Hey guys,
In my wrestling training I do sprints but I can’t right now because I have shin splints. Can anyone recommend a good exercise or piece of equipment where I can do aerobic work without impact until my shins get better??
Well, sprinting isn’t really aerobic work, but I’ll leave that one alone. You could try swimming (after some careful stretching of the shins). Cycling might be okay, but avoid pulling up on the pedals (admittedly the proper way to do it, but would probably hurt like hell). You could try Rollerblades, and adding poles (like cross-country skiing) will add to the aerobic benefit.
I don’t know if it would hurt or not, but you could jump rope I do that alot when I am cutting weight, it gets you going. I know its the offseason, but aren’t there any practices around (I go to three a week right now); the best way to get in shape for wrestling is to simply wrestle.
Good luck
Do HIIT intervals on the eliptical machine…you will have no problems.
I had this prob during my college football years. If you can find one, or rig one up, try a hand bike. I know it sounds lame, but believe me it will do the job. I found it to be a nice change up from doing lower body cardio. Give the legs a rest, they probably need it.
I’m having the same problem. I have shin splints, plus my ankle is sore, plus I have a strained groin for about 4 weeks now that is not getting better. I don’t know what to do. I really can’t rest too much now because I have football games on Mon nights, rugby practice on Tues and Thurs nights and games on Sat. I’ve been icing them and using Traumeel and digestive enzymes but i’m still in a lot of pain. Plus i’m trying to get ripped for the summer so I really can’t take day off but I have to do something…
I understood that shin splints are often caused by overly strong calves. Strong calves do much of the work, which means your shins never get the chance to become “strong”. So, would be best to also perform some exercises where you strengthen the shins as well.
Take Joel and Patrica’s advice. You can get a great workout on the eliptical trainer with very little impact. For building strength in the tibialis anterior, lay a towel on the floor, scrunch it up with your toes, pulling it towards you. You can do this while sitting and watching t.v.
If you’re having a hard time with shins (I get them too), spend time on the bike. Do interval sprints on the bike with a high cadence (120-140rpm). While the muscle group work isnt as specific as running, the work will help with conditioning (muscle level) as well as helping to maintain high neuromuscular firing rates.
Good cardio for wrestling is a weight circuit.