Gym crazy chick says hi

[SpartaFromMassey]

Hi all

I've been a regular at the gym for more years than I care to admit, mostly doing intense cardio and light weights. Had been doing pump classes three times a week and was pushing the weights up steadily, then recently I looked in the mirror and noticed I had more muscle than any other gal on the floor as well as pushing more weight. Realized I love the look, love the buzz. So decided to get into more serious strength training.

So far it's been feeling great and I'm enjoying seeing definition pop up from new combinations of exercises that you don't get in a pump class, as well as the euphoria of pushing to the max.

I'm struggling with the shoulders though as I have scapula instability and scar through the connective tissue between shoulder and upper back due to a double shoulder dislocation. The damage is permanent but the physio says strength work and anything I can do to reduce the instability will help. Any ideas welcome. The main exercises causing difficulties are any that involve pushing weights above my head (can pull down, just not push up). If anyone knows anything about working with scapula instability that would be great.

So much new stuff to learn, great to have a forum like this.

[teamfatboy]

Hi all

I've been a regular at the gym for more years than I care to admit, mostly doing intense cardio and light weights. Had been doing pump classes three times a week and was pushing the weights up steadily, then recently I looked in the mirror and noticed I had more muscle than any other gal on the floor as well as pushing more weight. Realized I love the look, love the buzz. So decided to get into more serious strength training.

So far it's been feeling great and I'm enjoying seeing definition pop up from new combinations of exercises that you don't get in a pump class, as well as the euphoria of pushing to the max.

So much new stuff to learn, great to have a forum like this.

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort

Heya SFM - so, you discovered the hidden secret - the look, the buzz - eh!

Although I can't help with your shoulder problems, there's almost certainly folks here who can, so welcome and good luck.

[Pseudonym]

Like TFB, I can't help on the shoulder issue either, but welcome on in anyway!

[Hone]

kiaora SFM

Try some shoulder shrugs with dumb bells to help strengthen your trapezius.

Another one is to sit on a bench and lean forward onto your thighs with dumbells in each hand, raise your arms straight up out to the side of your body. You should feel the exercise hit your rear delts.

[LP640]

Welcome

[NBS 4life]

Hey there,

I have been in the shadows for quite a while so no one will know me :pfft:

Anywho, about your shoulders. Face pulls from varying angles may help with your scapula stability/retraction problems. This is an interesting article that you may find interesting.

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_art ... ers_part_i

there are other parts to this article as well.

Also here is a video that may be of some interest to you

[SpartaFromMassey]

Hi all,

Thanks for the welcome and the tips to date. Thanks NBS for the links esp. to the article. Linked together all the exercises I've been struggling with to date in way that made sense, plus gave me some ways to clean up my technique and some extra exercises I may be able to safely add to vary my routine. Awesome.

Great to have discovered this site; wish I had earlier.

SFM

[nicksmith3]

Welcome along... :grin: