Hamstring issues

[LKZ]

Recently, I have been having some trouble with my right hamstring, it feels tight and pulled at the same time. I took a break from doing step workouts for a week and it seemed ok. I have since started stepping again, but keeping my step very low and it seems ok now. Does anyone know if there is a correlation between step height and hamstring strain? Has anyone else had any similar problems? I am constantly strectching, do yoga, etc. so I don't think it is an issue of flexibilty, but I'd love to know what the educated crowd thinks. Thanks!

LOri

 

[Debra]

Lori,

Do you do other types of cardio workouts? Stepping is quad intensive so you need to maintain muscular balance with other workouts. Just a thought since you don't think flexibility is an issue.

Debra

 

[LKZ]

Hi Debra. Thanks for responding. I do Tae Bo Get Ripped Advanced about 2X/week, run a few times as well, along with various Cathe workouts (cardio & weights). Last week I only ran and did the Tae Bo, and didn't notice any discomfort. I am concerned that maybe the step height causes me to hyperextend while stepping down, the stepping up portions do not seem to bother me. I've never had any hamstring problems before, so I think I am doing something wrong. Do you have any modification suggestions?

Lori

 

[kimlav]

I hope you don't mind me jumping in here but I think the likely culprits are the kickboxing and running because they both utilize the hamstrings more than step does. If the kicks in kickboxing go too high or are not executed with total proper form, that can cause problems and so can running. That is not to say that step won't aggravate an already existing hamstring injury especially if the point of injury is very close the to the buttocks in what is known as the ishial tuberosity (sp?).

I have found the Powerstrikes to be excellent in terms of instruction on proper form for the kicks. It is so important to chamber that kick and to have your knee bent when you kick out and bent again at the knee before you put it down.

With respect to running, as you probably know, a warm up and stretch is very important and so is not increasing the mileage too quickly.

As well, if the area is injured, you need to rest it and let it heal as opposed to pushing through your workouts.

Is it becoming obvious that I have battled with a hamstring injury in the past?

I hope my .02 offers you some assistance.

Kim

 

[Debra]

I defer to Kim on hamstring issues & especially the rehab!

It does look like you put new stress on the hamstrings w/ running &/or kickboxing. It does get complex, worrying about muscle balance, flexibility, recovery .... Almost tempting to just become a couch potato (joke).