Reconsidered Body Building Dream

janiejoey

janiejoey

Cathlete
For whoever is watching my path dreaming of having a body builders look, look no further. When I was so motivated about doing it, I rushed to get that beautiful body and suffered the consequences of it. Was using too heavy weight for my weaker muscles and ended up with tennis elbow. If anyone has or gone through that injury, you know how debilitating it is. Decided to wait until Jan. to do any upper body workouts to give it a chance to heal completely.

During this time I've been soul searching and realized that FOR ME I'm reconsidering a different body type. I'm convinced that age for me has a lot to do with injuries and the kind of genes I have may not work for that body type. I don't think of it as failure, only experience learned and to move on to what I can do.

My goal now is to be the best I can be. That means working hard a few hours a week, respecting the weight I use and being happy and healthy. Yes, I'm a little disappointed and embarrassed:eek: , but hey, lesson learned. I now know what I can and can not do. A lot has to do with patience and getting where you want to be takes time.

Take care everyone.

Janie
 
Janie,

First off, I just wanted to say that I'm very sorry you have Tennis Elbow :(. I experienced TE & Carpel Tunnel Syndrome on-off for 10 years. The strain was actually caused by my full-time job at the time. Anyway, the route I took for relief after seeking several options with no success, was Acupuncture. I am a true believer in Eastern Medicine, as it helped tremendously when nothing else seemed to. Now that I'm a SAHM to my daughter, the pain is virtually non-existent, but every now and then my left elbow "talks" to me during tricep work. The Carpel Tunnel is completely gone. I'm not certain if you need to restrain completely from weight work (your doctor I suppose would be the best person for council). I was not able to rest that way -- it was my full-time job so the show had to go on. I am sending you a lot of healing vibes for a speedy recovery :).

Secondly, I would like to add that you will continue to inspire me (and many here I'm sure) no matter what your fitness endeavors are. YOU ARE AMAZING :). Keep up the wonderful work :).

Natasha
 
Janie, I really admire you for your voracity in pursuing your fitness goals. You made a remarkable accomplishment!! I had surgery for my tennis elbow at the end of September, and am so thankfully out of pain now and on the mend. Injury setbacks are indeed humbling, soul-searching experiences. As I am aging, I am coping with aches and pains and arthritis the best I am able. I am always AMAZED at Cathe's energy and abilities. We are all different. We really need to listen to our bodies. Do what works for YOU. Healthy and happy; that is what matters most. Hope your rest period helps to heal your elbow pain. Take care. :)
 
Good for you for giving your dream a go! No one can take that away from you:)
I'm sorry about your elbow and I'm glad you are doing well with your decisions.
Take care!
 
This is one of the reasons why I stopped body building and kickboxing competitions. I am just now 30 yrs old and I have more injuries from sports and lifting that most people would have from living well into their 80s. I have tennis elbow in both as well as tendonitis in my biceps, impingements in my shoulders, tight and swollen rotator cuffs which limits my range of motion and adds to the impingement flares. don't get me started on the discs in my back to my toes!!! At this moment I can barely grip anything with my left hand bc of carpal tunnel flares.

Body building and heavy weight training is very, VERY hard on the joints and connective tissues of the body. Most body builders, and i do mean most (including the average joes/janes that use heavy weights on a consistent basis) will suffer from exercise related injuries at one time or another including arthritis. It just tears the body to shreds over time. Faster if you don't know your limits or like me, ignore the limits and try to prove that I can do more when in fact I shouldn't.

Like you've said, you're not a failure. Not even close. Something I will say and it's not popular but men and women have different bodies and abilities. Hormones for one, play a huge role in things like lifting, not to mention our joints (knees and shoulders for example) are built differently compared to men. You lived, learned, and tried. You found it wasn't working for you and that's what matters. Focus on what works and feels best for you and don't worry about what others think or about letting others down.
 
Janie -

I'm sorry to hear your tendonitis is still affecting you. You've been such an inspiration to so many of us. It's not about necessarily achieving a dream, it's about the journey, and that journey is never without twists and turns. I hope when you're feeling better you'll let us know what you're up to!

You have courage for sharing with us, and, frankly, some awesome biceps.

Pam
 
Thank you so much for all the encouragement.

Gratefuldog, I think perhaps things do happen for a reason and truly am humbled. You know, I should be proud losing 48 pounds and gaining strength. That is no easy task. You are right, focus on the task at hand and continue with my new intentions which is health.

I hope your injury will heal quickly.

