william bad butt
Level 7 Valued Member
I figured I would announce my return to serious training, kind of helps with my motivation...
Sometime in late January or early February, I messed up a rack pull and tweaked my back. It wasn't a bad injury, but certainly the worst I experienced in recent years. I hurt for about 5 days. In addition, I had a minor shoulder procedure. It wasn't orthopedic in nature but a non-cancerous mass (about the size of a golf ball) that was starting to give me issues. I talked it over with my online coach. I've made some great progress over the last few years, and even though I do take a lot of short deloads, I needed a break. I've been pushing hard and accumulating fatigue. Also, mentally, it was needed. My Heart and Committment had faded, somewhat.
During my layoff, I haven't touched a barbell. In fact, I've only been doing bodyweight exercises and loaded carries with light bells. Occasionally, I go to Planet Fitness with the wife, doing RPE 2-3 weights. I don't even change the pin, I use the same poundage she uses. Have been walking quite a bit, even more than usual. For example, a training day might be the McGill BIG 3, stir the pots, loaded carries with bells, and pushups. Not very hardcore! But honestly, I have been feeling great. Nothing hurts, and I feel more centered.
It has been a nice layoff. During that time I've done some local traveling (and 1 trip to the Gulf Coast), spent more evenings with wife and friends, and even chased a few other hobbies/passions. For example, I was able to get my project car up and running. That has been a lot of fun! I also got the J&J vaccine last week.
Today I went into my basement gym and did 5x5 SSB squats, rack pull deadlifts, and floor presses. I used 135 lb, no more. The bar felt perfectly natural to me, all my lifts felt good (technique). I guess it is like riding a bike! The Iron Bug has bit me again! During the floor presses, my shoulder felt a little funny (no pain) in the location where they cut me. I will keep an eye on this and explore a few things.
I'm fortunate to have had a good Layoff. Hopefully I can find balance: Start training again AND retain some of the things I've been able to gain during my layoff.
Regards,
Eric
Sometime in late January or early February, I messed up a rack pull and tweaked my back. It wasn't a bad injury, but certainly the worst I experienced in recent years. I hurt for about 5 days. In addition, I had a minor shoulder procedure. It wasn't orthopedic in nature but a non-cancerous mass (about the size of a golf ball) that was starting to give me issues. I talked it over with my online coach. I've made some great progress over the last few years, and even though I do take a lot of short deloads, I needed a break. I've been pushing hard and accumulating fatigue. Also, mentally, it was needed. My Heart and Committment had faded, somewhat.
During my layoff, I haven't touched a barbell. In fact, I've only been doing bodyweight exercises and loaded carries with light bells. Occasionally, I go to Planet Fitness with the wife, doing RPE 2-3 weights. I don't even change the pin, I use the same poundage she uses. Have been walking quite a bit, even more than usual. For example, a training day might be the McGill BIG 3, stir the pots, loaded carries with bells, and pushups. Not very hardcore! But honestly, I have been feeling great. Nothing hurts, and I feel more centered.
It has been a nice layoff. During that time I've done some local traveling (and 1 trip to the Gulf Coast), spent more evenings with wife and friends, and even chased a few other hobbies/passions. For example, I was able to get my project car up and running. That has been a lot of fun! I also got the J&J vaccine last week.
Today I went into my basement gym and did 5x5 SSB squats, rack pull deadlifts, and floor presses. I used 135 lb, no more. The bar felt perfectly natural to me, all my lifts felt good (technique). I guess it is like riding a bike! The Iron Bug has bit me again! During the floor presses, my shoulder felt a little funny (no pain) in the location where they cut me. I will keep an eye on this and explore a few things.
I'm fortunate to have had a good Layoff. Hopefully I can find balance: Start training again AND retain some of the things I've been able to gain during my layoff.
Regards,
Eric