Help... this sucks, what can i do?

[moejoe]

Thats a good idea... they have one of those at the boxing gym i believe... i might try it... at least i'll have some great cardio and my abs will be ripped by the end of the 4 weeks... i'm hoping that after 2-3 weeks i can at least do weights and skip - though i guess that would involve removing the splint... mostly i'm just afraid of going through all this time not being able to train and then it getting reinjured as soon as i get back... any suggestions on how to protect your thumb... i know how to wrap it but it was wrapped when i injured it... maybe some better sparring gloves... can you get ones that have good thumb protection... whats this about attached thumbs in gloves? the gloves i was using were the big puffy ones and they were probably too big as my wrists are pretty small...

[Youngblood]

. at least i'll have some great cardio and my abs will be ripped by the end of the 4 weeks....

Don't be expecting some great buff 6 pack abs, unless you are plan on changing your eating habits. But yea, as others have said, use the opportunity to work on other areas of conditioning.

[CGM]

... at least i'll have some great cardio and my abs will be ripped by the end of the 4 weeks...

Not to mention a killer left jab

I remember reading about Larry Holmes developing his trademark left jab while his right hand was all busted up.

[Rocky Balboa]

I remember reading about Larry Holmes developing his trademark left jab while his right hand was all busted up.

x2, there is a guy at my gym whose whole right hand (or left can't remember) is broken and in a cast. Yet he still comes but only uses his good hand. In your case, its better because you can practice with your lead hand. So just work around your right hand but dont get impatient because (like I did with my elbows) you'll have to start all over again.

ps. try punching with your two knuckles (index and middle). To properly aline your fist you'll have to cock it. First flex your forearm so that your hand is slightly bent protruding your knuckles. Then, to align it, again flex your hand to the outside and make sure you feel strong. I used to punch with my three knuckles but once my coach told me to do this and now that I'm used to it, I dont hurt my wrists and I feel an increase in power.

[moejoe]

thanks, i guess it would be pretty sweet to have a lethal left jab... i guess its hard to try to see things as a blessing in disguise sometimes... if you can call it that- but true enough... i can sit around wallowing in my own self pity... drinking beers, eating wings, and getting a gut... or i can treat my body right and work on getting a mean left jab... ... as for the abs... i'm pretty slim as is... 5 foot 6ish and 132 lbs. and i get into shape fairly easy, but i'm sure it wouldn't hurt to cut out the 'bad' foods and limit the pints in conjunction with 2-3 days a week cardio and ab routine...and make way for the six pack... i hope.... any suggestions for thumb protection/prevention once i'm hitting stuff again anyone? all of your feedback, advice, etc has been much appreciated...

[moejoe]

thanks also for the suggestion about knuckle position... i shall try that out... i often wondered why some people say use pinky and ring knuckles, and others say use index and middle, others still middle and ring... what is the difference ? is it about alignment, strength of the knuckles, or what... my friend who fights muay thai says they use the index and middle but they also really rotate their arms when they punch-- they punch different than in boxing it seems... And as much as it sucks... i needed to hear to chill out and not rush back too soon... you're right: i'll just end up having to start all over again... that'd really really suck... but i do not look forward to going to the boxing gym all gimped up with only one hand... patience....patience....its not forever...

[Howlin Mad Missy]

1. rest.
2. Make sure you are wrapping your hands correctly.
3. Get some decent bag gloves.

when you make a fist the two knucles with a flat surface are the little and ring finger. So some people reckon it's better to hit with that area, also to hit with those knucles your arm/wrist straightens. Some say the first two fingers as it's a larger surface and they tend to move less. BUT if your hand is wrapped well the bones in your hands shouldn't be shifting about.

Y'know it could be a matter of your body getting used to the impact. When I first started I hand pains in my hands and wrists. Items 1,2&3 sorted it out. Also had that grinding thumb feeling for a while, that was gross.

[donnydarkoIRL]

Experiment with another method of wrapping your hands.
There are various methods on you tube that may suit your skeletal structure better.

Also...when i was younger and told to wrap my hands, I simply did that;
protecting my hands rather than my wrist.
I try to wrap my wrist well now, sometimes using a second bandage.

[moejoe]

Yeah... i first learned to wrap just regularly as i was told this is how amateurs wrap... but indeed there are a lot of youtube instructions on various methods of wrapping; i did my own research when i first started getting sore hands and have since been wrapping between my fingers style...the way how you end up with your palm exposed but knuckles well protected cuz all the wrapping is on the front of your hand- i also try to go well around my wrists- not sure how long my wraps are but maybe i could get ones a little longer for added protection, as i like to also do my thumbs too... does anyone ever use sports tape additionally on their wrists under the wrap for added support? Also quick question about jabs: (maybe i should start a new thread) .... should your arm fully extend to straight or slightly bent when extended... i have a sore elbow maybe from hyperextending? not sure i also drum and i think i had already irritated the tendon from that... but just wondered in terms of jab technique and form what is recommended- cuz you kind of want the jab to snap right? thanks

[Rocky Balboa]

but i'm sure it wouldn't hurt to cut out the 'bad' foods and limit the pints in conjunction

Eating good isn't just good on the abs (though if that were it I'd still do it ) but your performance level and health will increase greatly. Plus your discipline. Most people can't resist a bag of potato chips but learning to say no will not only help your body but your mind. Eating good is a great habit not just for definition

any suggestions for thumb protection/prevention once i'm hitting stuff again anyone? all of your feedback, advice, etc has been much appreciated...

You'll get used to it, just punch lightly at first. If you have good gloves that shouldn't even be a problem.

[AdamGB]

... at least i'll have some great cardio and my abs will be ripped by the end of the 4 weeks...

Not to mention a killer left jab

I remember reading about Larry Holmes developing his trademark left jab while his right hand was all busted up.

My left hook was pretty bland until I knacked my right hand, I couldn't lead off it with any pop. I could only throw it with any snap if it followed a right hand. Practice makes perfect