Is it time to throw in the towel?

St. Nicholas · 07-27-2007, 02:52 PM

There has been a lot of support from many folks on here and I appreciate it. All the advice on eating, workouts, and how to keep your head in the game.

The problem is my head is in the game but my body seems to want to do something else.

I am now at 7 months without being able to hit the gym due to a knee and shoulder injury - not related to my training.

I was going to start back a few weeks ago but the gym was closed. So this week I was all set and boom - I pulled by back and rehurt my shoulder. Hit the doctor today and they said I would have to likely wait another couple of months for the back and shoulder.

I have lost a lot of my gain and now the weight is coming back -

I was really feeling good about myself and the progess, slow as it was, that I was starting to see. I think what is worse then gaining slowly is loosing those slow gains everday that I look in the mirror.

I am not usually a quitter but is it time to throw in the towel and stop wasting my money?

StartinOver-68 · 07-27-2007, 03:01 PM

Not at all, you are young. Get your physical problems taken care of and you can start back in later when they are healed. I can almost guarentee that once you start back in again it will not take very long to get back where you left off. Keep your diet in check and eat good clean food so your body does not get to far out. That is one thing you can do that doesn't require any exertion.

dbx · 07-27-2007, 03:07 PM

Throw in the towel at age 34? Pfft!!

Hey, if you don't get started for another 6yrs, when you're 40, it won't be too late. Hell, 60+ for that matter.

Do cardio, do legs...do whatever you can while you're waiting to heal

redweston · 07-27-2007, 03:12 PM

If you think you can't do it check out my hero!!

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/AlexZ/

NOW- KEEPONPUMPIN!-RED

Todd_A · 07-27-2007, 03:16 PM

dude, dont give up! you are not a quitter! you can't be a quitter and have been making gains in the past.

Here's the deal: if you are seeing some of "the weight" coming back, then adjust your nutrition to fit your current activity level. you said your knee was in pretty good shape - start back with some light cardio. get yourself a heartrate monitor and figure your target heartrate for cardio and start out walking as best you can without further injuring your knee and work up slowly to your target rate. This should get you back to loosing fat again.

Figure out what movements you can do without negatively effecting your back and shoulder and do those with light weights if you can do anything at all at this point.

Trust me on the injury thing with this info - HEAL COMPLETELY BEFORE GOING HEAVY AGAIN!!!! I've reinjured myself a few times in the past and the one time I took time off long enough to really heal has done the trick and I am back in the game again!

If you can only do crunches now, then just do crunches for now. Consentrate on what you CAN do instead of what you CAN'T do!

Cancel your membership at the gym if it is costing you monthly until you get healed more and just consentrate on bodyweight exercises for now. this may keep you from injuring yourself again before you are healed.

You will only achieve what you truly believe you can achieve. A negative outlook on your possibilities will limit your success. So stay positive. You can heal up and get back into lifting heavy again. you can keep yourself from gaining fat!

you can do it man! I have faith in you!

mikelom · 07-27-2007, 03:30 PM

I had major surgery and was out for 5-6 months. After about 1 month back, I picked up where I had left. Exercise now in what ever fashion you can, keep your nutrition and make plans to return when you are able.

pastorgbc · 07-27-2007, 03:33 PM

Let me tell you where I was nearly three years ago:

I had just gone through a year and a half of repeat gout attacks where I could barely walk, let alone get into the gym. My weight ballooned from 204 to 240, and that is on a 5'7" frame. I finally found a doctor who helped me get the gout somewhat controlled. I got back into the gym, and I was able to get back to working out, and getting my weight and everything else under control.

Do not quit. Be patient and do what you can do. Work as hard as you can, given your situation, and it will come.

Ray

StartinOver-68 · 07-27-2007, 03:56 PM

As long as we are talking about injuries not stopping us, I'll add my .02. I had a bad motorcycle accident at age 62. I was lifting at the time and it saved my life because I was in such good shape for that age. I had a broken hip, broken femur, shattered knee, and lost my foot above the ankle all on the left side. The right side had a broken wrist and detached tendons. I lost tremendous size from being in a wheelchair and not using my right arm.
I came back. Not 100%, I never will be. I can't do leg work because my knee mobility is limited and weak. But I can do upper body work. And I also am back on my Harley when I thought I'd never be able to ride again. You have to want it..... If you do you will find a way.

bodyhard · 07-27-2007, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbx

Throw in the towel at age 34? Pfft!!

Hey, if you don't get started for another 6yrs, when you're 40, it won't be too late. Hell, 60+ for that matter.

Do cardio, do legs...do whatever you can while you're waiting to heal

X infinity!

farsscf · 07-27-2007, 03:59 PM

DO NOT quit. Recover and keep at it!

Wayne Evans · 07-27-2007, 04:13 PM

St. Nicholas.....I'll chime in here.

Well, I fit in the '60+' weight ins.

Many of us understand the frustration with injury setbacks and that certainly includes me.

Anything worth doing or accromplishing in life requires sacrifice and setbacks.
Story of life!

