As I've mentioned before, what I most enjoy about the Intermediate rounds is that the pace is quicker and the machine allows harder blows before freaking out. I still get the warning message "You are punching too hard. Change your stance or power to prevent damaging the machine." Really? I'm going to outpunch a 200 lb dude? I don't think so. I'm getting better at my Lead Sweep. That's a relief. But my left hand is starting to throb between the last two knuckles. Uh oh.
I have not been able to keep my left hand tight when I punch and I suspect that the force of impact is damaging my hand. Oddly, I don't have this issue with my right hand: I'm able to keep my thumb tucked in spite of the grip bar in the palm of the glove. I clench my left hand when jabbing and the pain in my hand dissipates so at least I know what I need to do to continue. I'd briefly considered quitting the program because of the pain, but I'm glad I figured it out and stuck it out. It's weird to consciously clench your fist. Normally I keep my hands fairly loose until I punch. My right hand automatically forms a correct fist with the tucked thumb. But my left does not. I've worried about really hurting my thumb, accidentally catching it on the pad or stubbing it. I've never considered how the open thumb position weakens the structure of the punching hand. Until now. Lesson learned!
While I'm whacking the machine, I hear a loud raspy voice behind me. It sounds like The Mayor. He's not usually in this part of the gym but he's chatting with someone on one of the cross-trainers. He himself would never be caught dead on a cross-trainer or an elliptical. It's distracting, and annoying. I have a tendency to get more aggressive the further I am into the session. More aggressive means hitting harder, and faster. I don't doubt that I'm probably really intimidating at this point. I'm not particularly concerned with how people perceive me and maybe that's even scarier? As I walk back to the locker room after stripping off my gloves, I can see guys giving me a wary look.
I took a selfie before I got to the gym. Lighting is everything. I figure one of these days in the future I'll be whining about being old and weak. At least I'll have a few photos to remind myself of how lean and strong I was in my mid-50s. I"m no skinny-minny. You can see how thick my torso is. I might never see a 6-pack, but I'm not unhappy with how I look.
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| Morning Selfie |
Thursday Workout
Duration : 00:56:00
photos posted for actual stats:
5 rounds Beginner Follow Me
9 rounds Intermediate Follow Me
Pixie, do you use boxing/mma wraps for your hands? They're essential safety gear to support the small bones of the hand. It might alleviate all your hand issues when whacking the machine. Wrapped right, it also protects the knuckles. You can find a bunch of instructional videos on youtube on how to wrap your hands.
ReplyDeleteNot only do I use cotton wraps, but under those, I have moleskin patches and then white sports tape. My hands are too little and boney to fit snuggly into my gloves and the wraps help take up the extra space so there's no chafing. Plus, being short means I'm punching upwards which aggravates the knuckles. Thanks for the suggestion though :)
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