By Michael Rand, personal trainer and triathlete.
Since my last article about my Ironman recovery with ABMMA BMT after Ironman Cairns, my Ironman training regime has ramped up again as I prepare for WA in December.
Between training and work, you could say life is busy.
Over the last four weeks I have averaged 15 hours per week of structured training and 43 hours per week of work. My workday starts at 6.30am. As I am generally a morning trainer, it means getting up at 3am each day to achieve the 90–120 minutes of training per day I wish to get. Then, during my workday, I undertake a physical role doing a lot of climbing and lifting through out the day.
I put my body through a lot each day. Recovery with Bioelectric Meridian Therapy (BMT) is an important part of my performance training.
Committing to recovery and self-care is key
After Ironman Cairns in June, I have made a bigger commitment to recovery and self-care. Due to the injury setback, and the disappointment with my race result, I’ve been committed to using my ABMMA PRO BMT Device both day and night.
I train 6–7 days a week. Every morning post-workout, while eating breakfast, I use the ABMMA device for around 10-15 minutes. I stand on the electric pads, 1 under each foot, and select Program 2 on the ABMMA PRO Device. I use a low to medium intensity and let the unit do its job. It floods my body with natural bioelectric frequencies, while I eat my breakfast. I might do some basic calf and hamstring stretches while the program runs, but the device is enough on its own.
I then head off to work for a 9-hour workday. I can honestly say, that on the days I use my ABMMA device, I can really feel the difference throughout the entire day. My legs generally feel fresher and less stiff post-workout. Just from standing on the pads and letting the energy do the work.
BMT self-treatment methods
After work I walk my dogs and help prepare dinner. On two nights a week, I swim in an adults’ swim squad for about an hour. On the nights I don’t swim, after dinner I begin another recovery and rehab session with the ABMMA device.
In the evening I use the ABMMA PRO both as a passive recovery tool and with dynamic self-treatment protocols.
Passive treatment
The passive method is simply placing the pads on my glute muscles for about 10–15 minutes. I run Program 1 at a low to medium intensity. This energises the glutes and increases the functionality of my lateral hips and loosens them up greatly.
Dynamic or targeted method
After completing that I bring out the ABMMA Electro-Rod accessory for a targeted method of working through any tight spots down both legs. My left lateral quad is still carrying quite a bit of tightness and I am still getting some tightness in and around the knee. I give these areas some extra attention.
Even though my training frequency has increased, with the increased bioelectric meridian therapy bodywork, my injured knee has been improving slowly.
After completing the upper legs, I then, using the Electro-Rod again to treat my calf muscles. On the weekends I have also begun using the ABMMA Electro-Blade to work my lats and chest to also make sure my upper body stays loose and injury free as well.
Feel the difference
After just one month of regular use of the ABMMA PRO BMT Device and accessories in my post-race recovery, I can literally feel the difference. The difference to how I felt before is quite remarkable.
I have been less stiff and sore from training each day. And my training sessions have been better quality. Even my workday is more productive.
As with anything, only consistent use will make long-term changes. I am impressed with the benefits so far and will keep you posted on my progress towards Ironman WA.
Other articles by author:
Ironman recovery with ABMMA BMT – a success story (Part 2)
Ironman recovery with ABMMA BMT – a success story
BMT: A versatile solution for common injuries and sprain recovery
