Whackamole

[ursangnome]

It would be fair to say my work doesn't call for a lot of exercise. It would be fair, I think, to say that it actually calls for about as much physical activity as is seen in your typical mushroom. That's not particularly healthy. When my Dad had a little cardiac issue, I resolved to do something about that. But I find it extremely difficult to motivate to just get on an exercise bike, or go to a gym on a regular basis.


My first class in SCA heavy list combat was last night. Thankfully, the teacher stressed the sorts of points that kept me in martial arts for years - a focus on perfection of form, lessons covering a small number of techniques, repetition, details of body dynamics, and so on. All the fiddly bits that make martial forms far more interesting to me than simply getting on an treadmill, so that I'm far more likely to stick with the practice. If I get myself into a habit on training on the basics, I won't mind so much when the focus inevitably moves off more to practical sparring work.

While I'm rusty, a few years of karate work seems to have some application here. Stances are no big problem. I have to work the timing a bit, but the hip motion required is not foreign to me. The session wasn't particularly taxing, in that I'm not sore or anything this morning. However, I can see that I should start building strength and flexibility in my lower back if I want to avoid muscle spasms from strain or overwork, especially when armor gets in the picture. And I'll need to get hold of a practice weapon, or at least a heavy stick, to build up my arms a bit between classes.

I've been loaned a goodly piece of body-armor that needs but one small repair. Other pieces will have to be scrounged, borrowed, or bought, along with a shield and a weapon. Lots of more fiddly-bits to keep me engaged, as I see it.


Other than that, the only major note for the day is that liquid DayQuil is nasty, especially in the volume of a standard dose. However, it is effective, so it is my... nasty orange friend?

Comments

[tpau]

dayquil and nyquil rock. i only takethe liquid stuff becasue it is so nasty that it forces me to get better

[new-man.livejournal.com]

It's great that you've found a way to make SCA combat more engaging than -- say -- walking a treadmill. It's definitely fun. It's also definitely more activity than you're getting now (sort of by definition... as long as you're adding activity not replacing it).

On the other hand, it's not a replacement for going to the gym, long daily walks, or any other sort of aerobic excercise. I find that SCA combat is a motivator for me to go and do those things, because they'll all improve my fighting (increasing stamina or flexiblity, losing weight, improving core strength all make fighting -- and most of life -- better).

[umbran.livejournal.com]

*nod* That's basically the intent. One weekly practice isn't a health regimen. All the other stuff I intend to do to support it can be.

[madamruppy.livejournal.com]

I take the liquicaps for both dayquil and nyquil. I even usually take the store brand equivilent and they work well without the taste. While I like nyquil I agree with you about the dayquil. The only thing nastier is robitussin - I'd rather be sick than take that.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Agree with the Dayquil comments in all respects.