Cardiologist Report:

[Pekkerwood]

As some know I had congestive heart failure last April, just got back from the doc and am "near normal". No longer in heart failure. Got clearance to exercise with no restrictions. I haven't worked out in 8 months.

Bodyfat has got to be over 20%. I am going to have to really consider how I want to train now. I always lifted reasonably heavy and it was always so hard to consider lighter weights as the strenght was so hard to gain.

Now that my strength is gone I have nothing to lose. I am getting to the age where fear of injury, joint pain, etc are becoming more overriding factors than "getting big". I called my training partner to warn him I would be starting back in the "nautilus" room. Just kidding, but I do think I will incorporate more machines and less barbells.

I have avoided the gym at all costs during this time so as not to be tempted and not to be reminded of what I was missing. People are gonna look at me like one of those "New Years resoution" members.

I just today really took stock of how my body has changed, arms shrunk disproportionately, stomach loose, chest soft and sagging, traps have escaped, hamstrings gone, quads ok, deltoids are concave instead of convex.

Where to begin? It is exciting to be able to start again at any rate.

Thank all of you for your kind words during my ordeal.

Pekkerwood

 

[Tom]

Great news...

I'm very happy for you regarding the good news from your doc. The road back will present some challenges but mostly in the diet department. You will bounce back pretty quickly in the gym due to muscle memory and I don't think it will take heavy training to get there. Some impressive physiques have been built with light training. Serge Nubret and Vince Taylor come to mind. I wish you the best in your comeback and expect you will make it.

 

[oldfella]

Hey PW, welcome back to the iron jungle brother!! This is great news. I'd say for now worry about getting that BF % down. Strength will come back over time. Now it is about being healthy and living out the rest of your years with quality! Get to the look good feel better stage. You have nothing to prove to anyone. I was the same with all my lifts. Always trying to improve, but comes a time in our lives were longevity in this game becomes the goal. I want to enjoy lifting well into my twilight years so train smart and train hard. Who cares how much you lift?? Been there done that! I know what my achievements over the years are and I am proud of what I accomplished. it becomes a very personal thing at our age. You my friend have stared death in the face and turned him away from your door. Not many people around can take bragging rights to this. Good for you PW, I hope your road to recovery is not as long as you think. Be well and You are going to have one hell of a New year!!!!

 

[Dad]

Pek,

Probably the bst Christmas present yuo could've gotten, I imagine!

I agree with Tom and Old - I think yuo'll be surprised at how quickly things come back. Keep us posted, and best wishes for the coming New Year!

 

[thebrick]

Fantastic news...

...to hear PW. I know you went through some very scary times. What great news!! You'll get back in shape in no time. I agree with what the other guys said about muscle memory. Now time to get in the gym and just have some fun! Going through something like you did really makes you appreciate the little perks in life, doesn't it?

 

[BALDNAZI]

Great news

I wish you all the best on the road back. Although our ordeals are different, I too had to start from scratch on the way back. Your right, machines will be your friend and with some barbell work you will be looking awesome in no time.

I am proof of muscle memory, and you are no different. So as someone said to me when I started lifting again....enjoy this time, your body will grow and change as if it was the beginning all over again. But this time with muscle memory the results will come faster. Everytime you get a pump now you will feel amazing. The next couple months are going to be great for you PW, have fun with it and good luck....

 

[Pekkerwood]

Thanks Guys

BN, Dad, OF, Brick, and all:

Thank you for your kind words and support.

Went for my first workout. What a great feeling to get started back. It was a little difficult to train because so many people approached me but this time the interruptions were actually a good thing. Except for the guy challenging me to "arm wrestle" now. LOL

I already feel me diet is easier after working out. For me it has always been synergistic with working out. They are positive feedback systems for me, when one goes haywire the other follows. Currently working out in a hooded sweatshirt, instead of more "revealing" gear. LOL, feel a little bit like Rocky on the comeback. Goal is to get body fat down to 10%. I have not done it without "supps" in a long time, so diet will be key.

Pekkerwood


Pekkerwood

 

[thebrick]

I already feel me diet is easier after working out. For me it has always been synergistic with working out. They are positive feedback systems for me, when one goes haywire the other follows.

Man, I have to agree with you on that 100%. When I was laid up after double knee surgery a couple of years ago and was out of the gym for 6 months, all I wanted to do was eat chips and drink Cokes. When I got back in the gym, I was motivated to eat right again.

 

[Phidias]

After such a layoff you'll feel like a newbee in the gym... and that's some great news! Considering it's usually when we start we make the best gains, the next few months might very well be the best of all your training years

Be patient, eat smart, and with this new found motivation you'll be back in no time... and better!