learn more about western pole arm fighting.
Muay Thai- we worked on the same drills from this week.My knee was feeling a little strained today so I worked around it. I focused on making each strike correct, taking the power out of the strikes. It is inevitable that you will get minor injuries or strains and you have to work around them.
Then I sparred with our small dedicated sparring pod to avoid COVID-19. Was thinking about not sparring due to my knee, but decided with a little nudge from my trainer Khun Kru Krysta to work on timing and go light but still participate in the sparring. It was fun and I am glad I did. I really need to work on my tells.
I will keep training and focusing on not transmitting my tells. So my opponent does not see me coming.
It is Monday, so that means I started my week of training again. We can’t control what this pandemic is doing to our world and the people around us. But we can control what we do while we are living through it.
Get out there, work on your goals and I hope you all have had a great week. I hope this new week is amazing for you all, and if you are already training, keep it up.
Thanks for reading, if you liked this blog let me know with a like, if you want to hear more adventures in my training please subscribe, and comment if you get a wild hair to do so.
When working out with other people/friends/family etc., you have to understand what kind of person they are.
For me I like having a coach that tells me to work harder, gives me tips, and giving me encouragement is what helps me. I can work on my own, and I do, but having a coach, well coach me in that way is sometimes what I need to get over a plateau.
I work out with H, I train with H in Muay Thai and Kali. We are lucky that we can train together. I also know how he works, and me saying, “you can do it”, when he is struggling in a workout is not his jam. He needs to be able to work through it alone. Also me nagging him about doing a workout will not ever work. He has to want to do it. Where as my mind naggs me… telling me that I must get it done. I don’t rest well till I get it done.
So here are some things to think about when coaching, or helping your family/friends along in your training/workouts:
Everyone is different we all react differently. Get to know the persons personality. This is what I have learned. I am sure there is a lot more to learn and study about how to help motivate your friends, but this will get you started.
Type A – are typically tense, hurried, maybe aggressive, and task/detail oriented.
They are usually self motivated, like to have plans, self manage, and are competitive with themselves and others.
Motivate – a comprehensive plan is ideal for the type A, Statistics and information are great motivators for this type of person. Keeping a journal of workouts/progress is a great motivator. Articles about workouts and reasons to do them help motivate as well.
Type B – are typically, friendly, talkative, have a lot of energy, and easily distracted
They love being social butterflies, so things that require teamwork, and plenty of interaction. They love team sports and thrive in that kind of environment.
Motivate – Group hikes, team sports like soccer, group runs, volley ball, and other group activities are a great motivator. Talk before and after workouts and try to limit talk during workouts so as not to distract.
Type C – are typically somber, serious, rely on data/stats and are analytical
Cold hard facts are what they are looking for.
Motivate – Details about why a workout is great is perfect. Articles about said workouts are great motivators. Keeping a journal of workouts/progress is a great motivator for these people.
Make it collaborative, ask what each other would like to get out of it. Do this before the workout. Even if they ask you to put the workout together, make sure you have several levels of the workout that can be done, easy and harder.
Limit the small talk during a workout. You are both there to work out and get stronger/faster/better. Talk before or after.
Help them get over fears of the gym, or lack of knowledge.
Explain what you are doing why you are doing it. This helps with number 4 as well.
Lead by example, exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, share your progress
Do not judge. No one likes to think they are being judged or laughed at. You are both doing this to get better.
Set goals, not just numbers on the scale, but strength, movement, etc.
Monday 11/02/2020:1 hour and 10 minutes I mile run, leg day, and core
I think I am seeing muscles in my legs! Yay!
So today was 46 degrees F/ 7.78 degrees C out when I went to run. On top of that we have crazy winds whipping up. So needless to say the run was cold.
1 mile run
Weight lifting: 50 minutes all exercises done in a superset. 30 seconds rest between a set of two workouts 1) barbell back squats 8 reps x 3 sets jump squats 8 reps x 3 sets
2) reverse hyper on the bench 12 reps x3 sets dumbbell lunges 12 reps x3 sets
3) Dead Lift 8 reps x 3 sets Bulgarian split squats 15 reps x3 sets
4) banded courtesy lunge 15 reps (L/R) x 3 sets alternating single leg dead lifts 30 reps x3 sets
5) 4 way glute band/mini band walks 1 minute x 3 sets resistance band leg adductor 30 sec (L/R) x 3 sets
Core: Dana Lynn Bailey’s 10 minute core workout. 45 seconds on with 15 seconds rest between each 1) Hollow body 2) Hollow body reverse crunches 3) Sit Bicycles 4) Star Crunches 5) Side Right planks dips 6) Side Left planks dips 7) High Plank opposite Side Knee to Elbow 8 ) V Sit Leg Circles 9) Heel Touches 10) Explosive Sit Ups
Wednesday 11/04/2020: 1 hour, 1 mile run, upper body workout, and core
I needed to burn off some anxiety and needed to take my focus off the election. Doing my workout helped. Because making sure I don’t drop the weights on my own head will get you to concentrate.
It’s was a great workout! My arms and shoulders are toast. Yay!
1 mile run
Upper Body Weightlifting 1) seated snow angels – 5 x sets of 10 reps 2) dumbbell shoulder press to chest press – 5x sets of 10 reps 3) dumbbell front raise to lateral raise – 5x sets of 10 reps 4) tricep dips – 5 x sets of 10 reps 5) shoulder stabilization resistance band – 60 each side 6) tricep kick backs- 5 x sets of 10 7) bicep curls – 5 x sets of 15 8) halos- 3 x sets of 10 (L/R)
Core: Dana Lynn Bailey’s 10 minute core workout. 45 seconds on with 15 seconds rest between each 1) Hollow body 2) Hollow body reverse crunches 3) Sit Bicycles 4) Star Crunches 5) Side Right planks dips 6) Side Left planks dips 7) High Plank opposite Side Knee to Elbow 8 ) V Sit Leg Circles 9) Heel Touches 10) Explosive Sit Ups
Thursday 11/05/2020: hour of Muay Thai
Quote of the day: “Flying Elbows = Always Great” Khun Kru Krysta
Great day of training. After a crazy day that was both frustrating and tiring it was great to just focus on the training.
Still working on squaring up my hips more. Instead of blading them so much. I have so much more power in my knees and kicks when I do that. Also it is almost effortless.
Also working on flow and timing. To make things smooth like butter.
Training: jab cross flurries, elbow elbow flurries, ladder kicks, skip knees done inbetween rounds for active recovery 1) Jab, Cross, elbow # 9 2) held for H
3) Rear Knee, Lead Elbow, Rear Elbow, Lead Knee, Lead Kick 4) held for H
5) Jab, Cross, Rear # 8 elbow, lead elbow # 1, rear Knee, Rear Kick 6) held pads for H
7) Matkatune, Cross, Body Hook, lead # 3 elbow, tie up skip knee x 6, spin off, double kick 8 ) held pads for H
9) Jab, Cross, Hook, Lead Elbow # 1, Rear Elbow # 9, Lead Elbow # 9, Rear Elbow # 3, Rear Knee, Rear Kick 10 ) held pads for H
Thank you Khun Kru Krysta for a great class!
Saturday 11/07/2020: 2 hours of Kali/staff and Muay Thai
Today it is beautiful outside, and training was fun. It was made all the better when we heard news that Pennsylvania was called. The day started off as meh and we are just waiting for election results going through the motions and getting our training in. However, then the great news that Biden had the majority of of the electoral votes made my day. I felt lighter and less like I was holding my breath in anticipation.
