posted Wed January 28 2004 07:31 AM
I am preparing for a Figure Competition, 12 wks out. I need some thoughts on how/ or IF I can effectively change my training and still compete in 12 weeks. I recently injured my Rotator Cuff and at this time can only do the recovery /therapy exercises the Dr gave me until I heal. I also have had to stop any chest pressing or flys, bar curls too. I can do upper body but need to reduce my weights on most things. obviously I want to continue to train yet do not want to risk further injury and risk surgery.

Leslie

I personally would not mess around with that rotator cuff. I have seen friends and a family member have to have surgury on it. It has and never will be the same. My family member has gone back 4 times to get it fixed time after time again! I am not sure how you can train with out involving the rotator cuff. Hope you have a quick recovery

Leslie - If you really slow the exercises down and concentrate on perfect form and continous tension you can still get decent muscle stimulation from lighter weights. Doing that for a few weeks while your injury recovers is not going to be a big set back. As stepper2 says, pushing it and reinjuring the shoulder or making the injury worse would be a much bigger set back. As you know by now - the nutrition piece is better than 75% of your success anyway so a little hiatus from slected exercises is not going to be a huge problem. Good luck with your therapy! I'm still trtyin to nurse back my shoulder from a rotator cuff strain about three months ago. It is a pain, but literally and metaphorically -lol. Good luck and hang in there!

VA MadDog

Wow -too many typos in that last message - time for bed!

VA MadDog

Thanks for the thoughts. I am taking a break from upper body points this week and maybe next week to, concentrating on the abs and lower body, and a little more time at the cardio too. I guess at this point in time, it is alot about the diet and not building. So I should be good to compete in Figure.

Leslie

What figure Comp are you doing? Just Curious! Im doing one in 6 weeks and Im trying to get to know some people before I go? Your Shoulder will get better with time! lay off of it for a few weeks with the heavy weights anyway. You can do 1/2 the weight you were doing and more reps and that way you will keep good tension on those muscles without further injury! Good Luck!

I am doing INBF in Buffalo in 12 weeks. I see you live in MN. Good luck at your show !

Leslie

This is from Toronto,Canada, I am thinking about the INBF NorthEastSuperNatural in Buffalo. I have a problem with my lower back, but I can work around it. You better get your rotator cuff checked out before doing any further damaged. Just 83 more days. ROBERT.

hey lifetime...did you do a NGA show in Buffalo last year ? I recall meeting someone from Canada. By chance was that you?

Yes I did get the shoulder checked out and it is some micro trama and tendonitis and it is the internal rotator cuff that is causing me the most problems.

I have been laying off it doing my therepy...but that seems to make it hurt worse than just simply weight training.

I am doing Figure so I should be OK losing a little time in the gym. I hope.....

Take care and maybe I will see you in Buffalo.

Leslie

Hi LT, no that was not me at the NGA show in Buffalo. I have not competed for a little while because every time I get ready some thing happens out the blue, like cancellations or SARS. But everytime I got to be positive and be ready to do battle. I just started using Beverly again since the last time I got it was back in Barbados about 18 years ago,Synergy,Mass aminos and Ultra 40 working big time. I attended the first INBF Northeast two years ago as a spectator. I will be doing the Masters' and open division. Keep active and be good. Robert

Robert: I'm also planning on being at the INBF SuperNatural. We'll have to be sure and meet.. I'll be in Women's Open and 'maybe' Masters. Hope to meet you there!! Valarie