Bad luck

[Tsigane]

Hello,

I'm a newbie here, but I was looking for some advice to get through a year of bad luck with my health.

About one year ago I got a virus that knocked me down for 3 months. I'm into fitness and 3 months away from the gym seemed like an eternity. But by March I was back in the gym and improving. Then in June I injured my hip and had to take another month off. I eventually returned to the gym but then in September I got a bad flu that had me out for a few weeks.

Less than two weeks after returning to my routine, I injured my back due to a bad mattress. I spent the next month away from the gym doing physical therapy. During my time off I discovered Steve's website and this forum. I really like what I read and promptly started a 30 day challenge - to spend at least 10 minutes every morning stretching my back like my therapist showed me. My back felt better and I started a few more 30 day challenges and spent more time reading Steve's website.

Two weeks ago the therapist gave me the 'ok' to return to the gym. I did everything like she said--light weight, really slow. Three days ago I felt a pain in my lower stomach. I went to the doctor and he said I have a pulled groin muscle and to take a week off any activity. So far the pain hasn't improved.

I'm devastated. My workouts have been a part of my life for over 20 years. They keep me in balance. I can understand all these problems if I had been over-doing it, but all I've done for the past year is under-do it.

I've been keeping up with my 30 day challenges, but I'm feeling so depressed. I'm just going through the motions.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Andrew Brunelle]

Hey, it's not that bad. I can't work out period and haven't been able to for the past seven years because of a brain tumor and effects from radiation. Every time I try to work out, I get a pounding headache that lasts for weeks. No exaggeration. So I feel where you're coming from. I'm sure this will all even out for you. Just be patient and it will all work out. Have faith in that.

Life isn't always easy and we often hit roadblocks. You've just hit quite a few in a short period of time. Maybe that means the road will be clear for awhile.

[funchy]

Perhaps you've lost the sense of how much of a challenge you should attempt? Maybe even know you feel ok, you should start out with teeny tiny weights.

Also, consider working with a good trainer. Have him/her watch you lift at each station. Sometimes it can be as little as lifting a tiny bit the wrong way, and it'll set you up for an injury. The trainer should be able to point out subtle mistakes you might be making,

In the meantime, check out strength training workouts in the pool. My local gym offers an in-pool strength-train workout, and when done properly your risk for injury is very small. It's done at the deep end, so it's 100% no impact, too. They employ foam pieces, flotation dumbbells, flotation belts, and other tools.