Running1spirit’s BodyBlog

I believe that supplements are just THAT…supplements;  They can aid or make-up for deficiencies /add extra elements to the body to bring about a physiologic change, but they aren’t the sole responsibility for gains. I thoroughly like to emphasize the responsibility of the individual (in all matters) and currently, in my situation, I am just up against a wall!

I haven’t necessarily hit a plateau or anything, but I am having difficulty coming back strong after my lumbar spine/back injury, which was just a few weeks ago. During that time, when I was immobile, I experienced significant losses. The part where the supplement question comes into play is here somewhat because I was really feeling the beneficial effects of the naNO Vapor, for example, when I began taking it and now, I can’t even stomach it, let alone reap ANY benefits. I feel *much* better when I’ve had my good breakfast, vitamins, and occasionally a bit of a protein shake pre-workout depending on my workout time (usually always in the early a.m. due to my schedule limitation(s)) minus the Vapor as of late. So, that’s a pretty clear indication and I know, with all this stuff, it’s trial-and-error. What works for some, doesn’t work for all.

I suppose I am just wanting to put more faith in some of the supplements or am disappointed in myself for a change in workout intensity or whatever you choose to call it (?). I am not any less motivated, but my body is requiring more work to show change…maybe that’s it. It’s one thing to have always been "in shape" and extremely athletic (for me), but I guess this bodybuilding endeavor requires calibration, insightful tuning, and patience that I am not quite used to.

-Just a bit of what’s on my mind-

Hope you are all having a great weekend and may you have a FANTASTIC week to come! Cheers ~ SPIRIT

[Around October 3rd..for reference]

I have no idea how or exactly when "it" occurred, but somehow, I hurt my back. It seems to be accumulation, not just one specific move or exercise b/c I didn’t stop and scream in agony. Gradually, the pain in my back (left flank/lumbar area) got worse; it got to the point where I couldn’t get out of bed nor walk, obviously. My family took me to the orthopedist immediately and basically, the doctor gathered that my pain was caused by a muscular strain as my x-rays looked just fine and I left the office with a back brace/corset and heavy duty pain medication.

I could just barely take a few steps to and from the car and was lying on ice as soon as I returned home. The next morning, the pain was even more severe and I called the orthopedic office. They instructed me to go to the ER since I was crying hysterically. Luckily, I had a family member available to take me and when I arrived at the hospital, there was nobody in the waiting room, which is just a plain miracle. So, I was taken back right away and soon after, given pain medication via IV, which didn’t do a thing. After having an allergic reaction to the first medication, I required 2 doses of two different pain meds. to be comfortable enough to have the ER doc check me out. By the end of the day, I left the hospital with an RX for more pain medication and some suggestive exercises to do once I felt my back was feeling a bit better.

Anyway…enough about the minor details…I was DEVASTATED over the fact that I couldn’t workout, let alone even get up! As a former athlete and quite active individual, I’ve had my share of injuries, but right when I was starting to see some promising (err, semi-hopeful) results, this sh*t happens. WHY?!? So, yeah…I haven’t worked out for nearly 10 days, which feels like an eternity and I don’t care what anybody says…it *did* make a difference. I was lying in bed for several days–totally inactive and while a few days of rest cannot hurt anybody, I think I passed that point.

Just emotionally and physically, I am concerned that I lost my groove. I know that I can get right back in there and I will, for the sake of my health and well-being, ease into the heavier lifting so that I don’t re-injure myself. I suppose I am just rambling and really felt detached. I know that all I need to do is visit BB though and there’s plenty of enthusiasm and support