So I got to train in my favorite martial arts while talking, joking, and discussing current events with my like minded friends. Thank you Khun Kru Krysta.
Training: Kali – full box in a variety of combos which requires different movements, blocks, and range management 1) full box -single stick 2) full box – double stick
3) full box – double stick against single stick 4) full box – double stick against staff
video up on my instagram #sharpcupcake
Muay Thai – we worked on the Thai 15 count I worked it in both Orthodox stance and South Paw 1) parry incoming cross, high cover the hook, Lead elbow # 1, Rear elbow # 3, Rear Knee, Rear Kick 2) held pads for H
3) Rear Knee, Lead Kick, Cross, Hook, Rear Knee, Rear Kick 4) held pads for H
5) Rear kick, Lead Teep incoming cross, Slip the incoming cross, Hook, Cross, Rear Kick 6) held pads for H
7) 15 count in full (I did both orthodox and south paw) 8 ) held pads for H Kali videos, Muay Thai video of Thai 15 count
One thing I know with H is that I cannot force them to do the workout. They have to be ready and willing to do so.
Sometimes for some people you can use these for motivation:
comedy/laughter for motivation, “you are afraid of how swole you are going to get arn’t you?”
stats and information, “you had these goals, and to reach them you need to keep up the training.”
asking what is bothering them and what is stopping them
just gentle reminders
Sometimes all you can do is lead by example, send gentle reminders, and be supportive.
Never ever, make fun of them, or try to guilt them. That tends to backfire and then will make your friends/family not want to workout.
I will do my workout, extend an invitation, and then if they want to they will come. I hope this helps you with your friends and family and the training that you do.
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Ok ok… let me say… I am terrible about getting to rolling my muscles and shins. H is on me about it, and I am trying… but damn does it hurt. I know I need to do it, to help smooth out the ossification that happens in the micro fractures. I say, I say… It don’t feel good though.
So while I am bad about doing it myself, I am going to talk about why we should do it. You know how you say “I love burpees.” Just to try to reverse psychology yourself into thinking you like them. I am going to write about the process of rolling out your shins, bones, and muscles. Maybe reverse psychology myself into doing it more. It could happen right. But H is there and he will do it for me even if I am not happy about it and mutter terrible things due to the pain. But I am getting better… I am always reaching to be better than I was before. So doing it regularly will be better than I was before. Yay! Its the small goals.
Alright first things first – Muay Thai is awesome, and awesomely hard on your shins. It is this way because we use them to shield kicks coming in. It is far better to take a kick on a shin, then get hit in the liver, and puke blood. Just a thought.
There are many memes going around about it, for good reason: I did not make these. Copyrite the internet
So we shield kicks with our shins, toes up, muscle wrapped around the shin to protect our vital organs. Yes the pain goes through the shin guards, and yes you still get bruised. I do all the time. Some times we go crazy and shin to shin check each other. Ouch, and sometimes we use our shin guards… Ouch too but not as ouch.
What happens to your shin: (Hint: no you don’t have to kick banana trees or any trees to train, leave the poor trees alone, the heavy bag will do plenty for you.)
When you do shield and hit shin to shin, when you hit heavy bags, and sometimes even the corner of the pads, you get small micro fractures in your shins.
When your body repairs those micro fractures in your shin by adding calcium deposits called ossification. This is your bodies way of finding say a weak point and adding more material to strengthen it. Yay for smart bodies.
These ossifications can make your shin feel bumpy, and or be uneven. Those bumps can possibly cause more pain when you kick, so you must roll them out while they are healing.
So you must roll out your shins. We like to use a tiger tail. Some people swear by a metal pipe. Others like to use just a wooden dowel.
This is all called shin conditioning, because you are conditioning your shin to contain more dense bone tissue, and to maybe feel the pain less. Although I think it is more your body is used to the pain. It still hurts but since you have healed from it before you don’t care as much. I am not a doctor this is just what I have discovered in my training.
(Running: is also a great way to increase density in your shin bones.)
What to do/after care: (believe me the last thing I want to do after I have a couple of huge knots on my shin that are sure to be bruises, is roll a cylindrical pipe like thing on those aching bruises and that aching bone.)
Roll out your shins, using a Tigertail, or pipe, or bamboo stick –
Make sure you are consuming things with calcium and vitamin D.
Drink plenty of water
Go out and train again, even if it hurts… you will find it will hurt less (??) or perhaps you just notice it less.
When I am consistent about taking time to do my maintenance and upkeep for my body. I can see it perform better. Less pain and better training. So you know it just behoves me to do it.
Monday 10/05/2020: 1 mile run, 30 minutes weight lifting workout, 10 min core workout from Dana Lynn Bailey
1 mile run I just stuck to my normal path.
Weight lifting: done as a superset (Note: curl bar not the greatest to use for hip thrusters but I made an improvised pad and it worked)
1) Clean and Press x3 sets of 6 reps 2) Hip Thrusters x3 sets of 15 reps
3) Bench Press x 3 sets of 6 reps 4) Bulgarian Split Squats x 3 sets of 15 reps (L and R side)
Dana Lynn Baileys 10 minute core workout 45 seconds on with 15 seconds rest between each
1) Hollow body
2) Hollow body reverse crunches
3) Sit Bicycles
4) Star Crunches
5) Side Right planks dips
6) Side Left planks dips
7) High Plank opsite Side Knee to Elbow
8 ) V Sit Leg Circles
9) Heel Touches
10) Explosive Sit Ups
Tuesday 10/06/2020: 1 hour of Muay Thai
If you want to change up your training and make it instantly harder. Try doing the rounds in the opposite stance. Man south paw can be confusing sometimes for me. But I am pleased to say that it’s getting easier. I felt like my foot was not in the bucket, I felt like I was getting some better extensions in my punches, and felt like it was flowing better, all on the south paw side. Yay!
Training: jump rope 8 mins before classJumping jacks, squats, and pushups between rounds for active recovery
1) Jab, Cross, Teep
2) Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross, Bob and Weave and get out 3) held for H
4) Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross, Bob and weave, Cross, Hook, Bob and weave, Hook, Cross 6) held for H
7) rear Body Cover, Lead uppercut, Cross, Rear Body Cover, rear uppercut, hook, Cross. 8 ) held for H
9) full boxing 20 – Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross, Bob and Weave, Cross, Hook, Bob and Weave, Hook, Cross, Bob and Weave, rear Body Cover, Lead uppercut, Cross, Rear Body Cover, rear uppercut, hook, Cross, Bob and weave an incoming overhand, shoulder check, hook, Cross. 10) Held pads for H
Wednesday 10/07/2020: 40 minutes- 1 mile run and 26 minute calisthenics workout
I ran 1 mile early this morning and felt like I could keep going. Yay!
Calisthenics workout: HUMP DAY
Done in a superset, x3 sets
H) 10 tricep dips U) 30 Bicycle Crunches M) 30 Plank Jacks P) 20 Reverse Lunges- 20 on each leg
D) 30 second Plank + shoulder touches A) 30 Star Jumps Y) 50 Flutter Kicks
Thursday 10/08/2020: 1 hour and 15 min of Muay Thai
Ok today was a great day. I worked hard and kept up the level of energy. Yay! Learned a new drill. Shin is sore but it was fun today.
It was super fun. Made small tweaks to make my drills better. I got compliments on my feed. Was hitting my partner harder to make him shield and cover better. Khun Kru Krysta appreciated my feeeing. Yay!
