Post-calisthenics knee pain - evening workout?!
Question: After a round of calisthenics this afternoon, my knees are hurting for some reason - not much, it's nothing serious. But I usually combo walk/jog in the evenings, too, and I don't know if my knees are going to allow that tonight.
Any advice for any other workout activities I could do? I don't have gym access today except for my home treadmill, unfortunately, since I'm on Spring Break. Or should I just suck it up and continue? Should I walk with hand weights instead?
Answers: After a round of calisthenics this afternoon, my knees are hurting for some reason - not much, it's nothing serious. But I usually combo walk/jog in the evenings, too, and I don't know if my knees are going to allow that tonight.
Any advice for any other workout activities I could do? I don't have gym access today except for my home treadmill, unfortunately, since I'm on Spring Break. Or should I just suck it up and continue? Should I walk with hand weights instead?
If you've had no problems with your knees before, but this is not the first time, there might be a biomechanical issue - i.e. are you moving right. Professional athletes have to address it too, so don't think you're a mutant.
Take it easy tonight; if you go out, just walk as a way of looking into the problem. And don't muscle through it. I'm not sure you need to overhaul your program. Do the RICE thing - rest, ice your knees tonight and tomorrow, compress them, and elevate them (higher than your dear heart). Sounds hypochondriac, but I guess I'm that way. Keep watch of your knees - when pain flares up, or whatever. If the pain just goes away, try working out again; if the problem recurs, myself, I'd suspect mechanical issues. It's just about habits of moving.
There's an excellent book on examining your moves: Gray Cook, Athletic Body in Balance (also on DVD). (Link's just for info purposes; I'm not trying to hock the merchandise.) In the book is a screen test you can do at home to check how your fundamental moves are.
Mark Verstegen's Core Performance works are in the same vein, but more for preventive maintenance than diagnosis. The movement prep exercises alone are great - and they just feel good. The CP website has lots of goodies to help make home training easier. And yes, I've been pleased with the results of the program.
Hope this helps. Good training!