big problems with the basics

[ndav]

Hi everyone,

I have a few questions to ask because I think I'm doing things seriously wrong. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I started doing the fisticuffs and maximology range of motion exercises. Only problem is that after doing the hip ROM drills, the back of my right hip feels like it’s double knotted. The best way I can describe it is that while my joints feel good my muscles feel stiff. I even have problems with the spinal ROM and get knots in my back after doing them. This is a worry for me because how can I move onto more advanced rmax training when I can’t even grasp the basic fundamentals!

My shock absorption training has left me confused. I’m not sure if it’s due to residual tension and fear reactivity, but it hurts ALOT more when I try and relax while taking a hit than when I brace. I hope that this passes as my body gets accustomed to impact.

Thanks in advance

Nishan

[Glenn Sunshine]

On the first question, the key is slow and easy. Do not push yourself--do what you can comfortably and take your time. Your body will gradually relax and let you recover your ROM. Only then should you move on.

Shock-Ability is about not getting injured, not necessarily not feeling pain. Be that as it may, have your training partner back off a bit until it's a bit uncomfortable but not painful. If it's painful, you tense up automatically, and you can get hurt. So take it slowly, get accustomed to less intense strikes, learn to relax and flow with them, then increase the intensity.

The Emperor Augustus's motto (not original to him) was "Festina lente," which translates to "Hasten slowly." That's the key--you will make better and faster progress if you slow down, paradoxical as that may sound.

Yours,
Glenn

[kcsportsdoc]

I was going to add something to the discussion, but Glenn covered it all. :D

*whistles tunelessly while cleaning fingernails with a stilleto*

ok. I'll reiterate and reinforce just to be doing something constructive.

Don't push it. Ease into things and those knots will vanish.

Best,

Kevin

[JasonE]

Nishan -

As the previous men said, slow down, take it easy, and work for smoothness and painlessness before ramping it up. However, there is one thing worth consideration:

I haven't seen it often, but some people have had a very difficult time releasing residual tension due to something lacking in their diet. For example, a magnesium deficiency can contribute to chronic muscle tension and aggravate related issues. Deficiencies in other minerals may result in similar issues.

If your practice does not become significantly more comfortable within 2 weeks of consistent practice, consider getting a nutrition consultation. The times I have see this before, those affected were able to address it by eating a more well-rounded diet and/or taking supplements. A good quality multi-mineral supplement (iron-free) may be sufficient in the short term. Long-term, a good diet is even better. :wink:

NOTE: I don't recommend anything that combines multimineral and multivitamin, and certainly nothing containing ginseng (white, panax or korean) as a daily dose.

[ndav]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have been practicing the exercises slowly and it definitely feels alot easier on my muscles (no more pains the morning after). I think that by trying to move fast throughout the entire range of motion caused bracing (due to fear reactivity) and that's why my muscels were sore and painful. My bodies not ready for that type of motion just yet. Another thing, I've noticed while doing the exercises slowly, my joints and muscles tend to click in certain places. Is this normal and does anyone else experience this? I think it might be the knots undoing themselves but I wanted to check with you guys (and girls) first. One last question, I now think that I'm going to get warrior welness and bodyflow just so I can be thorough with the basics. However I would like to know if I'd be better off getting softwork and intergrating your structure. Are these basically the updated versions of these two (like maximology is the updated version of grapplers toolbox) or do you recommend getting ww and bf first?

Thanks

Nishan

[Chuck Kechter]

Nishan,

WW is the basics that all other RMAX components are based on.

Coach Sonnon likens WW as the alphabet and Body Flow as the words, phrases and sentances (elementary bio-mechanical exercise and Kinetic Chains).

Softwork is the developmental drill aspect of RMAX, how to integrate your breathing, movement and posture while under stress (progressive resistance).

Maximology was the first CST seminar shot, and is a very good overview (and some nice specifics) of CST/RMAX. It is not really an updated GTB, though there is some yummy bits of Body Flow there. Body Flow is "probably" the true updated GTB.

As to the clicking. . . It happens to a lot of folks. . . I think the guideline is: as long as there is no "real" pain when performing the movement (RPD of LESS than 5 on a scale of 1-10), it is normal (for you) and natural.

Hopefully this all helps.

All the best.