My Story

syodoff · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2005 1:15 am Post subject: My Story

I think i always was intrested in bodybuilding even when i was just i little kid. My mother has pictures of me where i have a drawn on six pack in pen against my small twiggy pre teen body. When i went off to college i knew that i could really monitor what i ate and would have plenty of free time to develop a sound nutrional and excerise program. I became obsessed with working out and it consumed my life. However i was not to smart about going about my workouts. Using poor form and bringing to much ego into the gym, the wear and tear on my body was taking it's toll. My lower back started hurting due to the excessive amounts of leg lifts and broom stick twists i was doing. I ignored the pain and would allow nothing to keep me out of the gym. Well one day i went to the gym and i was doing squats with a client of mine when i leaned to far forward and snapped my L5 disc in my back. When the disc snapped it partially slit a nerve that was running down the back of my leg. The pain was so intense that i was unable to sit up or stand for mor than 30 seconds at a time. The reason being when you sit or stand your spine clenches and when my spine cleanched it was hitting disc and nerve. Lucklly my apartment wasn't to far from the gym and i managed to drive home some how. I knew i was in trouble as literally 30 seconds before the pain was so intense that i would have to lay down. I called the doctor and i asked him what to do( i couldn't leave my apartment to go see him!) A buddy of mine cleared out his SUV and i managed to get to the doctor office. He explained that over time i had pushed my disc out of alignment and when i leaned to far forward on the squat and my spine clencehed it snapped the disc. However we weren't sure of this and we thought it may be a disc herniation. I layed paralysed in my bed for 3 weeks before we decided surgery was a must. We tried to avoid surgery at all costs because being 19 and having back surgery isn't exactly a way to start a life. After surgery i was unable to lift weight for 3 more months and i was forced to watch my body atrophy away. I was grateful i was able to lift again as it was a 50% chance i may not even walk again. My leg is always numb as nerve damage cannot be repaired, but thankfully i was able to walk and get back in the gym. I became so depressed as i had gone from 190 pounds at 8% BF to 168 pounds during my lay off. Once giving clearance it was back at square one. I could never do squats again and lower abb excerscise had to go. I started with a clean bulk to work my way back up. As the months passed i slowly got back to my level. At 3 months after the injury i had put on 15 pounds bringing me to 183. I kept bulking and finnally hit 195 8 months back into it. Today which would just be about a year from the injury i'm back at 190 at 8%BF. I'm thankful to be back. I hope that what people will be able to take from this is Litsten to your body! Missing a day or even week while an injury heals is better than seriously hurting yourself. Lifting weight is a safe and healthy thing as long as you go about it the right way. Always use proper form and weight doesn't really mean anything. Bodybuilding is a indidvdual thing you can't compare yourself to everyone else. I love every second in the gym as i know what it's like to not have the option of being able to. Go in there give it your all and build the body you dream of just be as safe as possible!
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Training is the best release that i have ever had. In order to train hard one must have self discipline and self respect. So while many people my age turn up a beer i turn up a protein shake.

Brad · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 8:49 am Post subject:

Although it sounds cliché, don't ever give up on your dreams. Syodoff's story is very inspirational and I hope everyone can take something from it.

BabyArnold · Posted: Sat Mar 11, 2006 3:32 pm Post subject:

You can still do it! Get well man.
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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Deltme · Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 3:08 pm Post subject:

I just caught this thread now. At least your story had a good ending and thanks for sharing. I'm going to go practice my form now.

Newfiechick · Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 7:10 pm Post subject:

Thanks for sharing your story! Good to know that you didn't give up even though the goin' must have been tough! Glad to hear that you're doin' well!
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Discipline is the bridge between goals & accomplishments.

longhaul · Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 8:32 pm Post subject:

Coming back from nothing is a sure sign of dedication that not many people have. Great story and thanks for sharing.

On another subject.....HEY BABYARNOLD,....WELCOME BACK BRO!!!! Long time no see! Great to see ya back Very Happy

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It don't feel good till it hurts!!

BIG EDDY · Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:04 pm Post subject:

Getfit · Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 1:27 pm Post subject:

good story! well you know what I mean... I thought babyarnold was back too... haven't seen him for a while.
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Just one man's opinion!!

You know you wannnnnnnnn it.

longhaul · Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:14 pm Post subject:

Evolution · Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 11:57 am Post subject:

Truly inspiring. Thanks.