Last night I went to a class on capoeira, a Brazilian martial art.
I initially told a friend who has become a self-described "capoeira addict" that I would go to watch. And yet somehow last night I was attempting cartwheels. Not quite sure how that happened.
The class was a little out of my comfort zone. Grace and coordination are not exactly my strengths.
But I enjoyed myself. And I obviously worked some different muscles, because I am sore today.
Here's a cool multimedia package of what capoeira is supposed to look like, although you can trust me on the fact that I looked nothing like these people.
THURSDAY UPDATE: I take it back. I am REALLY sore today. The back of my calves feel as if someone has repeatedly kicked me.
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A. Dominello
The Guilford County mayors are challenging residents to lose 10 pounds between Feb. 1 and April 15. Follow me, the News & Record's health reporter, as I take up them up on their challenge.
A. Dominello
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- Amy Dominello
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4 comments:
You did well, Amy! Capoeira is hard. I've been taking since last June and I'm still trying to achieve grace, balance and technique.
I also was talking with a fitness trainer about the importance of cross training -- doing different things. You're body becomes accustomed to certain routines quickly. She agreed that doing just one thing -- whether it's a particular class or sport -- for extended time can lead to overuse and injury. Trying something new like capoeira challenges different muscle groups and it's fun!
But what if I'm so sore that I can't go to the gym? Like this morning. There was no way I could get on any machine with my calves feeling the way they do.
I probably made it worse (although I thought I was taking it easy) by walking two miles last night.
Although I do see the point about varying your workouts, should you keep doing something you're better conditioned for because you'll be more consistent with your exercise?
Being sore is not necessarily a bad thing.(At least in my opinion. You get used to sore and fatigue :)
Seriously, though. I'm not a fitness professional. But I'm a firm believer in listening to your body. If something hurts, let it rest. So if your legs are sore, rest them. Work your upper body with weights or do ab work. Or some gentle stretching. Or even give your body a break.
As for continuing to do an exercise you're better conditioned for, well I think it depends. If you're just starting to get into shape, start light and gradually increase intensity or add something new or more challenging to keep yourself from injury. But I don't think you should not do something again because it makes you sore. From what I've learned you're sore because those muscles have been broken down. But once healed -- in a day or so -- they come back stronger. You're building them up.
Again, I'm not a fitness professional, so if there are any trainers out there who want to educate us, join the conversation!
As with any activity that requires a lot of skill, Capoeira takes time to be learned completely. Just take things one at a time, train at your own pace, and always listen to the master. Beginners are more prone to injuries like sprains, strains, and knocked out teeth. They should be very careful, because they may get hit in the face and lose a tooth or two. Nevertheless, Capoeira is a fine piece of art form. It's inspiring and physically helpful too! Just take it easy whenever your body gets soar, alright?
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