jrosto
Level 1 Valued Member
Hi, my name is John and I've been reading the forums and learning for a couple of months now. The information I have gained here has been invaluable, and I appreciate it. Now that there is a new forum design, it is time I stopped lurking around and introduce myself.
I am 53 years old, and was very much out of shape. Until January of this year I was living with a debilitating lung disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. I was on supplemental oxygen (up to 10 lpm for any real activity) and the disease was progressing rapidly. On January 1st I received the gift of a bilateral lung transplant. My physical recovery started with simple activities like standing without assistance, walking, and learning how to breath normally again. Once I could walk, I started physical therapy. From there the transplant team approved my using very light exercise bands, then 10 lb weights, then push ups from the kitchen counter. In June I was released to begin a slow pull up progression, and in early July was released to exercise as I saw fit as the team now trusts my judgement.
I learned about kettlebells on another forum, and found S&S on Amazon. Purchasing that book may have changed my life. I slowly, and very carefully followed Pavel's instruction on developing a swing and a TGU. I did my first set of swings with weight on July 25th. It was only 20 lbs, but I had to take care of my chest. My first TGU with weight was on July 28th with 15 lbs.
Today I did three Two-handed sets of swings with 20 kg and four One-handed set with 16 kg. i also did two sets of TGU with 16 kg and 3 with 25 lbs. To date I have progressed slowly as I have been making triple sure I do not cause any damage to my chest. It wasn't that long ago that I was opened up like a clam.
My largest concern was transitioning to a One-hand swing. I used the instructor locator and found a certified SFG here in the DFW Metroplex. I set up an appointment with Kris and he did a great job of helping make small tweaks to my form and swinging one handed. My progression from here on out will be more along a normal track. I am confident in my form and strong enough to really focus on owning the Simple phase of S&S.
The book (S&S), the videos, the blog, the forum and Kris have all worked together to help me to honor my lung donor by living to the best of my ability.
Now I can go back to lurking and learning and following my new motto... Repeat Until Strong!
I am 53 years old, and was very much out of shape. Until January of this year I was living with a debilitating lung disease called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. I was on supplemental oxygen (up to 10 lpm for any real activity) and the disease was progressing rapidly. On January 1st I received the gift of a bilateral lung transplant. My physical recovery started with simple activities like standing without assistance, walking, and learning how to breath normally again. Once I could walk, I started physical therapy. From there the transplant team approved my using very light exercise bands, then 10 lb weights, then push ups from the kitchen counter. In June I was released to begin a slow pull up progression, and in early July was released to exercise as I saw fit as the team now trusts my judgement.
I learned about kettlebells on another forum, and found S&S on Amazon. Purchasing that book may have changed my life. I slowly, and very carefully followed Pavel's instruction on developing a swing and a TGU. I did my first set of swings with weight on July 25th. It was only 20 lbs, but I had to take care of my chest. My first TGU with weight was on July 28th with 15 lbs.
Today I did three Two-handed sets of swings with 20 kg and four One-handed set with 16 kg. i also did two sets of TGU with 16 kg and 3 with 25 lbs. To date I have progressed slowly as I have been making triple sure I do not cause any damage to my chest. It wasn't that long ago that I was opened up like a clam.
My largest concern was transitioning to a One-hand swing. I used the instructor locator and found a certified SFG here in the DFW Metroplex. I set up an appointment with Kris and he did a great job of helping make small tweaks to my form and swinging one handed. My progression from here on out will be more along a normal track. I am confident in my form and strong enough to really focus on owning the Simple phase of S&S.
The book (S&S), the videos, the blog, the forum and Kris have all worked together to help me to honor my lung donor by living to the best of my ability.
Now I can go back to lurking and learning and following my new motto... Repeat Until Strong!