Wear and tear. The progressive damage caused by repetitive movements. This is not the main topic of Doug McGuff's talk here but it is one that is really important to me now. I'm 41 and being injury free is now very important. Professionally I can't afford days off right now. Yet I sometimes think that some of my training over the years how damaged me rather than protected me.
I don't want to get all wimpy and scared of movement, but I do want to be aware of the positive and negatives.
I don't want to get all wimpy and scared of movement, but I do want to be aware of the positive and negatives.
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Ahhh, the age-old dilemma; shall I pursue health, or the thrill of competition? (and that includes competition w/myself). Once you get this figured out, give me a shout, eh? :)
Bill,
I think the key is to mix intermittent, high intensity work with daily doses of low and moderate intensity stuff (i.e., power law; fractal in nature). It's a yin-yang thing, not an all or nothing proposition. That's my take, at least.
Absolutely correct. the only thing I would add is to just make sure you get good sleep, good nutrition and listen to your body when it tells you to rest.
Superior movement should take precedence over strength and muscle mass. At a certain point the weight on the bar becomes the limiting factor. Where as someone whose practice has purpose beyond their training will constantly find ways to challenge themselves without damaging themselves.
R
I see what you say, but there may be more to it - i.e. we don't see the "graveyard" - those that have become injured through their training and have given up before they reach 60+. Those that you point to may be particularly or unusually resilient? They are the exceptions who have managed to survive as trainers through to that age? We always make the mistake of trying to correlate how people look / perform with how they train.
Let me know when you are around. At 47 my focus is staying injury free, then comes the practice. I'd love to talk with you about some stuff I am putting together.
Less is more.
R
I should be about next week when this election is out the way......
It's taken me a number of years and a host of injuries to find a sustainable yet enjoyable practice. the enjoyable part cannot be underplayed. As much as we can "suck it up" and get on with it, if it's challenging and fun we find our selves sticking with it. It's the art and the science. Just what we need!