Training: jump rope to warm up Jumping jacks, jump squats and pushups between rounds for active recovery
1) Jab, Cross, rear Teep, Jab, Cross, Lead Teep 2) held pads for H
3) Jab, Cross, Overhand, Rear Kick 4) Held pads for H
5) Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross, Bob and Weave, Cross, Hook, Bob and Weave, Hook, Cross 6) I repeated this round working South Paw both times.
7) Rear High elbow cover, Uppercut, Cross, Lead High elbow cover, Uppercut, Hook, Cross 8 ) held for H
Sangtinoi (spelling?) drill from the seminar…Yes 9) Rear leg shield, Rear Kick, Rear Leg Sheild, Rear Kick, Rear Leg Shield, Overhand, Cross, Knee 10) held pads for h
Extra credit training
11) repeat of # 9 12) repeat of # 7 with random hit/strikes to make you either High elbow cover, or low body cover 13) repeat of # 7 with random hit/strikes to make you either High elbow cover, or low body cover
Thanks for a great class Khun Kru Krysta.
The video is of me learning the new skill so not polished or shiny yet. But will keep working on it. You can see video look for Thursday October 8 – on #sharpcupcake on instagram.
Saturday 10/10/2020: 2 hours – Kali/staff and Muay Thai
What a fun day of training. It was a bit chilly this morning for staff class but so long as I kept moving it was alright.
In Muay Thai we worked some new drills, new to me and it was fun. I loosened up and try to keep flowing. I worked on shuffling out and getting distance after each drill, all the while keeping my guard up.
Kali/Staff training: 1) low witik, high witik, low witik, low back hand , high backhand 2) low redondo, high redondo, low redondo, low back hand, high backhand
3) high witik, low witik, high witik, low backhand, high backhand 4) low redondo, high redondo, low redondo, low backhand, high backhand
5) high witik, high witik, high witik, low backhand, high backhand 6) high redondo, high redondo, high redondo, low backhand, high backhand
Oh and the tiger tail is great for rolling your muscles after you get done working out as well.
So that is all for today. I got done with my workout this morning, made sure everyone was fed, and now am finishing up this post. I have not rolled out, but I am about to go do that now, I told myself as soon as I was done with this post I must do it. =)
This was an a 31,000 foot/9448.8 meter high overview of shin maintenance. I am not a scientist, or doctor, so consult your doctor. This is what I have learned and what we do to maintain..
Get out there, work hard for your goals. I am working on being better about maintenance for my body, but be better than me, and make sure you do your recovery/maintenance on your body.
Thanks for reading. If you liked it please let me know by liking the post. If you want to see more of my training, or adventures subscribe. And of course if you want to comment please feel free to.
Martial arts is not the only things you need to stay safe. Martial arts are a great way to learn to defend yourself, and it is a great way to gain confidence. However, don’t just lean on your martial arts, you have to be situationally aware.
Speaking as a woman and as someone who has been attacked more than once. Martial arts gives you confidence, conditioning, and the ability to either incapacitate, or damage the attacker. But lets not just depend on that. lets try to keep ourselves away from the possibility of attack.
Unfortunately people attacking people is happening, and will continue to happen. To bury your head in the sand and hope that all will be well will not help you in an emergency situation.
If we can teach people to avoid actions that might make them vulnerable, then we can at least mitigate some of the possibility. Now I am not saying that following these guidelines will completely save you, but it can help.
Guidelines For Staying Safe:
Be situational aware – be aware of your surroundings, make sure you are not preoccupied with your phone, keep an eye on door ways. Make it a habit to know what is going on. If you have red flags about the way some person is looking or acting, then listen to your gut.
Trust your gut – if you feel like something is wrong, or off just don’t stick around.
Run toward safety – run toward more people, there is more chance you can get help that way than if you run to less populated area
Stick to routs that you know when running – This is helpful because you know the area. Also if by chance you are abducted your friends and family will know where you were, and where you tend to run.
Tell your friends/family when you go out on your own – letting them know you are going, and when and where you will be is helpful.
Park in safe areas – Make sure you park in well lit areas. If people can see you and your car easily attackers are less likely to attack you.
Lock your door behind you – always lock your door behind you.
Don’t be afraid to speak out – Yell, scream, tell the person to get away from you. I know society makes us fear rocking the boat, making noise, or being unnecessarily loud. Even I had that reaction when one of my trainers told me that she tells, women especially to yell out, if a person is getting to close.
Aim for vulnerable spots – If you are attacked, aim for knee joints to stop them from running after you, sides of torso to hurt their vital organs, eyes, head, neck and hands.
Call 911 if you think you can’t get away and Call your loved ones as soon as you are safe. – Don’t be like most women and even men afraid of telling people. Afraid that you are rocking the boat. Afraid that what you perceived may not be a threat.
You may be wondering why I bring it up. Well I had a red flag day myself, and it got me thinking about how we should all help each other stay safe. I was not comfortable in that situation.
Monday 09/28/2020: 35 minute workout 1 mile run and lower body
I woke up in so much pain this morning. My scoliosis is acting up. So I stretched and took care of myself the best I could. Then I got my butt out of the door.
I mentioned this pain in my video. However, when this happens my disks move and my nerves get pinched. Muscles spasm and all of this combined makes my hands and fingers go numb. If it stays that way my hands are numb on top of screaming nerves in my hands and arms. So yeah not fun. But I have lived with this and I see my Chiropractor/DR.
I had many opportunities to make excuses and sit on my butt on the couch. But I decided to do what could today, not wallow in my pain and upset, and and be kind to myself. I only wish to help my friends and family learn how to work around chronic illness or pain.
As I have heard other people say. I have __________ it does not have me. I have scoliosis it does not have me. 👏
Anyway here was my workout avoiding extensive neck and shoulder movements:
1 mile run (did this to see how my back would do).
lower body : 50 seconds on 10 seconds rest between each
A) curtsy lunge B ) reverse lunge C) squat with front kick D) lateral lunge with toe tap (r) E) lateral lunge with toe tap (l) F) single leg dead lift with toe tap (r) G) single leg dead lift with toe tap (l) H) kick back with lateral raise (r) I) kick back with lateral raise (l) J) squat jump with pulse K) curtesy lunge+ pulse + knee tuck (r) L) curtesy lunge+ pulse + knee tuck (l) M) squat with side kicks N) squat pulses, (about 5 pulses per squat) O) Rainbow glute activation kicks (r) P) rainbow glute activation kicks (l) Q) fire hydrant lifts + kick (r) R) fire hydrant lifts + kick (l) S) reverse lunges
Woot I did it. My meds are kicking in and hopefully I can head this knock pain off.
Tuesday 09/29/2020: 1 hour of Muay Thai training
I love it when I get to learn a new combo that I love, or that just clicks right away for me.
Tonight we learned a new combo that did just that. It’s just a simple Jab, Lead Hook, Cross, Lead Hook, Rear kick. I love the change in weight distribution, and how it flows. Now I just need to practice it more and make it smooth like butter. Thank you Khun Kru Krysta.
Training: jump rope 10 minutes before class, jumping jacks and push ups for active recovery between rounds 1) Jab, Cross, Hook, Rear Kick 2) held pads for H
3) Jab, lead Hook, Cross, Hook, Rear Kick 4) held pads for H
5) Jab, Chain Hook to Lead Elbow, Rear Elbow, Rear Knee, Rear Kick 6) held pads for H
7) Parry incoming Jab, High Elbow Cover the incoming Hook, and simultaneously Jab opponents face, Cross, Hook, Cross, Lead KickVariation:Parry incoming Jab, Wedge block Wide hook, Simultaneously Jab, the return Overhand, Uppercut, Cross
8 )held pads for H 9) Jab, Cross, Hook, Rear KickCross, Hook, Cross, Lead Kick
10) held pads for H
Training is training, and often times it repetitive and you have to just focus and work through it. But sometimes it is extra fun when you find a drill you love. Yay!
