Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 12:51 pm Post subject: Question about symmetry and muscle weakness
I am a novice (girl if that matters) and am 2 days into both No S and Shovelglove. I am recovering from long term spinal problems and pinched nerves resulting in moderate left side weakness. Also a car accident 4 months ago, that caused depression and wrecked havoc on my eating habits and workout habits. I put on maybe 20-30 lbs of fat and lost so much muscle. I am working out again with doctors approval and am seeking to be most efficient.
My right side is fine. I have no problems completing 7 of each movement pattern. But my left side is so weak, the movements are so much more difficult. I am holding the sledgehammer closer to the head to decrease resistance, compared to my right side. But, I am still struggling to compete 7 of each movement with good form and without allowing other muscles to compensate.
I was told by my doctor in regards to weight lifting, I should start on my weak side and do an extra set on my weak side. I haven't really gotten back into lifting the same way I was before the car accident. I mostly do big compound lifts (squats, deadlifts, presses pulls). So this advise did not really apply since haven't been doing isolation work.
So far, I really like the Shovelglove workout. I don't want increase the imbalance between the sides of my body. Any suggestions would be helpful. Since, I am a novice I have been starting on my right side, as my more coordinated side to learn the movements.
My idea for a modification would be to start on my left for 5, then right for 7, then left again for 5 (for each movement this applies to).
Thanks for any suggestions or other encouragement. I "borrowed" my brother's sledgehammer, it is probably 8 lbs, not sure though. _________________ furens ignis
Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 182 Location: Pennsylvania-U.S.A.
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2016 11:41 am Post subject: Re: Question about symmetry and muscle weakness
FurensIgnis wrote:
I am a novice (girl if that matters) and am 2 days into both No S and Shovelglove. I am recovering from long term spinal problems and pinched nerves resulting in moderate left side weakness. Also a car accident 4 months ago, that caused depression and wrecked havoc on my eating habits and workout habits. I put on maybe 20-30 lbs of fat and lost so much muscle. I am working out again with doctors approval and am seeking to be most efficient.
My right side is fine. I have no problems completing 7 of each movement pattern. But my left side is so weak, the movements are so much more difficult. I am holding the sledgehammer closer to the head to decrease resistance, compared to my right side. But, I am still struggling to compete 7 of each movement with good form and without allowing other muscles to compensate.
I was told by my doctor in regards to weight lifting, I should start on my weak side and do an extra set on my weak side. I haven't really gotten back into lifting the same way I was before the car accident. I mostly do big compound lifts (squats, deadlifts, presses pulls). So this advise did not really apply since haven't been doing isolation work.
So far, I really like the Shovelglove workout. I don't want increase the imbalance between the sides of my body. Any suggestions would be helpful. Since, I am a novice I have been starting on my right side, as my more coordinated side to learn the movements.
My idea for a modification would be to start on my left for 5, then right for 7, then left again for 5 (for each movement this applies to).
Thanks for any suggestions or other encouragement. I "borrowed" my brother's sledgehammer, it is probably 8 lbs, not sure though.
Welcome. I think either approach is acceptable, as long as you're not really struggling with the 8 lb. sledge to use reasonably good form. If so, I'd say lighten up to a lighter implement like a 5 lb. piece of std. pipe. I know they make a 7 lb. sledge, but not sure about lighter. I had a similar experience with my right side being totally deconditioned but not by an auto accident but a lung tumor.
You know from your weight lifting background that you wouldn't do compound movements like a squat with a weight that was too heavy for good form. I had to lighten up considerably and do movements with good form. Good to see you here, keep posting your progress. Whosonfirst(Trace) _________________ Five Green days in a row. I do a BMI check by looking in a mirror.
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