Right guys, I sparred tonight
As it was the first class of the new year they figured they'd destroy us tonight!
So after warm up, circuits, bag work and drills it sparring kit on. As I was already pretty trashed I decided to catch my breath before sparring… so I took 5 pulls on oxygen4energy. Within seconds I was breathing normally, it took a little longer for my heart rate to calm down.
Bout 1:
As per usual I went on the offensive, attack and pressure. After 2 mins I was trashed! I took 4 pulls of oxygen (all I had time for) in the minute rest.
Second round started well, in fact it felt like I was starting the first round all over again… it didn't last though, about halfway through the round (about a minute) I started getting knackered again. Another 3 pulls at the end of the round. Wasn't quite as recovered for round 3 but still better than I would normally be.
Bout2: ok so I was lucky enough to get paired with this guy who is mustard and I mean bloody good. So when the instructor said "hands only" I breathed a sigh of relief and went to town! I find that most pure kickboxers (only ever trained in kickboxing) are fairly crap boxers (just hands). Nowhere near as tired after the first round but still out of breath so 3 pulls of oxygen then back into round 2. Again I barely got touched! Felt like Muhammed Ali in there! By the end of the round I was more out of breath than the end of the first so I took another 3 pulls. Halfway (ish) through the third round I was tired again. Pushed through as usual but managed to get caught a few times. Nothing solid mind.
Bout3: back to kicking and punching. By now I was starting to feel like I would usually feel in round 2 of bout 2. So after the end of the round I took a full 5 pulls rather hurriedly second round went well but I started slowing down and throwing less shots, moving around less too. So I took another 5 pulls before the last round, when the round started I was still out of breath and halfway through I seriously slowed down. After the bout ended I had a full 10 pulls of oxygen and as usual my breathing returned to normal quickly although as mentioned before, my heart was still racing. I'm gonna have to use a heart rate monitor to test the effects on HR recovery.
Ok in conclusion, after one session, I gotta say I did the same number of bouts but in a much quicker time. I usually rest much longer between bouts, 8 mins is the max rest you can take between sparring bouts and I was taking 3. This product, for me, is GREAT for recovery (breathing) but it won't turn you into superman. It essentially cuts down your whole workout time by reducing the time spent resting. I still have just less than half a can left by my guesstimation and was planning on trying it out lifting next.
I have one concern about its use for Martial arts training or any training where anaerobic/aerobic endurance is the goal. Simply that if used too often you could get too used to recovering quickly and when competing I'm pretty sure they won't allow me to use it between rounds! Therefore I'd recommend it's use for extra hard training sessions or when you're pushed for time.
Of course, I can't prove this as I'd have to do a much longer term study... Which is why I'm ordering a bulk pack from Mrsupps to see if it does negatively affect recovery after constant use.
This log isn't finished by any means. As I said, I still have half a can left and I plan on trying it out when I lift. Although at this moment I'm on my first week of SL 5x5 so my weights are very light.
Ok I've tried to be as detailed as possible here and include everything I could however I'm sure I've missed something if anyone has any questions please ask!