So today was not a normal day of working out for me.
Be situationally aware, protect yourself and run toward safety. I was running and two guys in a construction truck slowed down to a stop in on the side of the road I was on, had windows down, watched me run. They waved, and I waved back just to be nice. No traffic around, they both watched me run by, then when I was about to turn the corner the did a u turn and I did not stay to see what they did next, I ran faster and into a neighborhood.
Regardless, stay vigilant, stay situationally aware, and always listen to your gut. Even if those little voices in my he back of your head says, “stop overreacting, and being so dramatic.”
Anyway I did a 2 mile run first.
Then I did a calisthenics workout off the word DANGER. I will add my alphabet calisthenics picture so you can do your own workout too, if you want.
Calisthenics: done in a superset, 3 rounds of each exercise
Thursday 10/01/2020:Muay Thai 1 hour and 15 minutes
What a great day of training today. We started out will a Thai technique demo. We all lined up and were instructed to show Thai techniques. My classmate Shahed got a new rank! Woot!
I was tired today but pushed through. I am glad tomorrow is a rest day for me though. I am body tired. I jumped rope and shadow boxed to warm up before class.
Thank you Khun Kru Krysta for a great class.
Training: jump rope to warm up Jumping jacks, squats, and pushups in between rounds for active recovery 1) Technique demo
2) Jab, Cross, Hook, Rear Kick 3) held pads for H
4) Jab, Hook, Cross, Hook, Rear Kick ( I worked this South Paw) 5) held pads for H
6) Jab, Hook + Chain Elbow, Rear Elbow, Rear Knee, Rear Kick 7) held pads for H
8 ) Parry the incoming jab, High elbow cover hook + Jab returned simultaneously, Cross, Hook, Cross, Lead Kick 9) held pads for H
We stayed for 3 more 3 minute rounds 10) kicks both sides 11) elbows, knees, kicks 12) kicks 20 each side
Saturday 10/03/2020:2 hours, Kali/staff training and Muay Thai
Training
Wedding Ready
Wedding Ready
Whew what a day. Normally I write this up right after training, while I am eating my lunch, but I had to do it later on in the night. Why? Because I had the honor to be able to go to a friends beautiful intimate wedding.
So here it is. I went from martial arts training to wedding ready today. You can squeeze in training in you just have to work it into your schedule. And sometimes it means you are rushing but that makes life an adventure right?!?
Kali/staff: 1) equise drill with low backhand high backhand, and thrusts 2) triple Redondo with low backhand and high backhand
Muay Thai: Jump rope to begin withJumping jacks, and squats for active recovery between rounds.
Today we were working on the boxing twenty drill. This was invented by my grand Kru Mossy, so my Kru’s Kru.
It was breaking down and the entire boxing twenty into chunks. 1) Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross, bob and weave out 2) held for H
3) Cross, Bob and Weave, Hook, Cross, Bob and Weave 4) held pads for H
5) rear body block, lead uppercut, Cross, lead body block, rear uppercut, Hook, Cross 6) held pads for H
7) full boxing 20: Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross, Bob and Weave, Cross, Hook, Bob and Weave , Hook, Cross, Rear body block, Lead uppercut, Cross, lead body block, Rear Uppercut, Cross, Bob and weave forward to avoid overhand, return body shot, Hook, Cross
What an amazing day!
Knowing these tips can lessen the chance of an attack, and help keep you safer, but will not stop the attacks. Knowing the martial art you are studying will help you fight off your offender, incapacitate and or stop them from chasing after you.
After my run on Wednesday that raised red flags, my brain tried to rationalize what the men were doing. I spoke at length with my partner and he said that, “I should trust my gut no mater what, and in this case it caused no harm to do so. The repercussions of if I did not trust my gut and things got bad far out way my avoidance of the situation.”
Thinking back on our discussions I think he was right. Even if I were to scream out, “stay away from me” and embarrassed them and myself. That small embarrassment is a miniscule price to pay, if by chance you are mistaken about the intentions of another human, and they intend to harm you.
In this case I kept running, ran faster, and ran toward safety. I did not stick around to see what they were going to do, and why they might have U turned their truck.
I am also aware that no matter how much martial arts I practice, 2 against 1 are not great odds, and they can subdue me. Sure I might get lucky, and fight them off, but it is not worth the risk.
Thank you for reading, if you liked it, please give it a thumbs up. If you want to hear more about my adventures and training subscribe, and if you are feeling chatty, please feel free to comment.
In our gym, and our martial art programs Muay Thai and BJJ, they emphasize students helping students. Ajarn Chai the man who brought Muay Thai to America emphasizes and wants the more advanced students to help the newer students. I love that about Muay Thai and this gym.
I have been finding myself more in a position where the newer students ask us questions. Maybe it is because they don’t want to bother the instructor when they are working with another individual. Maybe it is because they feel more comfortable asking what they may think is a “silly/stupid” question to one of their fellow students. Regardless of what they feel asking the more advanced students, and having them help is encouraged and requested by our instructors and at this gym.
When I tried to google up any information about the the culture of martial arts and students teaching others. There is not a lot of information out there. I know our gym is not the only one that practices this. So I am surprised that more was not written.
I changed my search for a more generic “students helping students” and there are many papers, and articles written on this. One that caught my eye was this posting of a topic for students who are studying to be professors in Stanfords Tomorrows-Professor eNewlsetter.
“Students helping each other learn mimics humans’ innate learning process, a process for which we are genetically and environmentally engineered. This is enough of an explanation, and a powerful one, to help your students understand why peer learning is suitable in the college classroom: their brains are built to learn via collaboration. “
So if our brains are built for learning via collaboration it makes sense that when students that are more advanced help their fellow students it helps them learn as well. I have often said that you have to regurgitate the information you learn, and spit it out in a way your student/fellow student can understand will solidify it for you. There are dozens upon dozens of books, blogs, papers, etc. written about the teaching process and how to better teach. If I continued down that rabbit hole, this blog post may not end.
Next I understand that Muay Thai in steeped in the beautiful history of Thailand and also its most practiced religion religion Buddhism. There are no laws that dictate what to practice beside that the King must be Buddhist. So I looked up the Buddhist thoughts on training each other. There is a plethora of knowledge out there on Buddhism and often it is hard to sift through. However, I found a piece of content that seems to correlate to my search.
With a determination to achieve the highest aim For the benefit of all sentient beings Which surpasses even the wish-fulfilling gem, May I hold them dear at all times.
These four lines are about cultivating a sense of holding dear all other sentient beings. The main point this verse emphasizes is to develop an attitude that enables you to regard other sentient beings as precious, much in the manner of precious jewels. The question could be raised, “Why do we need to cultivate the thought that other sentient beings are precious and valuable?”
I feel that the reason we want to help teach and hold other “sentient beings” as they put it, would be because other people bring us joy, happiness, and enrich our lives. So by helping others you are helping yourself.
Or this little bit from San Francisco State University… (note: there is a lot to read and unpack there if you want to learn more about buddhism.)
Buddha told his followers to help each other on the Way
I am not Buddhist myself. So while this is a miniscule overview of Buddhist teachings that seem to correlate and have influenced Muay Thai as the art it is. I think that this may be the core to why we do what we do.
