Everyday Systems

hi all,

thought I'd let you know that you have another convert. I found out about this through LifeHacker, and I finally managed to find a cheap sledgehammer today (used, but in good shape). I hate going to the gym and depending on machines for a workout, so this is a great (or rather, better) alternative.

In any case, for now I'm going with the first 5 on the movements page and I'm definitely already feeling it, and it feels great :)

one question for the moment though: do you know what's a tell-tale sign that I'm working my tendons/ligaments too hard? I saw another post about it, but all I'm really experienced with is sore muscles. I feel fine right now, but I'd just like to check on it for future reference.

Anyway, thanks for such a convenient and fun way to work out! I see myself doing this for a long time to come.

I've only been shugging for four days, so take this input with a bowl full of salt: I'd say the biggest sign that you're working your tendons / ligaments too hard is pain. Not the mild (or not-so-mild) achiness that settles into your muscles during shugging, but a sharp "Ow, I shouldn't have stretched my arm out so far during that wood chop!" I've not injured myself per se, but I have extended my arms a bit too much a couple of times, and I definitely felt it right away.

But, like I said, I've only been at this for four days. Hopefully a long-term shugger can chime in.

Welcome, Rostam!

I don't know about tendons pain vs. other kinds of pain, but what's worked very well for me (no injuries or even discomfort worth speaking of in 6+ years of shugging) is this:

1) when starting the routine or upgrading to a heavier weight, take it very easy. You'll be very excited, but throttle that excitement, stretch it out. If you indulge the excitement too much, it can be dangerous, it can lead you to overdo it and hurt yourself. It's like a wild horse, you need to discipline it or all that power is going to throw you.

2) if anything hurts STOP IMMEDIATELY and take the next day off. I've hardly ever had to do this precisely because I do do this whenever necessary. It's especially important to be vigilant about this in the beginning.

3) if you suspect a particular movement is rubbing you the wrong way, stop doing it for a week or two (or longer). You can always try again later, when you're stronger, and more confident about that the other movements aren't to blame.

4) Remember that the only "hard requirement" is the time. There is a huge difference, in terms of exertion, between a full on, hard core 14 minutes and a relaxed 14 minutes -- but they're very similar in terms of habit. If you're feeling beat or sore, do an easy 14 minutes. Just stand around with the hammer even. But keep the time-structure in place for the sake of habit. I tend to do very strenuous routines Monday and Tuesday when I'm refreshed from the weekend, and taper off during the week. The only exception to this "hard requirement" is item #2 above: actual pain means stop. You don't want to even tempt yourself to make it worse by putting a sledge in your hand.

5) I think of injuries and pain not as a sign that I am hard core and awesome, but as the MOTHER OF ALL EXCUSES to stop exercising. The Badass Dude who brags "no pain, no gain" is inevitably whining in bed shortly thereafter. Pain is for wusses and fools. Avoid it. (No offense to anyone unlucky enough to have injured themselves -- this is pep-talk to spin safe as macho. It can be a tough sell so strong words are required ).

Reinhard

Thanks for the advice and pointers! I'll keep all of that in mind as I continue with this.