Get the body healed and the 'mind set' back to 'do or die' and 6 months from now you may be chuckling at this moment of despair.

Be tougher than any problem you must face and keep the forum lurking and posting going for motivation.

Repectfully....

St. Nicholas · 07-27-2007, 06:29 PM

Thanks everyone for the great advice - I was struggling to get gains before - and often thought of throwing in the towel then but kept at it. This, what will end of being likely a 10 month setback has not helped my motivation.

I plan on getting back into things - but the back pain radiates down into the legs so it is painful to walk -

I guess I will just have to grin and bear it. I have cut my diet way back - my arms were only at 14 and have now dropped down to 12 -

Anyway - thanks for the encouragement and great advice.

You all get an extra present in your stockings this year.

dbx · 07-27-2007, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by St. Nicholas

I have cut my diet way back - my arms were only at 14 and have now dropped down to 12 -

Think of it this way; if they were once 14....they'll be back to 14 in no time, once you can get back into the groove.

Quote:

Originally Posted by St. Nicholas

You all get an extra present in your stockings this year.

As long as it's not athletes foot again.

Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk

rudai123 · 07-27-2007, 06:51 PM

When you are COMPLETELY healed, start slow and easy. Enjoy the gradual process of increasing intensity. Take satisfaction that your intellect is taking over your workouts. Work smart. Work efficiently. Don't rush, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

newmexico123 · 07-27-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by St. Nicholas

There has been a lot of support from many folks on here and I appreciate it. All the advice on eating, workouts, and how to keep your head in the game.

The problem is my head is in the game but my body seems to want to do something else.

I am now at 7 months without being able to hit the gym due to a knee and shoulder injury - not related to my training.

I was going to start back a few weeks ago but the gym was closed. So this week I was all set and boom - I pulled by back and rehurt my shoulder. Hit the doctor today and they said I would have to likely wait another couple of months for the back and shoulder.

I have lost a lot of my gain and now the weight is coming back -

I was really feeling good about myself and the progess, slow as it was, that I was starting to see. I think what is worse then gaining slowly is loosing those slow gains everday that I look in the mirror.

I am not usually a quitter but is it time to throw in the towel and stop wasting my money?

are you undergoing any rehab?

lukamar · 07-27-2007, 09:24 PM

There are a lot of people on this board that have had severe trauma's, me included. Don't give up, although I did for over 5 years, because it's hell when you come back fat and out of shape with a metabolism like a sloth. Do what you can, modify exercises to make them work and maintain your diet so you at least keep a reasonable BF%.

While you may not be able to do some exercises you will find others that work just as well. Modify, invent and workout. If your shoulder is sore, do legs if they are both sore do abs. Use light weights and high reps. Just don't give up on yourself.

LongnHard · 07-27-2007, 09:35 PM

Injuries suck and I know it feels sh*ty not being able to do what you did, but the one thing you have absolute control over is your diet. An injury is no excuse for giving up and gaining weight. And it doen't sound like your injuries are preventing you from doing cardio, right? Do what you can. If you can't do upper body, then do cardio and work the hell out of your legs! I can understand how you might think about giving up, it can be depressing, but you would only feel worse if you did. Keep on doing whatever you can do until you can do more. You will get past this. Good luck my friend!

domineaux · 07-27-2007, 10:13 PM

You ain't going to quit you've already tasted the great BB lifestyle that makes you important to yourself and others.

You'll get past this, continue to eat clean and you won't be in near as bad shape as you think you are when you're recovered.

janhof · 07-28-2007, 03:55 AM

hey there...injuries suck...its what pulled me out of the gym years ago. But the old saying of muscle has memory is very true...my strength enudurance and energy has shot through the roof in 5 simple weeks..whereas when I first started years ago it took what felt like forever to get anywhere (didn't have any guidence back in the day). Your in a slump. And besides it seems like people that really like to lift weights never quite give it up. It just feels too good to not do it. Hang in there.

emf · 07-28-2007, 04:28 AM

i was a competitive bb for years,and during that time i got into a head on collision with a van.i got spinal meningitis and almost cashed it in and got hit from behind by a station wagon while making a turn off the highway on my motorcycle.
i can remember actually crying when one of my arms broken was so small after about a year of pins and casts that it was only about 13" and my arms were always real big,i think i was born with them over 16"
i could at one time put both hands around the biggest part of my thigh after 4 double compound fractures. my leg was in casts for over 1 1/2 years.
most of my contests were after that and i did real well,but you can bet i was so frustrated that i just about couldnt handle it.
it just got me so furious that i just trained everything i could as hard as i could and had the attitude that im going to win.
be strong the things happening to you are called life.

jo8216 · 07-28-2007, 04:47 AM

Dont give up sometimes things just take time and some patience (i dont do the patience thing very well myself) But i do the self doubt thing which is what your going through. It is tough but you will get to a time where you are ready and eager to get back to something you have obviously enjoyed doing.