Whew that was… I was trying to trim it down, from the notes I had on my research. Anyway, why might it be good for the more advanced students to help the newer students? Here are some pointers that I have experienced myself:
The advanced students have to figure out how to explain it to another student. Thus solidifying the concept/drill/skill for themselves.
It helps the teacher/instructor. Allowing the student who has done this skill before to teach, helps the many newer students to get one on one help that they need.
It creates a sense of family, camaraderie, and team among your students and each other.
It forces the advanced student to slow down and focus on their own form.
Helps advanced student in learning how to teach the skills themselves. Helps them become better teachers.
Monday 09/21/2020: 1 hour and 20 minutes, a 5k, a 25 minute Kettlebell workout, and a 10 minute core workout
Get out there and do the thing. Get out there and start off your week right.
5k run… not fast but steady state.
Kettlebell: I used a 25 lb kettlebell, use what you can handle safely. Each exercise is done for 45 seconds, with a 15 seconds rest between. 5 rounds all in a superset.
1) Goblet squats 5 x reps at 45 seconds 2) Kettlebell Swing 5 x reps at 45 seconds 3) Kettlebell reverse lounges hold in goblet hold 5 x reps at 45 seconds 4) RDL (Romanian Dead Lift) 5 x reps at 45 seconds 5) Kettlebell side lunges hold in goblet hold 5 x reps at 45 seconds
10 min core– with Dana Lynn Bailey core workout
Oh and bonus wasp nest sighting on my run.
Tuesday 09/22/2020: 1 hour and 20 minutes of Muay Thai Training
Our gym has a culture of the “older students” or “more advanced students” help the newer students. I love this and I live this. I feel like we are all family and anything I can help with just helps them and makes me better. We all take turns trying to explain, or help where we can. We have some new students and we were happy to help them with fundamental things that they can do at home to practice.
We ended up staying later to help two students who were asking questions and wanting to learn. Yay!
I got a new friend, from Kevin painted by him, and Courtney. Thank you. I love Himb!
Also I wanted to put this picture in. Boob sweat happens. Girls don’t feel bad. It’s a part of your body and it’s going to sweat. Men have sweat everywhere and so do women.
Anyway I digress…
Training: jump rope and weighted jump rope warm up 10 minutes Jumping Jacks, push ups, and jump squats in between rounds for active recovery.
1) Jab, Cross, Lead Uppercut, Jab, Cross, Rear uppercut 2) held pads for H
3) Jab, Cross, Bob and Weave, Cross, Hook, Rear Kick 4) held pads for H
5) Cross, Bob and Weave, Cross, Uppercut, Cross, Shuffle back, Teep 6) held for H
7) Cross, Bob and Weave, Cross, Hook, Cross, Lead Kick 8 ) held for H
9) cover Rear lower body, Lead Uppercut, Cross, cover Lead lower body, Rear Uppercut, Hook, Cross, double kick 10) held pads for H
Such a fun class, thanks Khun Kru.
Thursday 09/24/2020: 1 hour and 10 min Muay Thai Training
It was a great day of training. I went in with a happy demeanor. I warmed up to music I like, and even though I had a hard tiring day, I had a great day of training.
I felt good and I felt tired. I focused on keeping the same rhythm and effort level throughout the night. If I focus on my being tired I will feel it more.
The training was similar to Tuesday with a couple things changed. I really like that the training was similar to Tuesday’s class. Because of this we can focus on getting the drill or skill down.
Thank you Khun Kru Krysta for a great class.
This is the training difference for today.
1) Jab, Cross, Lead Overhand, Jab, Cross, Rear Overhand 2) held pads for H
3) instead of Low/body block, it was- Rear High Elbow Cover, Lead Uppercut, Cross, Lead High Elbow Cover, Rear Uppercut, Hook, Cross 4) Held pads for H
I am always available for questions from my classmates. I was were they are now, I had, and still have so many questions. One things I mentioned to one of my classmates was one of the beautiful things about Muay Thai is that we will always be learning more about the art. Now matter how good we get.
We stayed on after class to help our class mates with some stance questions, pivoting, and the goal of effortless power. =) That is what we all strive for. But it is not so easy to get.
Thursday 09/26/2020: 2 hours of training Kali/staff, and Muay Thai
Alright it was a fun great day of training. As I am sitting here winding down. The incredible urge for a nap is tugging away at me. So let me get this down before I pass out. Great training, then feed me Pho for lunch, shower me and then my body is ready for a nap. Not unlike a baby, play, feed them, and clean them is the perfect recipe for nap time.
We got to do double stick Kali training. Squeeee! H and I have not been able to do properly train double stick for 6 months. You can see the mistakes I made cause of my rustiness, but we shook it off and chased each other down with running saints.
Muay Thai we worked distance and getting out. I used the Miester MMA gloves for the first time. And those are going to take a little bit to get used to. In the boxing glove I love them. Training with them outside of the boxing glove is very self correcting. You will fix your strikes or you will feel every mistake. They will keep you honest. But they also provide great wrist support.
Tha Khun Kru Krysta for two great classes.
Kali/Staff training: 1) Figure 8 drill with the staff 2) Running Saint with double stick 3) Umbrella Six double stick 4) Heaven Six double stick
Video of us shaking off the rust for double stick is posted up on my instgram Sharpcupcake. Look for Saturday 9/26/2020
Muay Thai Training: jump rope before, jumping jacks and pushups after each 3 min round.
1) Jab, Cross, Teep 2) held pads for H
3) Jab, Cross, Bob and Weave, Cross, Hook, Cross, shuffle out and Teep 4) held pads for H
5) Fake the Jab, Cross, Bob and Weave, Cross Hook, Cross, Lead Kick 6) held pads for H
7) Fake high, Fake low, Cross, Bob and Weave, Cross, Uppercut, Cross, Lead Kick 8 ) held pads for H
9) 20 Teep lead side, 20 Teep rear side 10) held pads for H
11) Body Block, Uppercut, Cross, Body Block, Uppercut, Hook, Cross, Double Kick 12) held pads for H
I love sharing what I love with our fellow students. When they are truly interested and ask questions. I love that look of dawning understanding. You can see it wash over their face. I love helping our fellow students. It makes me a better practitioner of this art.
Not every gym is going to be open to students helping other students in this way. I suggest looking for one that has this kind of culture. One where we are all treated like a family, and no question is a “bad” question. A gym who allows more advanced students to help. I personally thrive in this kind of environment.
I am lucky that we have one that I love and that is so close to where we live.
Thank you for reading. If you liked it hit the like button. If you want to leave a comment or question please feel free to. If you want to hear more about my adventures hit the subscribe button. Have a great week, and I will keep striving to reach my goals. I hope you all can too.
If you want to see videos I put up, #sharpcupcake is my instagram account I post them there.
Oh boy you will get tired in training. That is a promise. If you are doing what you are supposed to do. If you are following your trainer/instructor you will get tired.
Here are some of the things to do when you get tired. Its going to happen so being prepared is great. Note however, as much as I know this. It is still hard, some days to realize I am exhausted, and refocus my mind to follow the following. I recommend just focusing on one at a time till you can remember that one and add the next one. Trying to remember them all is going to be difficult.
Things to try:
Slow the drill down and work on form.
when you feel yourself slipping and losing form slow it down and make pretty.
Focus, and make your Muay Thai pretty
When you are exhausted leveraging your muscle memory is so important.
