Just starting out, and have noticed that when working out with the Heavy bag with bag gloves my elbow joints are stiff and very sore the next day. I tried using 16 oz. sparring gloves on the heavy bag and it seems that there is less soreness. Am I taking anything away from my workout (other than the soreness) by using heavy gloves for my bag workout? Is soreness common when starting out? If it is....will it eventually subside?
Sore Elbow Joints
28 January 2010 - 9:40pm
#1
Sore Elbow Joints
28 January 2010 - 10:14pm
#2
Joints and Adaptation
Ripptide, first, remember, I'm not a doctor and in no position to diagnose you, but if you've never done any type of impact training/boxing, then this is normal. It probably isn't your elbow joints that are sore. I'm guessing it is the inside of your elbow, likely where forearm meets the elbow. Anyways, there are muscles and tendons in there that may not be used to the movement or impact resulting from hitting the bag. Best thing to do is take it slow and let the pain subside before training again. You can try icing as well to reduce the inflammation. If 16 oz gloves help, then by all means use them. It's actually beneficial to train with heavier gloves some of the time - makes training with lighter gloves feel like your punches are faster afterwards. It definitely won't take anything away from your training. Over time your muscles/body will adapt to the impact as long as you let them heal before trying again.
If the pain is actually in the elbow (outside), I wouldn't be surprised if you hyperextended your elbow (punched from too far away). If that's the case, let it rest and ensure your distancing is correct (close enough to the bag) when you are punching.
