However, I dont know that it has to be that grim, you know there could be worse things to be addicted to and the gym certainly has some very positive side effects.

I think that for some people gyms become a stabilising influence in their lives and can fulfill a very positive function.

But I do get that many people come to the gym because they are looking for something, to change in a physical way and this brings with it an array of posturing and flexing, with stolen glances in the mirror to catch the rippling muscles and all manner of displays. .

Cheers

GR

sounds like you have a full plate. hopefully your arthritis doesn’t hold you back, i’ve had some cartilage removed from my knee so i’m supposed to deal with it in the future too. keep at it, both for you and to prove to me that training can still be done despite inevitable aches and pains so i stop worrying about what i’ll do when maybe i can’t lift anymore.

you’re not alone, by the way. there’s another lifter i know of who lifts at my school, his name’s David, i think a few years older than you, who got his shoulder scoped about six months ago. he’s been slowly easing himself back into things and the last time we met he was still improving, and i think after three or four months of relative inactivity he was finally able to press some light dumbbells overhead – baby steps. he wants to compete in Master Nationals next year, and i’ll bet money that he gets into good enough shape in time to qualify.

we’re a rare breed, we’ve got to stick together.

yes, definitely feel free to comment, i am sometimes not receptive to good advice (i have been told countless times to ease up or back off on the weights but i think you know how hard it can be to give yourself a break) but i do love talking about training.