When you are bone weary or that tired your body will find the most efficient way to do what you are asking it to do. Which is why it is so important to focus on technique, so that your muscle memory you are forming is the muscle memory for that technique.
The most efficient way most likely will be the most effective way as long as you are working on making the form perfect.
You train to failure, or exhaustion because that is what is going to happen in a fight on the street or in the ring.
You train like this you don’t have to think when your body is put to the test. It’s just ready because you trained that way.
If you don’t have to think about the move you are going to do you much faster. It takes time for the information to go from your brain to your hands to punch. But if you are doing already before you can think about it, you will be faster than your opponent, and will hopefully catch them off guard or kick his butt before you get yours kicked.
You can see videos of some of my training on my instagram #sharpcupcake
Monday 09/14/2020: 1 hour, run 1.25 miles, weight lifting, and core
Woke up and was not sure about what I wanted to do for my workout or if I wanted to.
Have had some bad self image days, but trying to be more positive today.
So let’s be happy about what we do have and that we are alive.
I had a a beautiful run today. 1.25 miles.
Weight lifting workout:
1) back squats 135 lbs, 4 x sets of 10 reps
2) RDL (Romanian Dead Lift) 95 lbs, 4 x sets of 10 reps
3) Kettle Bell Swings 3 x sets for 1 min each
4) Bulgarian Split Squats 3 x sets of 15 on left and 15 on right
Dana Lin Bailey 10 min core workout.
Tuesday 09/15/2020: 1 hour of Muay Thai training
This is the look of TIRED. Lol
But I felt good and I felt like I was flowing.This was a fantastic class and I was working hard on staying loose and flowing through the drills. Thank you Khun Kru Krysta.
When you are tired you have to focus on form and executing that form as best you can. You will develop muscle memory that you can then fall back on when you reach the point of exhaustion again.
My training partner said I was loose and flowing really well today. Yay! I was exhausted and totally wanted to just gently lay in the strikes, but I dug in slowed down and made sure to work the drills as exactly as I can. I focused on keeping my hands up after my hooks, and keeping my body shifting smoothly from one position to the next. What this will do is next time I am tired in my training I won’t have to focus so hard (here’s hoping) on keeping my hands up after the hook.
It will be a muscle memory that will just kick in.
Training: jump rope for 1 round warm up, Jumping jacks, jump squats, mountain climbers, and push ups for active recovery between rounds.
1) Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Jab, Cross, Rear Hook 2) Held pads for H
3) Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross, Lead Kick 4) Held pads for H
5) Jab, Cross, Body Hook, Head Hook, Cross, Lead Kick 6) Held pads for H
7) Jab, Cross, Lead Uppercut, Rear Uppercut, Cross, Lead Kick 8 ) Held pads for H
9) Jab, Cross, Body Hook, Head Hook, Cross, Lead Uppercut, Rear Uppercut, Cross, Lead Kick10) Held pads for H
Bonus training: 10 rear round house kicks, 10 lead round house kicks 10 rear leg kicks, 10 lead leg kicks Pushing knees practice
I was brisk, chili and cold this morning. When I started my run it was 52 degrees F out.
Then I did 15 minutes of jumping rope. It took 20 minutes but I only counted 15 because it took a while to get pictures.
Did you know that most of the pictures you take jumping rope look like some one standing still? Bwahahah
Then Dana Linn Bailey’s workout gets my core on fire. Happy hump day/Wednesday! Get up and get working to your goals.
Thursday 09/17/2020: Muay Thai, 1 hour
Have you ever gone into a workout and just feel like you don’t have the energy reserves to make it through. Those are rough days. Today was that day. I could feel it. I was sluggish.
I sometimes have to use reverse psychology on myself and say “I am good”, and act like I am not tired. I don’t think it makes me any less tired but I don’t go into the training thinking I am tired. That sets up the training more on a positive note. If it helps just a fraction I am all there for it. But even when you are exhausted and weary you have to put in the time and work on the form.
I think someone might be behind me. Lol
Thank you Khun Kru Krysta for a great class.
Training: I used the weighted jump rope 1.5 lbs to do warm up. I jumped about 5 to 6 minutes. Jumping jacks, jump squats, pushups, and burpees are done in between rounds for active recovery
1) Jab, Cross, Slap Hook 2) Held pads for H
3) Jab, Cross, Slapp Hook, Rear Kick 4) I held pads for H
5) Jab, Cross, Body Hook, Head Hook, Rear Kick 6) Held pads for H
7) Jab, Cross, Uppercut, Uppercut, Hook, Chain Elbow, Rear Knee 8 ) Held pads for H
9) Jab, Cross, Body Hook, Head Hook, Cross, Uppercut, Uppercut, Hook, Rear Kick 10) Held pads for H
Bonus training: Knees after one round 10 round house kicks lead and 10 round house rear 10 lead leg kicks, 10 rear leg kicks
You can see videos of my training on my instagram #sharpcupcake, just look for this days post.
Saturday 09/19/2020: 2 hours of Kali/Staff and Muay Thai training
We worked outside in the brisk morning for staff class. I am glad I brought my jacket today. It was fun but my arms, shoulders, and forearms were tired this morning, after a long week of working out.
I however did feel like I working more on the balls of my feet during Muay Thai. I pushed through the fatigue and enjoyed working the drills. Kali we worked the 15 count staff drill and then we did the full box.
I have a video of us working the full box. You can see it on my instagram #sharpcupcake, just look for this days post.
Muay Thai we worked on the same and similar drills that we did on Thursday. So I was able to focus on form and flow. I also worked on my south paw form. Instead of staying in my comfortable orthodox stance. I worked south paw and felt a little stiff on that side so I need to work that more and get it smooth. I did not keep my foot in the bucket and I got in and out watching my range.
Thank you Khun Kru Krysta for great classes.
That is it for this week. Today starts a new week and I am already on that train. I got my run and workout in today. In the end things will get tough. You will get exhausted, you will get tired. It will be hard to keep going on. But every instructor, every trainer, every coach I have every had, in elementary school through to now has said we have to keep going when we are tired.
We do our best learning when we are tired. It may not be pretty. You may hate ever minute of it. And boy do I hate it some days. But you will gain much.
Thank you all for reading. If you liked this post hit the like button, if you want to see more of my adventures subscribe, and comment if you feel moved to do so. Keep working toward your goals, and keep pushing to be the best you can be. I will. Have a great week.
Respect is an important part of life in general. You should respect your body, when it is telling you to take it easy, I did that when I was listening to my body the last two weeks. You should respect the art, your instructors, and fellow students.
Respect in martial arts is a huge thing and rightfully so. In most Asian cultures to disrespect your family, your elders, your peers, and or your instructors is something that would not only affect your life but your after life. I can remember my obaasan (grandmother) talking about our relatives how our actions and the way we conduct ourselves in the world reflected on our family and the respect we had, and the respect we shown to others. But I digress, that could be a whole other blog itself.
You find respect in all martial arts. Some gyms/dojos have true and honest respect for the art, the instructors, the history, and the students. Some gyms we call them belt mills, or mc-dojos, (think martial art schools that don’t emphasize learning, but you can buy your belt) don’t. But they do have a history of bowing and showing respect, because there is a thred a small line of history and tradition that comes from respect in their teachings. I also believe it is not expected when you go to a martial arts gym/school to see that respect shown.
I can only speak to the martial arts I study, and my families history. So here is what I know:
Muay Thai –
The Wai is hand pressed together at chest level, or forehead level, with head slightly tilted. The higher the hands the more respect you show.