Dont quit you will get there :-) Jo

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill.
When funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh.
When care is pressing you down a bit.
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out:

Don't give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt.
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems so far:
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit
It's when things seem worst that you must not QUIT.

Not-a-Lifer · 07-28-2007, 06:46 AM

My opinion is you need to stick it out. You can still do cardio and keep your diet up and your energy levels up. When you finally ease your upper body into the workout you'll be ready to give it 110%.

I took a few months off and i am back daily and things are working out. They will for you too.

Baldsnake · 07-28-2007, 07:00 AM

There is always SOMETHING you can do in the gym. I can not tell you how many times since 1954 I have either hobbled in on crutches (one week in a wheel chair) or had my arm in a sling or hand in a cast. YOU STILL SHOW UP. Can you ride the stationary bike? If so, grab two 8 lb. girlie dumbells and start riding. Do curls while peddling. Do kickbacks, reverse curls, boxing punches, side laterals and presses. Hang in there for 20 min. Do leg presses, seated calf, hamstring machine and crunches. Ease into it but SHOW UP. If there is a football stadium or high rise in your village...stair climbing.

I guess it's OK to beat one's own drum in here. I had hernia surgery and with my sore as hell blue family jewels found a way to continue training and 10 days later took 3rd. in the Masters Mr. America. I'm not saying be as crazy compulsive as me...just find a happy medium.

So there.

domineaux · 07-28-2007, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldsnake

There is always SOMETHING you can do in the gym. I can not tell you how many times since 1954 I have either hobbled in on crutches (one week in a wheel chair) or had my arm in a sling or hand in a cast. YOU STILL SHOW UP. Can you ride the stationary bike? If so, grab two 8 lb. girlie dumbells and start riding. Do curls while peddling. Do kickbacks, reverse curls, boxing punches, side laterals and presses. Hang in there for 20 min. Do leg presses, seated calf, hamstring machine and crunches. Ease into it but SHOW UP. If there is a football stadium or high rise in your village...stair climbing.

I guess it's OK to beat one's own drum in here. I had hernia surgery and with my sore as hell blue family jewels found a way to continue training and 10 days later took 3rd. in the Masters Mr. America. I'm not saying be as crazy compulsive as me...just find a happy medium.

So there.

Good thoughts... do something, and don't complain, you've still got some parts working.

abcreations · 07-28-2007, 11:18 AM

I agree. You can still do something with the parts that work. Don't give up. It's something you enjoy, you just need to find another way to do it for awhile.

Stevebaby · 07-28-2007, 11:54 AM

I can understand the head trips of setbacks. I had a car accident 8 years ago that left shoulder/neck problems that no one seems to be able to diagnose. This past spring I had to have both feet operated on...including a new operation to release some of the calf muscle in each leg. If you saw me you would not think I'm a slob by any means but you wouldn't think I have worked out for years either. I do cardio at least 4 days a week and light workouts when my body can handle it.

Frustrating so much but becasue it seems I see people change their body with ease...and worse, people who could work out but are just lazy. You just got to keep going. If nothing else the cardio hepls relieve the internal stress and maybe that keeps me emotionally healthy. I really enjoy the site and it helps me keep off my ass. Trust me I miss the lean speedo wearing days of my 20s and 30s but if I don't rush through things I still make it through a workout and feel better for the experience.

I really hope you stay with your exercise. Maybe you need to mix it up this month and break the routine to refresh. You look fine from here. Regards

Frappezlesinge · 07-28-2007, 01:14 PM

Ah hell man, no, don't give up on it, just allow things to heal properly and ease yourself back into it when it feels right to do so.

Without knowing the specific injury it's difficult to advise any exercise, but would it be worth checking with your doctor about swimming - full body exercise and the water buoyancy might help ease the shoulder problem, and keep your body ticking over until you can really hit it properly with the weights again?

Best of luck to you and hope you stick with it.

oldsuperman · 07-28-2007, 02:13 PM

Why would you give up SEX cause of your set backs! I would never give up SEX for any injury! I would find someway, somehow, to have SEX no mater how bad I felt or was injured!

I mean, really! Sex is so important and if you "REALLY WANTED IT BAD ENOUGH" you'd find a way to get around your problems just to get the big "O" and all that goes along with it, the touching, the joy, the passion, the thrill, the complete total exhilaration and the satisfaction oh yea! ....................

OOOoooops, I miss read the thread!

How could I have been so stupid? HHhhhmmmmmm! Let me re read it some more....

Oh how embarrassing!!! You're talking about TRAINING not SEX!!!! LOL!

Well, bro, nothing I said changes! The same thing applies for training as it does for sex. No difference! How bad do you really want it friend?! Well? ed

tatdawg · 07-28-2007, 02:17 PM

never give up. there is always something you can do to stay in shape.

Labrador · 07-28-2007, 03:21 PM

With some injuries (tendinitis, lower back,...) it's better to continue working out with (very) light weights than to stop completely. It will speed up the healing process. To be safe: check with your doctor (ask another doc if he says no) and build up very slowly.