Natasha, If not using my upper body doesn't work by Jan. I will see about acupuncture. My Dad also had a good experience with that once. For you I'm hoping that your elbow will not "talk" to you any longer, but glad it's better. And that your Carpel Tunnel is completely gone. I am doing therapeutic exercises on my arm to help with Tennis Elbow. It seems to be working, but taking it's sweet time about it. LOL Thank you for the healing vibes, I'll need them. Thank you also for inspiring me.

Carol, OOOOOO! I don't want surgery at all, if I can help it. It does seem though, who ever had to have surgery for Tennis Elbow, they seem to feel more comfort. You are so right about listening to our bodies. I felt a different pain, but because it didn't hurt that much I kept going not realizing I was hurting and injuring myself for a couple of months. I hope also the rest period will help. Thank you for your kind advice.

Jennifer, Aw, thank you for the positives input. I'll take it to heart. You take care too.

Mrsprincess07, So young and having all these problems! My heart goes out to you (((((hugs and prayers your way))))). You are right, especially in a person nearing 62 about taking it's toll on connective tissues on the body. I think that's partly why I decided to let the dream go and have a life without injury or arthritis. I also ignored my limits and that's why I got Tennis Elbow. I was so pumped up to get there quickly I didn't give my body a chance to catch up. I sure do agree on the differences of men and women, but it seems so unfair that most of us women can't be as strong as men. Darn! Thank for the pep talk, I really thought I would let down some people and it was hard to post this. I feel better because of what you posted to me. Lesson clearly learned. I always thought anyone would be able to have a body builders body but not everyone can.

Pam, Oh boy are you right! My journey was twisty and had many turns. My next journey won't be so blind. I know now what I have to do to stay healthy. Thank you for your encouragement. Those biceps are the one exercise I think that got me into trouble. I will continue to work on them with less weight and more concentration on the weaker muscles. This time will listen to my body. I won't give up on those biceps just yet, but will work them a different way, safely. ;)

Take care and have safe workouts.

Janie
 
Hope your issues improve.
I've had tennis elbow twice. what helped most was wearing an OTC wrist splint to immobilize my wrist at night. In my case, it helped in about 2 weeks though I wore it much longer. immobilizing the wrist area gives the connections at the elbow a chance to rest and recover. then it's important not to repeat exactly what caused the problem! maybe slowly go back to weight work with WAY reduced weight, less reps, different exercises. and if it starts to feel uncomfortable, to not push thru the discomfort.
I got the tendonitis from too much heavy shoveling, not weight work. I was in an awkward position and I've been able to shovel ( snow, dirt, whatever) without the problem returning. I've done much weight work since, but am careful about too much, too fast.

we aren't all connected the same way and you are wise to readjust your goals to what your body is willing to accept at this time in your life. best of luck to you.
 
You had a dream and you pursued it with a passion that takes dedication and fortitude. Being a competitive athlete (yes - that's what you were doing, you know) takes a tremendous toll on one's body. There are few people in this world who can take the physical and emotional tolls. Ever wonder why athletes are paid so much? Now you have a true sense of their daily struggles and extreme regimen.

I SALUTE YOU! Sounds like a Cathe Boot Camp sign off. ;)

Congratulations on giving it a go, inspiring us all here, sharing your story, and learning a great deal about yourself. You should be very proud of your accomplishments. Now you can take the time to reflect on the amazing journey you took, heal your tennis elbow, and return to a workout state that suits you.

Great job! You are a role model and a SUPER STAR. :cool:
 
Janie, I am finding myself in a similar place right now. At 52, there are some things about my body that I am finally admitting to myself I have to accept. My body shape is what it is, and my goals now are to stay fit, and healthy and look beyond my limitations to the possible. It's time to focus on being strong, flexible and having endurance to the best of my ability, and to stop focusing on what I feel like our culture and my programmed mind are telling me I should be. I'm not 21 anymore! Time to look forward and stop looking back. And good for you for making that choice and setting an example for others!!
 
Janie,
Thanks so much for taking us on the journey with you! I am sorry that the destination is not the place you had intended to go; however, sometimes taking a detour allows us to see something new and beautiful that we would have otherwise missed! I hope that your injury heals quickly and that you are able to get back on the road and enjoying what comes around the corner next.;)
 
mrsprincess07 said:
Something I will say and it's not popular but men and women have different bodies and abilities. Hormones for one, play a huge role in things like lifting, not to mention our joints (knees and shoulders for example) are built differently compared to men.
Click to expand...

