Back to the wagon...

[KngShisa]

These past couple of months I've had to put my lifestyle on hold for surgery, something I know a lot of you have gone through. I was instructed to stop all heavy lifting in the weeks prior to surgery then another six weeks of orders to not lift more than 15 lbs after surgery. It was depressing enough not being able to do anything but sit around the house, I couldn't even walk the dog. Then about a week after surgery, my girlfriend broke up with me which of course added to the depression I was already going through, my only escape being work at this point. Considering the fact that I had originally planned to bulk this winter, I had been hoping to at least hold onto as much muscle as possible these last couple of months, but after the breakup I wasn't able to sustain the diet and lost 11 pounds. In the grand scheme of things, I realize this isn't a major setback compared to what else life can throw at you, but still a setback for me nonetheless. Funny thing is, one of the things that always bothered her most was my commitment to the gym, then when I'm actually stuck at home and can't go at all, she decides to drop the hammer.

As of today, I am finally at the end of my recovery phase and getting ready to return to the gym next Monday (of course I have to leave for a few days on a business trip the very next day). I know it will be a mixed bag of emotions since my strength has most likely plummeted to an all-time low and I won't have the same mirror motivation I had a couple months ago. It's also difficult having to hold back and ease back into it.

I honestly have to say that the one thing that's kept me motivated all along is you, my MC family. Just staying active on this site and reading all your experiences (both positive and negative), support for one-another and information exchanges has done more for me mentally and spiritually than anything, without a doubt. And to think I only joined for bodybuilding advice! Today I finally placed my MC igf1-lr3 order, which I know will help get me back to where I want to be so I can finally go for that extra size I've been having to put off for so long now and I'm already feeling better! I'll also be experimenting with ligandrol this time (courtesy of MC) so I will be reporting back!

So to my MC family, I wanted to give a big THANK YOU!! I'm officially looking forward to getting back on the wagon!

[Muscle mechanic]

These past couple of months I've had to put my lifestyle on hold for surgery, something I know a lot of you have gone through. I was instructed to stop all heavy lifting in the weeks prior to surgery then another six weeks of orders to not lift more than 15 lbs after surgery. It was depressing enough not being able to do anything but sit around the house, I couldn't even walk the dog. Then about a week after surgery, my girlfriend broke up with me which of course added to the depression I was already going through, my only escape being work at this point. Considering the fact that I had originally planned to bulk this winter, I had been hoping to at least hold onto as much muscle as possible these last couple of months, but after the breakup I wasn't able to sustain the diet and lost 11 pounds. In the grand scheme of things, I realize this isn't a major setback compared to what else life can throw at you, but still a setback for me nonetheless. Funny thing is, one of the things that always bothered her most was my commitment to the gym, then when I'm actually stuck at home and can't go at all, she decides to drop the hammer.

As of today, I am finally at the end of my recovery phase and getting ready to return to the gym next Monday (of course I have to leave for a few days on a business trip the very next day). I know it will be a mixed bag of emotions since my strength has most likely plummeted to an all-time low and I won't have the same mirror motivation I had a couple months ago. It's also difficult having to hold back and ease back into it.

I honestly have to say that the one thing that's kept me motivated all along is you, my MC family. Just staying active on this site and reading all your experiences (both positive and negative), support for one-another and information exchanges has done more for me mentally and spiritually than anything, without a doubt. And to think I only joined for bodybuilding advice! Today I finally placed my MC igf1-lr3 order, which I know will help get me back to where I want to be so I can finally go for that extra size I've been having to put off for so long now and I'm already feeling better! I'll also be experimenting with ligandrol this time (courtesy of MC) so I will be reporting back!

So to my MC family, I wanted to give a big THANK YOU!! I'm officially looking forward to getting back on the wagon!

Hang in there brother. I had hernia surgery more than once. Different spots.
I try not to strain too hard anymore.

