This week I (re)learned that it’s important to listen to your body. I have a bad right knee from a dislocation and MCL tear about 20 years ago. I am fully functional but if I take that for granted my knee will most certainly remind me who’s ultimately in charge in some knee-abusing situations.
This week was such a week and I did some knee-stressing exercises along with the class that I regretted the next day — side planks and a “jump” variation where you keep your feet together then bounce them to the left and right of center while in that plank position. Both are clearly great exercises but are really hard on the knees, particularly the sides of your knees, as the really put the pressure to the sides of your knees. I think I might have been in a worse position than some others given my long legs (I’m 6’4″).
The following day I was a little concerned rolling out of bed and feeling sore, swollen, and weak in that knee. It ended up clearing up after a few days but it served as a great reminder that certain body parts (especially at my age) are less forgiving than others and you have to listen to your body when it tells you something.
From now on I am going to still participate as hard, if not harder, than anyone else but I am also going to be sure to think things through whenever a vulnerable muscle or joint is involved.
If you are reading this and are on the younger side of middle age, guess what? You’re not completely exempt. I thought I was that 20 some odd years ago when I popped my knee cap out of joint and tore that ligament.
Train wisely.
Krav Maga Journey 