Started re-training Muay Thai - Questions for the pros

[ddzc]

Hi all,

I wanted to ask a couple of question. I used to train 6 yrs ago when I was a bit more fit and active. Since then, i've moved from labour intensive work to office work and i've only been weight lifting. I just started doing cardio/swimming 2-3 mths ago. I workout 5 days a week. My endurance and conditioning stinks! I'm not exactly overweight, 5'11" 190lbs.

I started with my muay thai training last week. Basically i'm having a couple of issues and was wondering if anyone can chime in with any helpful advise or suggestions.

1) During our intense warmup cardio session, I have major issues and sharp pain in my right abonominal area or right diaphragm area. I usually have to relax for 10-15 minutes to recover from it and if I go hard i'll have the same issue, sharp intense pain. Sometimes, if the excercise gets very intense, my left abdominal area will hurt as well and i'll have to sit out. I have talked to people and most have told me the following: not enough water intake prior to the session, too much water and inproper breathing. I usually drink about 2 litres during the entire day and afternoon (my session is at 6-7pm). I was told to drink 4 litres. Is this true? My buddy who trains with me doesn't have the same problem and he drinks nothing all day. The issue is obviously not excess water, I usually drink very minimal right before workout and during workout. I try very hard to inhale through nose and out through the mouth, but the warmups are intense and I sometimes tend to breathe in and out through my mouth. I'm trying to work on this as much as possible. Is there any ways to improve my breathing during off days? Does yoga help with this?

So, my question is, with the above info...what do you think? Any suggestions?

2) Recovery: My recovery from these classes are horrible. I'm usually recovered by the next day when weightlifting. Last weeks class took me out for 6 days...I couldn't move a thing. My arms, legs, calves, forearms were ripped and exhausted. My second class was on Monday...I still haven't recovered. My right thigh and calf is sore and probably needs a few days to recover. On top of this, I relax and sit all day/night so I would assume recovery would be quicker than someone whom was physically active all day. Any recommendations to speed up recovery? Does glutamine supplements help? Anything else...I can't stand working out once a week..it's driving me up the walls. I stretch for 15 minutes before and after workout.


Thanks everyone

[lightning_88]

1. Seems like a lactic acid build up to me, aka a stitch! It takes a while, but it will go away, im not so sure about the deal with water intake in such an event, my old instructor said dont drink water, but i found drinking water did help me.

I think you should take it easy once you get the pain, and when it goes away you can slowly build up to where you left off.

2. You have just started again from cold, so your recovery wont be as good as it was. i dont think you should worry about it, i've had classes that i could feel for a week afterwards. If you want to help the process, try a contrast shower. (hot then cold, then hot etc)

[Chris H]

Sounds like you're out of shape. You're getting cramps (pains in abodomen) because you're out of shape. It's taking you a long time to recover because you're out of shape and you may not be getting enough protein in your diet. After your workout make sure you take a protein supplement and eat protein rich food throughout the day. Keep training and it will get better.