Running1spirit’s BodyBlog

My GI illness has flared up really badly over the last month and a half and I’ve been on a liquid-only (medically supervised) diet for over a week now. It is awful. I haven’t been able to workout and I’ve lost a considerable amount of muscle mass. I have to slowly transition back into eating solid food, so it will be a while before I can eat ("normally") and workout even close to the intensity where I had left off. It is definitely a bummer and it sure makes me realize how much I take my health for granted [when I am well and fine].

I hope to be back in the swing of things within a few weeks and positive thinking can’t hurt, right?

I miss it!!

Hope everyone is doing well and stay healthy

I’ve essentially been gone/pre-occupied/dispirited/stalling, etc. with regards to remodeling my body. My training regimen had to change as a result of my new school schedule and that really bummed me out b/c I was in a groove. I loved working out bright and early each morning, which was a terrific start to my day, but when I transfered schools in late January, I would have to workout much later in the day. Change is undoubtedly good for the body, but I admit, I liked my routine *stomps feet* and I was just starting to really find a lifting pattern that was yielding positive results; I felt accomplished and most of all, I was enjoying myself.

Anyway, after a very long school day, I am often tired and lack the energy to put in a good, solid workout. It’s been months since I’ve lifted and one day became two days and so on. Days upon days of being inactive (not lifting) from previously being very progressive has taken a mental and physical toll. My mind really needs the activity as I’ve always been involved in sports/activity since I was a young child and channel my energy through physical activity.

I lifted yesterday (if you’d even call it that)…it was SO lame! A trainer at my gym offered to train with me, but I was completely bored and watched the hands on the clock slowly move the entire time. It was an attempt to get "back into it" though. The past few days, I have spent more and more time on the forums here, back where I feel comfortable and so inspired by people who have made incredible transformations! They (YOU) remind me that with dedication and perseverance, ANYTHING is possible. So, despite my recent laziness and ’setback’ I suppose I can get back on this train. Positive thinking can only help in the process, right?

To all of you who have been making astounding gains, helping others to pursue their goals as you further yourselves, and for the wonderful support that is shared here, a BIG CONGRATS & THANK YOU is in order!*!

Yeah, these suckers :

(http://www.performbetter.com/SearchResult.aspx_Q_CategoryID_E_235 )

Anybody use the regularly for myofascial release? I used to use them a lot in the past for balance exercises and to roll out those nasty post-workout knots, but it’s been a while…

I always forget to breathe through the pain so I end up red-faced and in agony, unable to bear it -LOL, but I know how GOOD it is for me. I am going to try to "roll" everyday. I was wondering if there was anyone else who also uses these foam rollers and has reaped their benefits?

Please do share

Well, I’m out of commission…again! This sucks!!! I can’t tell you for sure that it was the jump pull-ups, but I didn’t do any other exercises that were new/heavier besides those, so I am quite convinced. My arm looked like a giant club and it still looks extremely puffy and bruised; the pain is something I simply cannot describe and I’ve had my share of orthopedic injuries (hyper-extended elbow, threw my back out, broken wrists…). From an initial, informal exam it looks like it’s a torn bicep and possibly tricep too. All I know is PURE AGONY.

I have an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon this afternoon and hopefully, rest and such will be sufficient to get my arm back in working order. The swelling though, is just so bad! It happened last Monday and the bleeding (internal) started right away. My shoulder down to my wrist is blown up.

I wish I could report positive gains or something, but so much for my Thanksgiving break. I hope that nobody ever has to experience this misery…ever. I guess that injury is par for the course, but you’d think I was fighting a physical battle or some crap. This is a reminder to listen to your body, despite our forceful minds and to LIFT WISELY! I know that from now on, I sure will.

Have a fantastic day

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

So, here’s a few articles on the topic of weight lifting gloves:

protect your hands!
weight lifting gloves & equipment

I know several people, even heavy lifters who do not wear gloves (both men and women). Most of the reasons I have been given related to these individuals’ liking the accession of the callouses on their hands (the toughening or roughening of the area) and/or they felt they had a direct grip on the weight/bar.

Do you wear gloves? If not, what’s your reasoning? When I first started lifting in my mid-teens, I wore them. Currently, I do not wear lifting gloves, but I am starting to lift heavier, making pretty quick gains (granted, I am not curling 60s or anything!!). For any women who might read this who might wear gloves, do you wear them to protect your hands against callouses that you consider to be unsightly/unattractive? I suppose the very same could be applied to men, but may be less of an issue (?) …I shouldn’t assume. If it’s a matter of aiding in your grip, hence you wear gloves for their apparent functional purpose, what is your favorite brand? I always wore ‘Harbinger’ as they fit me best and I found them to be most comfortable. It probably depends on personal preference, but some must be better than others–
Thoughts?

*p.s.  this wasn’t intended as an eye-opening blog or something profound. I am just curious about the population here. Thanks *