I started lifting after 10 days with slimmer belt on and lift belt over both tight. I used light weight and focused on contracting muscles. Dr never had clue. I was fine and didn't strain area at all.
I was doing cardio on my heavy bag. By the time I went for checkup I had already started test and eq.
I broke two bones boxer fracture and was going to orthopedic every 10 days to x-ray and straighten it. I was on test a tren a Dr would say at 8 weeks u will be able to lift. I would take that brace straightener thing wrap my hand and hold weights between thumb part of hand and index finger. Dr was like I thought u would've lost more muscle.

I just couldn't take being off work and not finding a way. But u and me are different. Lol!!! I met my old lady during one of these surgeries. Well before at pre-surgery screen. She came visit and took care of me. Been with her ever since.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[Muscle mechanic]

U will be alright. U did it smart. And u didn't need a woman to walk out on u when u needed her the most. In a lot of ways u are lucky. Consider yourself blessed lol. U can sleep with a new piece and not feel guilty or be cheating. Shit don't settle down too fast.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[LeatherHead]

These past couple of months I've had to put my lifestyle on hold for surgery, something I know a lot of you have gone through. I was instructed to stop all heavy lifting in the weeks prior to surgery then another six weeks of orders to not lift more than 15 lbs after surgery. It was depressing enough not being able to do anything but sit around the house, I couldn't even walk the dog. Then about a week after surgery, my girlfriend broke up with me which of course added to the depression I was already going through, my only escape being work at this point. Considering the fact that I had originally planned to bulk this winter, I had been hoping to at least hold onto as much muscle as possible these last couple of months, but after the breakup I wasn't able to sustain the diet and lost 11 pounds. In the grand scheme of things, I realize this isn't a major setback compared to what else life can throw at you, but still a setback for me nonetheless. Funny thing is, one of the things that always bothered her most was my commitment to the gym, then when I'm actually stuck at home and can't go at all, she decides to drop the hammer.

As of today, I am finally at the end of my recovery phase and getting ready to return to the gym next Monday (of course I have to leave for a few days on a business trip the very next day). I know it will be a mixed bag of emotions since my strength has most likely plummeted to an all-time low and I won't have the same mirror motivation I had a couple months ago. It's also difficult having to hold back and ease back into it.

I honestly have to say that the one thing that's kept me motivated all along is you, my MC family. Just staying active on this site and reading all your experiences (both positive and negative), support for one-another and information exchanges has done more for me mentally and spiritually than anything, without a doubt. And to think I only joined for bodybuilding advice! Today I finally placed my MC igf1-lr3 order, which I know will help get me back to where I want to be so I can finally go for that extra size I've been having to put off for so long now and I'm already feeling better! I'll also be experimenting with ligandrol this time (courtesy of MC) so I will be reporting back!

So to my MC family, I wanted to give a big THANK YOU!! I'm officially looking forward to getting back on the wagon!

I just went through the same thing. Couldn't lift more than 5lbs. The doc didn't think it was funny when I asked "then how am I supposed to wash under my nuts". lol But seriously, I got depressed and hated what I saw in the mirror. I've been back a couple of weeks now, and my strength is slowly coming back and I'm starting to see some separation again. So hang in there, and keep fighting the fight, brother. It will all come back. I'm still trying to get mine back, and you will get yours back, too.

[Muscle mechanic]

I just went through the same thing. Couldn't lift more than 5lbs. The doc didn't think it was funny when I asked "then how am I supposed to wash under my nuts". lol But seriously, I got depressed and hated what I saw in the mirror. I've been back a couple of weeks now, and my strength is slowly coming back and I'm starting to see some separation again. So hang in there, and keep fighting the fight, brother. It will all come back. I'm still trying to get mine back, and you will get yours back, too.