This is true to some extent. No disrespect to Janie here, but heavy lifting is beneficial to women as we age. Heavy lifting/ building muscle, builds bone density. Women lose muscle and bone mass as they approach menopause -through menopause.
There is an older woman on the Video Fitness forum who gained bone density after completing Cathe's STS program.

You can suffer overuse and joint injuries from light weights/high rep workouts. There are several women on the VF who have joint problems from doing Jari Love workouts. I've done Jari Love for years with no joint injuries.
The key is not to lift with your ego...choose the appropriate weight and use proper form. Know that when your form begins to go south, drop the weights. Some people can't drop the weight early, or don't know it's okay not to finish every rep in the video. Many people don't know when their form goes south....this is why some people should train in a gym with a qualified trainer.
 
Last edited:
Janie!
It's always so nice to hear from you and I perk up when I see your posts on the boards (as do many of us here, based on the number of responses you got). I, too, am sorry that you are having some difficulties and wish you a speedy recovery. It seems that rest is sometimes the best thing we can do for our bodies when we've been pushing really hard. I've been really lucky, and aside from a tweaky knee, I'm fine, but my fiance has been trying to rehab a torn hamstring for a year and half now, and it's an up and down battle. After several months of feeling better, he seemed to have relapse a month ago. So, even though I cannot relate personally, I see how frustrating and sad it is for him. He, too, had some pretty aggressive goals that are being sidelined by his injury.

You are not any less inspirational because you are reformulating your goals. You took on a task that most people NEVER have the courage or perseverance to pursue, and you changed your body, improved your health, and I am sure your quality of life is better because you are more fit overall. I hope you know that you've already accomplished more than sooooo many people ever will. There are many of us on this board dedicated to fitness, but we are such a minority.

I'm just sending you a great big old hug right now! You are one of my fitness heroes and I am sure you will continue to set new challenges for yourself. Ones you may not even foresee right now...:p

Take care,
Eva
 
Janie, u already know my thoughts on this. But I wanted to add that you do inspire people. You really have went a long way 48 pounds! And it didnt take you that long either! I also have to say I love hearing from u as well, ur heart is as bigger then any muscle you can build that is what counts. You have a heart of gold, and thats what it takes to be the best u can be... I for one am proud of you.
 
fit44 said:
This is true to some extent. No disrespect to Janie here, but heavy lifting is beneficial to women as we age. Heavy lifting/ building muscle, builds bone density. Women lose muscle and bone mass as they approach menopause -through menopause.
There is an older woman on the Video Fitness forum who gained bone density after completing Cathe's STS program.

You can suffer overuse and joint injuries from light weights/high rep workouts. There are several women on the VF who have joint problems from doing Jari Love workouts. I've done Jari Love for years with no joint injuries.
The key is not to lift with your ego...choose the appropriate weight and use proper form. Know that when your form begins to go south, drop the weights. Some people can't drop the weight early, or don't know it's okay not to finish every rep in the video. Many people don't know when their form goes south....this is why some people should train in a gym with a qualified trainer.
Click to expand...


I so agree with this. Anyone who is active in any pursuit will endure injuries from time to time. Listening to your body and learning the cues are paramount to staying healthy, sort of like knowing when a cold is coming on and its chicken soup time. On the other hand, its good to know where that line in the sand is and be satisfied with your efforts. I believe in putting out a mental image of what you are striving for and then surrounding yourself with those ideals. Without a doubt in my head, passion is foremost in achieving your goal. I can't get there without loving what I'm doing. What I won't do is define myself by numbers (age) even though I realize I can't be 21 or outperform younger athletes, but you would be surprised you are what you *think* you are. Sounds ridiculously simple, but I'm surrounded by women in my peer group that drop my jaw on endurance and strength and not one of us talk about numbers even though my sport defines race categories by age groups. This summer I participated in an endurance mountainbike race that tested me to the very end. I trained for it by lifting heavy for several months prior. I came in second and the woman that won the 100 mile was 57. Some of the toughest women I've raced against were mid 50's and when they were in the line up, I buckled up tight. What I'm trying to get out is, if it feels right and you have a vision, know that some days can stretch into a few weeks, months of bad times and then suddenly you catch that next wave and you are back in the fray feeling stronger then ever.

Janie you are to be commended for what you've gone after and attained. There is no fail here, which is something else I want to say. Anyone that puts in the work and effort has defined and elevated themselves. Its a win-win situation. For me I need the heavy weight lifting to build dense muscle for these challenges. Winter brings on a completely different set of challenges and I'm using Cathe's Gym Styles and Hiit programs now. I change off with kettlebells and kickboxing twice a week. Then I'll be back to my gold standard STS which has never failed to get me into peak shape for summer and I'm looking forward to Xtrain and where it will fit in to the stack.

Rock on women, its a Female Planet!
 
fit44 said:
This is true to some extent. No disrespect to Janie here, but heavy lifting is beneficial to women as we age. Heavy lifting/ building muscle, builds bone density. Women lose muscle and bone mass as they approach menopause -through menopause.
There is an older woman on the Video Fitness forum who gained bone density after completing Cathe's STS program.

You can suffer overuse and joint injuries from light weights/high rep workouts. There are several women on the VF who have joint problems from doing Jari Love workouts. I've done Jari Love for years with no joint injuries.
The key is not to lift with your ego...choose the appropriate weight and use proper form. Know that when your form begins to go south, drop the weights. Some people can't drop the weight early, or don't know it's okay not to finish every rep in the video. Many people don't know when their form goes south....this is why some people should train in a gym with a qualified trainer.
Click to expand...

Lifting weights is beneficial- it doesn't have to be heavy either. In fact any resistance training will work. Walking has been shown to increase bone density as well. Body weight, low reps, high reps, resistance bands, DBs and BBs, etc will all help. Heavy isn't the only way to go and it's a sad and sorry myth to buy into that.

Also many people do have good form. However the human body isn't a machine. It breaks down. It takes longer in some than others. what tweaks one won't another, but eventually they all break down. Trainers are indeed very helpful. However working with a trainer doesn't mean one won't get injured nor does it mean that it will keep your body from breaking down. A great deal many lifters regardless if they are professional or not have had many injuries, blwon out joints, and surgeries. Again, working with a trainer doesn't prevent body breakdown. It helps with form.
 
Last edited:
mrsprincess07 said:
Lifting weights is beneficial- it doesn't have to be heavy either. In fact any resistance training will work. Walking has been shown to increase bone density as well. Body weight, low reps, high reps, resistance bands, DBs and BBs, etc will all help. Heavy isn't the only way to go and it's a sad and sorry myth to buy into that.
Click to expand...

My point was that you can suffer injury doing any form of exercise. I never said heavy lifting is the ONLY way to go, but to say women should not lift heavy because their hormones differ from males is not right. Where women differ from men is they cannot gain muscle as easily because of hormones....there is no reason for women to fear weight training. Heavy lifting will increase muscle mass and bone density, and for many, that is not a myth.


Why I lift Weights
http://everydaypaleo.com/2012/05/30/why-i-lift-weights/

The Benefits of Lifting Heavy
Cathe Friedrich - The Benefits of Lifting Heavy Weights for Women
 
Last edited:
mrsprincess07 said:
However the human body isn't a machine. It breaks down.
Click to expand...

Don't take this wrong, just my opinion. The body can most definitely be compared to a machine, its made up of parts that if one breaks, the *machine* can stop functioning for a period of time until that part is repaired. Machines run off of energy (electricity or hydraulics) and bodies run off of food and oxygen. I think the body is superior to machines since our parts can grow :p mainly by challenging our parts (muscles) and you don't have to lift heavy, that is for sure. We'll all break down eventually, and one of my motto's is "walking is the future" but not now for me. Lifting weights will keep the parts stronger in a myriad of ways, and I know you get that, I think the discussion is mainly on how you lift and what you lift.
 
fit44 said:
My point was that you can suffer injury doing any form of exercise. I never said heavy lifting is the ONLY way to go, but to say women should not lift heavy because their hormones differ from males is not right. Where women differ from men is they cannot gain muscle as easily because of hormones....there is no reason for women to fear weight training. Heavy lifting will increase muscle mass and bone density, and for many, that is not a myth.


Why I lift Weights
Why I Lift Weights | Everyday Paleo

The Benefits of Lifting Heavy
Cathe Friedrich - The Benefits of Lifting Heavy Weights for Women
Click to expand...

I think you need to reread what I wrote.

For one I didn't say anything about NOT lifting heavy bc of hormones. I said hormones play a factor in how our bodies respond. There is a HUGE difference in those two statements. Secondly I said our joints differ from men especially the knee and shoulder joints. Bc of the difference these joints do not track the same way and therefore cannot handle the same loads as a man's joints would. So no, again I did not say a woman shouldn't lift heavy bc of hormones. Dear God!! Please in the future read or reread before jumping the gun and assuming. It was pointless of you posting links when YOU misunderstood what I said. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Janie you should be commended on chasing a dream so openly and sharing your journey. Everyone should follow your new goal of being the best "me" I can be. Blessings.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top