Last-ditch effort

[wolfotehmoon]

Aaaand that makes three. >_< Injuries, that is. First, my knee, which put me off of leg-based lifts for the whole summer. Next, my ankle, which only put me out for a week, but which I feel like I have to be careful with anyway... And now, my wrist. And here's the kicker: I hurt it punching someone else(he literally asked me to, so that wasn't a problem). It is the epitome of stereotypical nerd weakness. x_x So, I'm out until I feel NO pain in it, since it's my drawing hand and, well, I'm an art major. >_>

I'm starting to think that this just isn't for me, right now. I don't mean to be melodramatic, but it seems like every effort I make to pack on some size is thwarted in one way or another: injuries, absence of money for food, absence of gym, bad genes, bad joints, etc... It's not like I don't like working out, but if all it's gonna get me is injuries and a body that's as small and weak as ever, what's the point? *sigh* I just don't know.

Sorry, just a bit ranty... To make this post at least a little bit constructive, I'm gonna ask if anyone knows about some exercises I can do, once everything gets healed up, to strengthen my joints. If it's no good, then, I dunno... I think I might just put this endeavor off until a more advantageous point in my life. But, ya thanks to anyone who replies.

[arpeejay]

I've been remarkably lucky over the years in NOT having had many significant injuries (probably because I'm such a slacker!) It could be that what you need to do is focus on activities (e.g., yoga, pilates) that promote flexibility, better posture, and more resilient joints, and then work in resistance exercises to build up your strength around those joints.

The one injury I did have was NOT workout related, namely, nearly six years ago now I tripped on a poorly placed concrete bumper in a parking deck at Wayne State and came down -- 220 lbs. worth of *hard* -- on my right shoulder. I still have problems with it and it still gives out sooner than anything else, despite having paid significant attention to it with my personal trainer over the past 18 months. It's much better than it was but it (in certain positions) it will never be as strong as it once was.

Don't give up and do some reading. You'll figure it out.

All the best & xoxo...

Richard

[inflated]

Start off with some yoga strength moves, it will keep you limber and strengthen your joints. Also see a chiropractor, tell him your full health history and he may be able to help you. As soon as you feel a bit stronger, then focus on core exercises and the big three--deadlifts, squats, bench. As your strenght goes up, increase your caloric intake and hopefully you will gain some solid weight.