18 Comments

I’m so sorry that your shoulder surgery prevents you from lifting. I have no advice, because I don’t lift, but I empathize. I had thyroid cancer about five years ago, which required a total thryoidectomy, followed by (in addition to some other unpleasant treatments) a daily megadose of thyroid hormone, for cancer-suppression purposes. In just a few months, during which I ate everything in sight constantly, I lost 15 pounds off my already lean frame, without doing anything. It was just the hormones.

After a year, my doctors said I could lower my dose to a healthier level, and all the pounds--plus a few bonus pounds just for fun--came roaring back in a matter of weeks, again without my doing anything. (If anything I was eating less and exercising more.)

The whole experience confirmed for me that we need to be kind to ourselves about our weight. There is much more involved than calories-in-calories-out. Hormones, economics, stress levels, and our genes all matter.

I hope you will be lifting again soon, but in the meantime, please remember that major surgery takes a huge toll on our bodies, and we need patience as we work our way back to normal.

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I’m an avid cyclist. About 15 years ago I was hit by a car and broke my shoulder blade and most of my ribs. It took six months of physical therapy before my arm would fully function again. Nevertheless, after three months, I got back on the bike again because my legs worked even if my arm was way off. I stuck with the physical therapy and eventually I could do all the weights again including lots of chin ups. In the beginning, I was super depressed and frustrated, but I stuck it out. I think the bike would help control your weight and be a good outlet for your stress as you power through what is likely to be a long hard fight back.

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I am 57 and still cycling. If you can’t bicycle you can walk. My 70 year old aunt walks an hour and a half a day. Walking is one of the few things that are never boring.

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Not sure what your restrictions are, but swimming is non impact, almost impossible to injure yourself, is great for strengthening all the little bits and pieces that support the major muscle groups, and you can do it all your life. Being fat not only doesn't hinder you, in some ways it helps. (If you can't move your shoulder at all, you can either side-stroke on one side or put a pool noodle under your torso and just concentrate on kicks.)

Whatever you settle on, take care of yourself, and best of luck!

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There are definitely other viable and valuable fitness goals besides cut and big.

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Take care. It will take time to readjust to the new normal. Be patient with yourself.

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I don't relish adding to the chorus of Internet advisors, but you should give bands a shot. You can get a decent resistance workout and they're much easier on the joints.

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I’m not in the same situation as you, you’re shoulder sounds fucked. But waited till I was 40 to get in shape. I bought a rowing machine. I recently had an accident where I tore a ligament in my wrist. I’m not supposed to lift anything heavier than a half gallon of milk, let alone row. I don’t quite know what to do, because I can already notice some consequences of not exercising regularly, chiefly I find it harder to fall asleep. The best advice I got was from a buddy who said, well, “you still have legs.” Not sure how that’s gonna manifest in a way that is as robust as rowing, but needs must.

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Jun 27, 2022·edited Jun 27, 2022

Heal up Maestro. I and your other fans are totally in your corner. I feel for you about your predicament. But, before allowing despair to f*ck w/your mind, try on a different approach at the gym when you’re finally able. Like you, I was kinda scrawny back in the day, and lifting made a big difference in mind and body. But that was then. I’m old now. And i dont care about my max on much of anything - though i still have some marks i like to make (for sit ups and on the elliptical). But my main goal now is simply to stay toned and AVOID JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY. We’ll see if that works out as planned, but i imagine simply keeping blood flow and range of motion going can’t hurt. So try that strategy on for size maybe? Vaya con dios and keep the verbiage flowing!

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"Liberals are deeply invested in “restorative justice” and criminal justice reform ..."

*sigh*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohHJ8pyKofw

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Sorry for the follwoing free advice and I wish you the best of luck in your rehab.

I had an analogous situation with my left shoulder in my mid-20's and again in my late 30's. As a result I can not and have not been able to bench or military lift more than 60pds without real risks. I had to switch to light weights, but increased the reps. Roughly 1/2 to 1/3rd the weight, 2-3X the reps. I let my symptoms be my guide, not my ego. I just turned 70, no additional injuries, so its worked for me. I also switch between cables, bands, free, and machines periodically because they're all different. Free weights, while best overall, are riskier, as they can inadvertently put you in a bad position and an "Oh, shit" moment.

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Running, biking, signing up for races to keep yourself motivated. It can be surprisingly addictive for someone who is competitive and with a quantitative bent.

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I had rotator cuff repair surgery repair five years ago on my right shoulder. I am a plasterer, which involves pushing hard against ceilings for hours at a time (probably why I needed surgery). I went back to it within 3 months. Im not saying my doctor thought this was a good idea, and I’m not saying it’s like it was before it was injured, but its way better since the surgery and has stayed that way.

I don’t know if you’ll lift again. But you shouldn’t rule it out.

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For a similar YA book with a more saphoric theme (but with a very plausible platonic interpretation, that I think is better supported) try You Are The Rain by RR Knudson.

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TaiJi .. Yang or Chen or whatever is near you. Good for mobility, recovery, can modify to accommodate arm injury.

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You'll do physical therapy and eventually be able to transform those routines into genuine, full-body workouts. Try substituting bands for free weights, at least for a long while. Regular, low-impact cardio with a LOT of time in Zone 2 is super important. Been there.

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