First cycle - should I abort?

[aur462]

So I'm about to start week 3 of my first cycle. The first week of my cycle I pulled a rotator cuff muscle (it would appear). I decided it was time for a break so took 2 weeks off. I still have aggravation in my rotator cuff - I can still work out, just not 100%. I spoke to a personal trainer who suggested I take 2 weeks off from upper body and use "band" training or bodyweight training - not what I wanted to hear. I have NO experience w/injuries in the weight room. Would it be best to heed the advice of the personal trainer or use lighter weights w/slower cadence. I think I'm going to take some more time off.

If I decide to 86 the upper body weights for ~2 weeks; any opinions on how I should go about resuming my cycle? I'm considering reducing my dosage from 500mg/week to ~250 over a 2 week period then when I feel I'm fully healed, go back in the weight room. It's worth noting I'm on TRT anyway.

I'm hoping that only being in the gym for 1 out of 4 weeks won't have much consequence on my muscle mass.

Again, I have NO experience w/injuries after 10-1/2 years of lifting weights so any opinions appreciated. Is this worth seeing a doctor about?

Maybe this would be a good time to cut some bodyfat.

 

[iron_matt-CB]

is it just shoulder exercises that bother you? can you do back, tris, bi's, chest?

 

[OmniScience]

I would drop the cycle, do a PCT, and get plenty of rest and eat . You will get much more out of your first cycle if you do this, trust me. You could also further your injury. Heal up bro best wishes to you.

 

[aur462]

I would drop the cycle, do a PCT, and get plenty of rest and eat . You will get much more out of your first cycle if you do this, trust me. You could also further your injury. Heal up bro best wishes to you.

This is very solid advice. I appreciate the feedback.


iron_matt, I can do any lift I think, it's just that I'm not 100%. Turning weeks into months is my biggest concern.

This is heartbreaking

 

[cuts82]

is it just shoulder exercises that bother you? can you do back, tris, bi's, chest?

You would be amazed how much the shoulders are actually used in almost all other movements,
Honestly man the best thing you can do is not do anything to aggravate the shoulder for atleast two whole weeks(ie-dont train at all)
then gradually start workin out very carefully and take your time to build up strength again

 

[iron_matt-CB]

I think the advice given is good.. I injured both shoulders in the past 3 months to the point I couldn't even put my arm above my head! Took a week off from shoulders both times and was able to come back and train lightly while gradually increasing weight as the weeks went by.. I would not do shoulders for a week or 2 and see how it feels and remember to gradually go back into training shoulder just don't use the same weight as u did when you were injured

 

[aur462]

Thanks guys!

The problem w/this type of injury, as cuts82 says, is that your rotator cuff is involved w/just about everything related to upper body movements (which almost makes me ill ;>)

I've decided that taking 2 weeks off and then see where I'm at would be good. I'm at 20% bf, which I understand is very high for a cycle. Is there a diet/supplementation y'all would recommend for cutting some bf over the next 2-4+ weeks? Any other thoughts welcome.

 

[evilknievil250r]

I had this same problem a while back which left me wit somethin called an unstable shoulder..Shoulder injuries do suck but it will get better and stronger if u give it enough rest..For me it was 2-3 week s but play it by ear..when u feel ur ready, begin doin rotator cuff exersises with resistence bands and build them up slowly.. Or if u feel ready to work out, do this b4 your workout..Slow controlled reps r key with the bands.Just google rotator cuff exercises and youll find em..
After my injury i began doin these, and my shoulders feel 100%...I still do em just about every day b4 i workout....Keeps them tight and warms up your shoulders 4 the weights..Just give it a little time and dont rush it bro....

 

[aur462]

Thanks evilknievil250r!

I have been doing some warmup before my upper body exercises based partly on Lee Hayward - a fitness guru or something. I can do all upper body stuff including rotator, it's just I feel like I'm aggravating it. Now, if you'll pardon me I'm going to go destroy something w/ a hammer.