I have ruptured disc in neck c5-c6 annular bulge, in back L5-S1 outer ruptures. I am 40 been this way since I was 28. Shoulders hurt alot and tore up.
I watch younger guys at gym bouncing weights and saying plant your feet! Lmao! They push so hard with feet don't see how they contracting chest on bench. They will have some issues with pain and poor form.
I only do controlled movements and I go pretty heavy, am strong enough but I seldom push to break personal records on strength.
On shoulders or for shoulders mine are good most of time on shoulder exercises. It's flat bench chest that I gotta watch. I learned to not touch my chest with barbell. Smith machine on flat bench makes to put shoulder in a bind less movement. I got down on flat bench about 3 inches about my chest maybe 2. I never have a spotter either. I do all my workouts on strength exercise first warm up go up on weight then after 4 sets 5 sets heavy I do rest of workout with them exhausted not recovered. I do this to get muscle fatigue without putting more weight than I have to on joints.
Last year I tore tendons and ligaments in shoulders I couldn't bench press for 14 weeks. But after about 6 weeks i was able to do incline loaded plate press. I did light weight high reps on it twice a week in between other workouts

U will be alright. U did it smart. And u didn't need a woman to walk out on u when u needed her the most. In a lot of ways u are lucky. Consider yourself blessed lol. U can sleep with a new piece and not feel guilty or be cheating. Shit don't settle down too fast.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[Masher59]

You have done the right thing in you situation for sure now just ease back in nice and slow. You will be amazed at how fast it will come back so don't fret too much on how much you've lost. I shut it down for 3 months myself every year for hunting season which just ended so i'm about to start back up myself. No gear and no weights for 3 months and my diet lmao that goes out the window also so i'm a lump of soft and weak right now. Post up your progress back we are wishing you the best.

[KngShisa]

Sounds like you've all dug your way out of much deeper ditches and next week I start digging. After placing my order on Monday I received my order from MC yesterday - prompt and professionally packaged, as expected (big thanks for the goodies, Presser!) I'll be posting my progress here as the updates come. Let's get it and I'll see you all on the other side!

[Muscle mechanic]

Sounds like you've all dug your way out of much deeper ditches and next week I start digging. After placing my order on Monday I received my order from MC yesterday - prompt and professionally packaged, as expected (big thanks for the goodies, Presser!) I'll be posting my progress here as the updates come. Let's get it and I'll see you all on the other side!

No, no more digging. Start climbing out!
Lol

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[KngShisa]

Okay, I've been out of town since Tuesday with limited computer access and I can't stand typing on my phone so I'm sneaking in an update. On Monday, I had my first day in the gym (upper body only) in nearly 8 weeks. I showed up hidden underneath a hoodie and started very slowly and cautiously added weight to each exercise to see where I am and purposely didn't push myself. I've lost quite a bit of strength, but here's how it went:

Flat bb bench - started with 20 reps of just the bar and noticed it didn't feel feather light, so I moved up to 95 x 15, then 135 x 15, 185 x 10, then 3 sets of 205 x 8 and decided to leave it there for now.
Bent-over bb row - 45x 20, 95 x 15, 115 x 12 then 3 sets of 135 x 10, again leaving the rest on the table for next week.
Incline db bench - 45 x 15, 55 x 12, then 3 sets of 65 x 10.
Wide grip lat pulldowns - 55 x 20, 65 x 15, 75 x 12, 85 x 10, then 2 sets of 100 x 10. I tried to go for 3 sets @ 100 but only got 8 on the 3rd set.
Decline flys - 20 x 20, 25 x 15, 30 x 12, 35 x10
Seated cable row - 55 x 20, 65 x 15, three sets of 85 x 10
Lateral db raises - 5 x 25, then 4 sets of 10 x 15
Dumbbell curls - 4 sets of 25 x12
Pushdowns w/rope - 4 sets of 40 x12
Shrugs - 4 sets of 45 x 12

I didn't get to do any overhead pressing because my front delts fried out from the bb/db benching. Of course I'm not happy with the numbers but I did get a better pump than I expected and I was actually sore up until yesterday. I can't remember the last time my chest or back completely felt sore and I kinda missed it.

[KngShisa]

Last night was my second time back in the gym and my workout went very similar to the above with the following changes:
flat bb bench - I was able to move up to 225 for my working sets
incline db bench - I moved up to 70 for working sets
overhead press - 45x20, 65x12, 85 x 10, then 3 sets of 95x8

It was getting late and I had less than 2,000 calories in my system at the time, so I had to skip arms so I could get home and get to eating. Tonight I'm training legs for the first time in about 8 weeks and since this is my problem area, I will have to be extra cautious.

