Getting back into it
With the recent shift from alert level 3 to alert level 2, some restrictions have been eased. We have been allowed to extend our bubbles to friends and family. And with this, life has taken a step closer to normality. As a result, training can start back up… This is going to be interesting.
Sports clubs can start training again as long as they stick to the rules. Some of the rules include training in groups no larger than 10 and each group must not share space or equipment with another group of 10. Additionally, groups have to maintain contact tracing. All that doesn’t seem so bad. However, the real challenge will be with us as individuals. We will all have some level of apprehension about contact with other people, as none of us want to go back to alert level 3 or 4. Things have definitely changed and the flow on effect will be an interesting thing.
We all have rust, none of us have been able to train the way we’re used to. This means that (for me at least) the fight skills will be rusty as hell. There has been very little punching and no wrestling or grappling for the best part of two months. The fitness is down, and the weight is up, which I assume will be the same for a lot of people.
So, when we get back to training what will happen? Will people try to push too hard? This, however, can lead to injuries. When pushing too hard, you rush and that is when you accidently hit someone with something stupid (elbow or knee when grappling). Our bodies are also not used to the movements. So, there is a chance of pulling something or straining a muscle. Everyone knows the feeling you the next day get after not training for a while. All the small muscles, neck, abs, intercostals, adductors can be a little sore when waking up.
We will have to put trust in our training partners. We have to trust that they are sensible with their health and hygiene. This has to be a good thing as we really should not be grappling/wrestling with someone that is sick or has bad hygiene. In times gone, those things have not really been a thought for me, I just wanted to train. Having more awareness for good health practices will only be a positive for training.
The physical side of things will be interesting, but I would like to think that our bodies will have some muscle memory. One of the massive upsides to training again will be the mental side. Being around different people will be great for our sanity. Having that training partner to compete against will be great, instead of having a timer as a training partner, you will have a person. This will make training so much better as when you are competing in training, it doesn’t feel so much like a specific fitness session. Even though you get gassed, it is driven from competition. This is going to be so refreshing after just been able to train on the driveway for 2 months.
Getting back to some form of normality is going to be great for everyone physically, mentally and emotionally. There is still going to be some time before we are 100% back to normal (if that will ever happen), but this is a big step in the right direction and it is a very positive thing. I look forward to seeing everyone who trains at Lockdown and hearing their Lockdown stories.
Gareth Lewis
Head MMA Instructor