Jousting, anyone?

Hmmm….I seem to be attracted to some quirky ways to exercise – maybe it’s cabin fever, or maybe I am just a “half a bubble off”, but my most recent exercise fun was jousting, yes jousting.  If you have gone to festivals or fairs, I am sure you have seen the bouncer/blow up version of the joust – this is what I am talking about – I have not yet gone off the deep end to pick up a lance, dagger or axe and charge a live opponent on the field     The bouncy version was enough – here’s how it works – there are two players, who each pick up a padded “jousting stick” and individually balance on a wiggly, raised platform.  The idea is to try to knock your opponent off their stand, so you can be the king of the hill victor….and just have alot of laughs while you are doing it!  I gave it a try at a recent family event, and was able to face off with my older brother to achieve two goals:

1)  To get some exercise in a new way.

2)  To make up for all of the years growing up, and hopefully beat the guy who used to torture me when he was the bigger one (just kidding, Bruce!)

Jousting with My Brother, Bruce

See the Wiggly Stands We Perched On?

Lots of fun, lots of laughs.  I recommend you give it  a try if the opportunity presents itself…the inner kid in me really came out, and I achieved both my goals

From a more clinical standpoint, it did get me thinking that if you are going to do something like this, you better hope your stabilizer muscles are working well in your ankles – it was kind of like standing on a pile of marbles – that wiggly “mushroom” you see in the picture had a lot of sideways movement!  In fact, many sports injuries can occur due to a failure of stabilizer muscles; with your physicians approval, it is definitely worthwhile to undertake a training program for any sport.  One of my favorite sites is at Muscle & Fitness – their site will actually help you develop an exercise regimen based on the sport you are undertaking.  Check it out at http://www.muscleandfitnesstrainer.com/tour.  Additionally, there is much that can be done to prevent ankle injuries – some great tips are available on my web site videos at http://www.foxfootandankle.com/info_center.php – in particular the Prevention and Treatment of Ankle Injuries will give you some tips and helpful information.

On to the next adventure…enjoy yours!