[KngShisa]

This was before my surgery. I'm pretty depleted looking now but the sooner I can get back to this point, the sooner I can blast past it.

[charliebigspuds]

Last night was my second time back in the gym and my workout went very similar to the above with the following changes:
flat bb bench - I was able to move up to 225 for my working sets
incline db bench - I moved up to 70 for working sets
overhead press - 45x20, 65x12, 85 x 10, then 3 sets of 95x8

It was getting late and I had less than 2,000 calories in my system at the time, so I had to skip arms so I could get home and get to eating. Tonight I'm training legs for the first time in about 8 weeks and since this is my problem area, I will have to be extra cautious.

moving on up already brother....soon be back where you started

[Muscle mechanic]

This was before my surgery. I'm pretty depleted looking now but the sooner I can get back to this point, the sooner I can blast past it.

U look rock hard there brother. And that time off prolly done u some good for healing. On flat bench my shoulders especially right one right now hurt at 225 so I don't push harder then 255 at moment. So u doing great.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

[KngShisa]

Last night I hit legs. Since my surgery was in my lower body, I had to be especially careful and definitely didn't want to push myself weight-wise.
bb back squats - 20x3 @ 45, 20 @ 65, 15 @ 95, 15 @ 135, then 10x10 @ 155 (very low weight but squats have never been one of my stronger lifts as I'm missing a part of my right hamstring and quad from a bad wreck)
db split squats - 12 x 25, 10 x 35, 10 x 40
leg extension machine - 20 @ 45, 20 @ 55, 15 @ 65, 15 @ 75, then 12x5 @ 85
leg curl machine - 20 @ 65, 20 @ 75, 15 @ 85, 12 @ 100 then 12x4 @ 135
standing calf raises (smith) - 20 @ 110, 20 @ 160, 15 @ 200, 10 @ 220, 8 @ 250, 8x3 @ 290
seated calf raise - 12x4 @ 155
hanging leg raises - 20, 18, 15, 15, 15, 12 (no weight yet)

Today my legs are pretty toasted and I know they'll feel even worse/better tomorrow. I'm actually pretty sore all over today so I'm feeling pretty good. Tonight I'm doing just cardio which I will be keeping to a relative minimum until my strength returns.

[Muscle mechanic]

Last night I hit legs. Since my surgery was in my lower body, I had to be especially careful and definitely didn't want to push myself weight-wise.
bb back squats - 20x3 @ 45, 20 @ 65, 15 @ 95, 15 @ 135, then 10x10 @ 155 (very low weight but squats have never been one of my stronger lifts as I'm missing a part of my right hamstring and quad from a bad wreck)
db split squats - 12 x 25, 10 x 35, 10 x 40
leg extension machine - 20 @ 45, 20 @ 55, 15 @ 65, 15 @ 75, then 12x5 @ 85
leg curl machine - 20 @ 65, 20 @ 75, 15 @ 85, 12 @ 100 then 12x4 @ 135
standing calf raises (smith) - 20 @ 110, 20 @ 160, 15 @ 200, 10 @ 220, 8 @ 250, 8x3 @ 290
seated calf raise - 12x4 @ 155
hanging leg raises - 20, 18, 15, 15, 15, 12 (no weight yet)

Today my legs are pretty toasted and I know they'll feel even worse/better tomorrow. I'm actually pretty sore all over today so I'm feeling pretty good. Tonight I'm doing just cardio which I will be keeping to a relative minimum until my strength returns.

After two hernia repairs in groin and one in belly button I wear a slimmer belt that fits tight tight and lift belt wide one over tight holding inner guts from popping out straining when I go heavy. But I haven't went that heavy in sometime lower back and neck disc getting two bad so haven't done belts lately.
Last surgery slip lower abs away under belly button and they stayed that way and it's been 7 years

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk