The Quest to Heal.....

Continues! So, I am on to a whole new program now. I have done so much research on finding healing methods for muscle tears-I am just about researched out. Something has got to work!

Here is my new regimen:

First:
I have completely altered my work out style for the time being. I am doing a circuit which includes absolutely no chest or back specific exercises. It is killing me to have to give that stuff a miss-but it’s simply making my ailments worse and worse. I’m doing lots of reps with super light weights and including some treadmill and stability ball stuff. I’m still working out the quirks as this is a totally new thing for me-and I’m trying to find the right combo to really get my heart going and get some pump in my arms without affecting that pec/shoulder ligament. I am trying to avoid anything similar to push ups, and avoid any lifting above my head, as well as any push pull type movements (ie rows) I am doing this circuit 2 times a week-and the middle day is legs.

Second:
I am doing even more cardio-which means on top of my circuit training and alternate morning walk/jogs with the dog- I’m doing cardio EVERY afternoon and I’m going to throw some TABATA into the mix as well; Need to burn those calories some how-and since I just cannot lift the heavy weights right now…it’s got to be cardio. Of course-those rigorous ginger culling sessions on the property help too!

Third:
I need to reduce my calories a bit…again-I’m just not burning as much or as efficiently without the heavy weights. And I eat allot normally-I’m a bloody pig! And it’s starting to catch up without the regular-heavier strength training.

Fourth:
Ice/heat treatment every day…I do this twice in the morning on my shoulder/pec area; then again in the evening on the sacro-iliac area. I’m also, treating each spot with ARNICA cream each evening.

Fifth:
Epsom salt baths twice a week….this is to help reduce inflammation-I just started doing these- may increase to 3 times a week as they feel really goooood!

Sixth:
I am adding a few items to my diet that are known to help with muscle tissue health; Wheat germ contains octacosanol, which increases muscle oxygenation and helps prevent strains. Wheat germ is also a good source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin for healing.
Eat chromium-rich foods such as nutritional yeast to help the body use glucose more efficiently during exercise, preventing unnecessary strains and sprains.
I have also increased my fish oil from 4 to 6 capsules per day.

So far it seems to be helping…but I need to give it another full month to be sure!
The important thing is I know it will heal...and I will be lifting heavy again...soon!