Getting Fit

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jimmy33

jimmy33

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Getting Fit

Is there a way to get fit which doesnt involve running. Its not that im too lazy to run, but its more of a fact that a few months ago i had a terrible condition called shin splints, hurt like all hell. And whenever i run on hard surfaces i always get this feeling that they are going to come back, and potentially put me out of action for the rest of the season. I am doing preventative measures given to me by my Physiotherapist, but a little while ago i was kicking the footy (AFL) with my step-brother and i felt them returning

I may, and thats a big may, be able to get i possesion of a cross-trainer. Are there any other ways to get fit, which require the least amount of running?

Thanks Guys
 
Re: Getting Fit

There are plenty of ways, from what I've seen Harrowdrive and Liz will be able to hand out a fair bit of really good advice!

A good one is swimming as you're not going to put any stress on the legs, plus its a great areobic workout.
 
Re: Getting Fit

Ah yes swimming, i really should get down to the pool more often

anymore? i can't go swimming every day.

Is skipping a good one?
 
Re: Getting Fit

I'd have thought that skipping would place a fair bit of strain on the legs, you want to go low impact down there, if possible.

May be worth a look at -Pilates.
 
Re: Getting Fit

Nah, with skipping it doesnt have the same stress on my legs that running does. skipping seems to work the muscele at the back of the lower leg, not the inner side where my problem lay, but i shall look into pilates, but ive read that it is quite expensive, and only being 15.....
 
Re: Getting Fit

That's of the drawbacks with training, it can cost, especially when picking up new techniques.

You may be correct about skipping, I guess it's all in the technique, boxers seem to be fairly light on their feet, so it may be an option. I know that there is an article on skipping somewhere on Harrowdrive.
 
Re: Getting Fit

Great advice from both Mr Cricket and A_A. Shin Splints (Periostitis) has two common causes. I advise getting these sorted first or the pain will continually return. In the meantime, I suggest swimming, cycling, and running in water to maintain fitness; avoid anything weightbearing. Also, try and get some shock absorbing insoles for your trainers/shoes.

The first cause to look for is biomechanical dysfunction, probably over pronation. If your physio is also a sports therapist, he/she will have already checked this. If not, you need to get expert advice. If the foot is culpable, then a podiatrist will be able to assess you and set you on the right track.

Tight calf muscles can also increase the strain on the muscle attachments of the lower leg. Take a look at my post December 07, 2007, 09:39:36 AM under http://www.simplycricket.net/lower-leg-injuries-t520.15.html and stretch regularly. You need to stretch the muscles at the front of the lower leg too.

Sports massage can help make the muscles supple and more effective at absorbing the stresses placed on them but because there are significant contra indications here, this must be done by an expert.

You may also like to consider supports for your lower leg or tape.
 
Re: Getting Fit

i got them because the muscle on the outer side of my calf was too weak and the inner one was taking all the strain, thus making it painful

My bike is being repaired so i will cycle a bit more

One of the physio i went to was a sport specialist but they he didnt say anything about it

On my second trip to the physio he taped my calfs up and it worked wonders, but when i had to take them off it tore a lot of hair off, its still growing back in some places and that was over 4 months ago :eek:
 
Re: Getting Fit

jimmy33 said:
i got them because the muscle on the outer side of my calf was too weak and the inner one was taking all the strain, thus making it painful
Click to expand...
Ahh! So you were given a lot of strengthening exercises for the lower leg muscles?

Work on these more; you will know when you have done enough... there will be no more pain :D Then keep working them for maintenance.

jimmy33 said:
One of the physio i went to was a sport specialist but they he didnt say anything about it
Click to expand...
You amaze me; guess he was too busy :mad:

jimmy33 said:
On my second trip to the physio he taped my calfs up and it worked wonders, but when i had to take them off it tore a lot of hair off, its still growing back in some places and that was over 4 months ago :eek:
Click to expand...
Just imagine... some women pay a fortune for this sort of treatment on a regular basis :laugh:

I must be a little soft. I would have used a protective layer under the tape :D
 
Re: Getting Fit

Yeah, ive kind of stopped doing most of those exercises now, i still do a few but not as many.

Maybe it should be the next waxing technique :p
 
Re: Getting Fit

Just to be sure. What are we refering to when we say 'fitness'?

Strength, speed, power, endurance, mobility, flexibility, work capacity, something else?
 
Re: Getting Fit

Well i was generally thinking about running between the wickets, so that, say, i run a quick two, i dont want to be huffing and puffing and not being able to fully focus on the ball
 
Re: Getting Fit

OK skipping is great for that. Skip as fast as you can for 20-30 seconds then rest for 1m. Repeat until you have had enough.

The key is to skip as fast as possible to replicate sprinting.
 
Re: Getting Fit

Great, but sort out the muscle imbalance first or the Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome will increase. Then stay off the hard ground for as long as possible.

Also, do get somebody to check your foot posture, or you can check your shoes; are they wearing more on the inside or outside of the foot etc.
 
Re: Getting Fit

I thought i did check the way i ran, and it looked alright to me but maybe i need someone elses opinion. And i had shoes with a lot of arch support
 
Re: Getting Fit

This is very interesting James.

Did you have extra arch support before the injury or were they suggested after?

Either way, are your arches supported in all your shoes; trainers, football boots, cricket spikes?

The fact that you have had arch supports suggests inversion, so the muscles on the outside of the calf will be shorter than they should be, whilst the muscles on the inside are working too hard. This does not only have implications for your ankles but also your knees and hips

I am afraid biomechanical dysfunction would be inevitable and you really do need to work on this. What exercises were you given?
 
Re: Getting Fit

Well, as sad as it sounds, i only have one pair of shoes, and i got them after i already had the injury

Yeah i was given exercises such as one legged squats, something for my hips, and a lot for my calfs, sorry i dont have names and they are quite difficult to explain
 
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