We Wai before getting on the mat, and before leaving the mat. To show respect to the school, and instructors.
We Wai before and after working with a heavy bag, partner, or dummy.
We Wai before class in a line toward the teacher and the students, and we Wai after class to the teacher and the students.
Muay Thai is steeped in its history, and my instructors the the progenitor of Muay Thai in america Ajarn Chai really emphasizes this. It is important to him, his students, his instructors, and it is part of the Muay Thai history. I wrote more in depth about the Wai and Wai Kru in a separate blog here. The long and the short of it is we show respect to the art, the space, the instructor, the students, and the equipment. It is a big part of our culture.
Kali –
We Bugat (bow or salute) and it changes from hrm… style to style. We study Dan Innosanto’s Kali/Escrima style.
So we have a short bow with back of hand to head and butt of weapon to palm. Most often used after an instructor is giving instructions and now it is time to break off and practice.
We have a longer bow, that represents open heart, open mind, open hand of peace. Where you kneel, hand to head hands out, and so forth.
All of this to say this is how we show respect in Kali. Again it is respect to the art, to the instructor, to the history, and to school.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu –
We bow and respect before we get on the mat and before leaving the mat. This is for showing respect to the gym and the instructors.
We line up bow and show respect at the beginning of class, and we bow to the Masters and Professor Sauers pictures, the flags of the U.S.A. and Brazil at the end of class. We do this to show respect to the instructors and the art.
The major overarching theme is respect to the history, the gym, the practitioners, the instructors and those who came before you. Those who passed it down to you. Those who took their valuable time out to teach you.
Tuesday 09/08/2020: Muay Thai 1 hour
I focused on pad holding today again. Letting my calf rest for one more class.
Respect is paramount in Martial Arts. We show respect for the art, we show respect to our opponents, to our training partners, and training equipment.
Training on pads all night makes my body sore, muscle wise but you also have to take into consideration that the pads just dampen the blows to your body. But your body is still taking some of the blow in. That is why holding pads correctly is so important. If you don’t, you will actually run the risk of getting injured.
Class was very much fun again.
Training: I held pads for these drills, where I had to throw strikes and then be in position to take strikes to the pads.
1) jab, cross, rear knee, jab, cross, lead knee 2) south paw stance same drill as above
3) jab, cross, body hook, cross, bob and weave 4) south paw stance same drill as above
5) jab, cross, step to your rear side and body hook, overhand, uppercut, get just out of range 6) south paw stance same drill as above
7) parry the jab, split the cross low, body hook, cross, bob and weave to avoid the hook 8 ) south paw stance same drill as above
9) bump drill – to work the windshield wiper cover, and bump strike with shoulder 10) bump drill with punches – bump, uppercut, hook, bump, uppercut, hook
Thank you for awesome fun class Khun Kru Krysta!
Thursday 09/10/2020: Muay Thai 1 hour
I got back into training today. My calf felt ok so I decided to try fully training on it. Overall it did well. I am a little sore and tired but that is to be expected. Honestly, I thought it would hurt more. But I think I was smart this time and listened and did not push it on this injury letting my body heal.
I used the weighted jump rope to start the class off with. 1.5 lb rope is… it’s a great workout but you don’t want it to hit your toes.
Respecting your partner and the art is a must especially if you want to train with us. Many great people came before me, Ajarn Chai, Guru Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee, Pedro Sauer, just to name a few of the people in my Martial Arts family tree. People sit up and take notice when they hear those names. But really my tree goes back hundreds of years with countless names and we show respect to honor them too.
Thank you Khun Kru Krysta for teaching us respect and making sure we keep up the legacy.
Training: jump rope warm up 3 min5 kicks each side extra training after every two rounds
1) jab, cross, rear leg kick, jab, cross, lead leg kick 2) held pads for H Extra kicks
3) jab, cross, body hook, cross, bob and weave 4) held pads for H Extra Kicks
5) jab, cross, right step ( orthodox) body hook, overhand, uppercut, tie up and puta Kapala Silat take down 6) held pads for H Extra kicksH = high, L = low
7) feint jab, jab (H), cross (L), hook (H), cross (L) 8 ) held pads for H
9) bump drill, windshield wipers cover no punch 10) bump drill, windshield wipers cover with punches, uppercut, hook
Bonus: 10 kicks each side It was fun and great getting back to full training.
Saturday 09/12/2020: 2 hours of Kali/Staff and Muay Thai Training.
Today was a great fun day of training tha k you Khun Kru Krysta.
Most Asian cultures respect is a super important aspect in anything you do. You see it in many schools of martial arts. We bow get timing on and off the Matt.
In Muay Thai you Wai, or put your hands up in what looks like prayer hands and bow a little. Hands are held together in front of your chest or chin with the fingertips pointing up and dip your head slightly. The higher your pressed hands are the more respect you are showing. Bowing your head slightly.
In Kali we do a shortened form of open mind, open heart, hand of peace opening that we practice in the in Kali, but we place the back of our hand on our forehand and then the butt of our stick on our open palm of the other hand.
In BJJ we bow to the masters pictures, the flags of Brazil and America, and to the teachers and class mates.
Kali/Staff: 1) full box staff combo 2) 15 combo that Doc Bob was kin enough to show us.
Training:jump rope to warm up, jumping jacks and push ups between rounds for active recovery 1) Jab, Cross, Rear Knee, Jab, Cross, Lead Knee 2) held pads for H
3) Jab, Cross, Body hook, Head Hook, bob and weave and get out 4) held for H
5) Catch the Jab, Split the cross, return lower cross, head hook, Cross, bob and weave and get out 6) held pads for H
7) Jab, low cross, hook, cross, rear kick 8 ) held pads for H
9) Jab, low cross, head hook, cross, rear knee 10) held pads for h I really need to worm the bump drills.
11) bump drill with windshield wiper cover 12) bump drill with windshield wiper cover, upper cut, cross
Bonus: 30 kicks right side, 30 kicks left side focusing on power not speed.
Respect comes in many forms, and at the end of the day it took many people, years of their lives to learn and then teach you these skills. It took generations, and history to form these styles of martial arts. There was suffering and heart ache, there was oppression, hero’s, villains, and common folk. There are stories surrounding and intertwined with the arts I am studying. I am so lucky, and always amazed at the caliber and martial arts royalty (for lack of better words) that I have been able to train under and with. I am amazed that I am learning what they are teaching and one day hope to pass it on.
This blog is meant as a way for me to keep track of my training, and it has evolved to being something far more important. It is a way for me to keep the history, the love, the lessons, and the respect of the martial arts I study. I can look back and read about a lesson I had with Ajarn Chai, what I learned and how I felt.
Anyway, thank you all for reading it. I hope you found something helpful or at least enjoyed it. If you liked it please hit the like button. If you feel moved to do so, please comment. If you want to hear more about my adventures, feel free to subscribe. Have a wonderful week and I will be back with more adventures.
This weeks post is a tad late. Meant to get it out on Sunday, but we had a holiday weekend here in the good ol U.S.A. so I spent time with the family. Meant to do it on Monday, but still holiday so everyone was home and we just enjoyed each others company. So here it is today.
This last week was going swimmingly. Training was great, I was training at home and at the gym. Of course we are being safe and using PPE, and sanitizing all our equipment and stations we use before and after use.
