New Member Has Questions. . .

[monkey05]

Hey ya'll! As you can see I'm new to these forums and I hope that I can find out a lot of information here about fitness and such. Seems like you guys know a lot of these things so far, lol.

I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, lol, seriously. I'm young though. I'm 13, 125 lbs, and 5'7''. But anyway, I've just found out there's a national tournament in Atlanta, Georgia in early July (around the 4th of July if I can remember right) and I wanted to start training for this tournament so I could come out victorious.

What are some ways that I can improve my stamina and endurance between this time and early July? What are some ways I can improve my speed in that gap of time? Legs also obviously play in important part in this sport as well. What are some exercises and things that I could do to improve my leg strength [and hip strength if that's possible, lol] in that gap of time? Also, what are some ways that I could improve my balance?

Thanks a lot in advance for any advice you can give me. Any other advice that you think would be helpful would be greatly appreciated.

[monkey05]

Any help, anyone, please?

[Iain]

Hi, this isn't one of the most frequented forums so lots of us won't have seen this.

I'd suggest that the best way to get fit for a fight is to fight. Can you do lots and lots of training with a partner? Punchbag?

I don't know about improving your balance and as you are 13 I don't feel at all qualified to recommend weights to you. Try some bodyweight squats and lunges for your legs and ask whether or not weights are going to help you in the beginners section.

Hope I help a little.

[kungfu74]

work on basic endurance exersizes with your body weight to start with, as Iain mentioned. I would also include some cardiovascular training to help with endurance, like running in sprint intervals. run / jog for 45 seconds, then sprint for 15 seconds and repeat that for about 16-20 minutes. you can also do this type of training with a heavy bag.

[IllBeDamnd]

One thing to help out with your timing/coordination is a Double End bag. Boxer's and martial artist's use this to improve themselves with reflex's. You hit it and move! otherwise it'll smack you back. here's what they look like.
http://store.titleboxing.com/double-end-bags1.html