I made a post a few weeks ago about the fact that getting hurt in martial arts is inevitable. Well when working with my partner H, he caught my round house kick, and postured up. This was the drill we were practicing. He did exactly what he was supposed to do, and in doing so I felt a small pop in my calf that he had trapped in his arm. It did not hurt at first but that popping was an odd feeling for me. Honestly that is the only reason I noticed and stopped right away. It only hurt to go on the ball of my feet, at the top of my calf, and it felt tight.
Let me tell you a little bit about the past me. The past me would just keep training. I always told myself these things, “No pain no gain,” and “you have to be tough if you want to do these things, ” and “you can’t stop every time something hurts.” Well that is fine and dandy, but it can cause a minor injury to be a major injury. I have done that a few times, and probably will do so in the future. Habits are hard to break.
So in light of that weird popping feeling I tried to keep training but it started hurting more. So I sat down on the side rolled my calf with a lacross ball, and just rested. I iced my leg when I got home took an Ibuprofin, and hoped that all would be good. I am learning to listen to my body. I can say it is not a terrible stabbing pain. Its more of a, I had a bad injury and I am 80% healed from it, and it still hurts feeling. That is the best way to describe it.
I am currently contemplating training on it tonight or if I should give it some more time. As of last night it still hurt a little going up the stairs. Ball of feet action. If you know anything about Muay Thai, our kicks, teeps, knees, pretty much anything we are doing is on part or all of the ball of our feet.
I was feeling salty and annoyed with myself for getting hurt. I had decided after Thursday that I was not going to go to the gym on Saturday. But I had a cake delivery to make, and I had about 30 minutes all by myself in the car. I had time to think on my own without distractions and other people vying for my attention. I decided to stop being salty and to go in and just hold pads for H so he could train. Because pad training is a skill itself. I wrote about that as well. =)
So moral of the story people, is listen to your body, learn to listen to your body, and also its good to work around your injury. There are other things you can do to train while babying that injury
Tonight if I don’t end up training. I will hold pads, and my instructor already asked me to help teach if I was not feeling up to training. Yay!
Tuesday 09/01/2020: Muay Thai 1 hour and 20 minutes
Whew what a great day of training. We had two new people in class and it’s great to see them starting out. I would love if everyone fell in love with Muay Thai the way I have.
Thank you Khun Kru Krysta for a great class.
H and I have been upping the intensity in our training and I feel it. It hurts and I am exhausted. I have to roll out my shins and Hypervolt my legs and shoulders.
I wonder if I should write down or film what it do now for training. Compared to what I did before and in the future I can see how it has changed. Friends what do you think? My routine has evolved over time and I don’t remember all of what I did before.
Training: jumping rope to warm up Jumping jacks in between rounds for active recovery 25 skip knees after every two rounds for extra credit training
1) Lead Shield, Lead Kick, Rear Shield, Rear Kick 2) I held pads for H 25 skip knees
3) Cross Shield, Lead Teep, Lead Kick 4) I held pads for H25 Skip Knees
5) Cross Shield, Teep, Lead Kick, Cross, Hook, Rear Kick 6) I held pads for H25 Skip Knees
7) Lead Shield, Cross, Rear Kick, Catch Kick, pull, pass leg, Rear Kick, Teep 8 ) I held pads for H
Burnout: 9) Jab, Cross, Jab, Cross, Lead Shield, Lead Kick, Jab, Cross, Jab, Cross, Rear Shield, Rear KickExtra
Credit Burnout: a pyramid as many times as you can for a 3 min round 1) Jab, Rear Kick 2) Jab, Cross, Lead Kick 3) Jab, Cross, Hook, Rear Kick 4) Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross, Lead Kick 5) Jab, Cross, Hook, Rear Kick 6) Jab, Cross, Lead Kick 7) Jab, Rear Kick
Whew that last burn out almost killed me. I held for H’s pyramid burnout first, then did mine. Just cause I was tired from my class and first burn out. LolAlso Kru has me do Jab, Cross, Hook, Cross Lead Kick about 7 times till I could get it right 5 times at least for muscle memory. I need that push even if I hate it at the time.
Wednesday 09/02/2020: 1 mile run and 10 minute abs
Today is third day of kids school and I don’t have a time of time to do a huge workout till we get out routine in place.
So I get what I can in. Today it’s a mile run and Dana Linn Bailey’s 10 minutes core workout.
Ladies, people, sometimes you have to work around your schedule to wedge a workout in. Even if it’s not the full workout or one you wanted to do it’s ok. Something IMO is better than nothing.
On a side note my measurements are roughly the same give or take a 1/2 inch. However, I feel like my body looks more toned.
Thursday 09/03/2020: 1 hour Muay Thai training
What do you do when your leg is in the grip of your partner and you feel a pop in your calf? Well you stop, reassess your leg and make sure it’s ok.
Today was fun training. We were almost done with class and were asked to demo a catching kick, he postured up and like he was supposed to do. I felt a pop and no pain immediately. Now it hurts just a little to be on the ball of my foot and or go upstairs. So I am babying it.
Here is what I did before taking a seat and rolling it out.
Training: jump rope for warm up Jumping jacks and push ups between rounds with skip knees after every two rounds
1) Lead shield, Lead Kick 2) Held pads for H
3) Lead Cross Shield, Lead Teep, Lead Kick 4) Held pads for H
5) Lead Cross shield, Lead Kick, Cross, Body Hook, Rear Kick 6) Held Pads for H
7) catch body kick, pass kick, rear round house, step down into # 8 elbow, clench, 5 skip knees # 2, spin out, to double kick 8 ) Held pads for H
9) I sat out for the burn out : but it was Jab, Cross, Jab, Cross, Lead shield, Lead Kick, Jab, Cross, Jab, Cross, Rear shield, Rear Kick 10) do it south paw
We will see how my leg is tomorrow hoping it’s a small sprain/strain and I can just move on with my training. Really just annoyed about possible injury. Don’t have time for this.
Saturday 09/05/2020: 1 hour of Muay Thai Training
See that picture of me smiling. Yup that is me happy. Happy that even though I have a calf strain I was at the gym working. I was holding pads.
My original plan was to sit in the couch, and feel salty about not being able to train. But I thought about that on the way home from a cake delivery I made today. Why should I do that. I can help my partner get his training in and I can train holding pads.
I can adapt and still train around my injury. We say pad holding is a skill itself in Muay Thai. So while I did not get a cardio training/workout like normal I did hold pads the entire time. That means I got a great strength workout. To hold pads against some one hitting as hard as they can is hard and takes a lot of muscle control.
Our training was the same as Thursday, but I focused on holding pads as best as I can.
I did not do the jumping jacks and jump rope. But I did do the push ups, and some times one footed to save stress on my calf.
Don’t get salty about an injury, learn to adapt and work around it. It’s not the first time I have adapted and worked around it. My herniated disk in my back for example. But I was not thinking that way, until I stopped and redirected my energy and thinking.
Thank you Khun Kru Krysta.
Today I broke my phone (shattered is a better term for it) at work, and had a terrible night of sleep last night. However, we were able to replace my phone, and I will make sure to hopefully get a better nights sleep tonight. I am going to have fun, either training, or helping others train tonight. I am going to listen to my body, I am learning. I am going to do everything I can to turn this day around.
I hope you all listen to your body. I hope you guys are training in something you love. I hope you all are striving for your goals everyday. If something/life gets in the way that is fine. Pick yourself up, and find a way around it. You can keep making progress if you keep moving forward. Even if progress is one millimeter, or one second at a time.
Thanks for reading. Hit the like button if you liked this blog post, and subscribe if you want to hear/read more of my adventures. Comment if you feel moved to. Have a great day and a great week.
