Working out w/o weights...

[TeriusGrey]

Seems like every thread I post is stupid, but I need a little help here. After working out hard during my first cycle (test/winny) and seeing some good gains, I've begun to lose some arm muscle. The reason is because I haven't been able to put pressure on my right wrist for a while without experiencing a fairly sharp pain from my along my radius (I believe, the outer bone on arm when hands in typing position). I compromised with a ghetto workout in which I did curls by wrapping towels around my upper forearms and putting weight in 3 layers of grocery bags. As expected, even with the towels around my wrist, I've got some pretty nasty blisters.

Now, once you've stopped laughing at my pathetic situation, please answer this simple question. If I simply use resistance from my left arm while contracting my right bicep (or vice versa) in a curl-like fashion, can I get a respectable workout? How about tri's? I know it can't compare to doing so with actual weights, but I need to do something to keep what I've gained over those 7 weeks. Thanks.

 

[DrJMW]

You are referring to doing isometric exercises. Isometrics has been proven to improve strength only. To get a complete benefit, you must contract the muscle fully.

 

[TeriusGrey]

So it will improve strength, but it won't help get my bi's a little bigger?

 

[BigGuns2]

I would suggest taking a week or two off to allow your arm to fully heal. The forearm will never heal until you allow it to rest. After your break, you should be able to go back to exercising without any pain. Do you do all of your curls with a straight bar? Many people develop problems such as yours due to using the straight bar too much. You may be better of doing some of your curls with the ez curl bar. good Luck

 

[TeriusGrey]

Yeah, it was with a straight bar. At first I kept working out through the pain up to the point to where it was unbearable, so it's been taking a while to heal (though it is definitely getting better), I have a feeling that it may still be another 2 or 3 weeks before it's 100%. I don't feel any pain so long as the weight isn't actually in my hand, so I'm going to do this isometric thing until that time comes. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[SofaGeorge]

I would suggest taking a week or two off to allow your arm to fully heal. The forearm will never heal until you allow it to rest.

I broke my hand about 6 years ago putting my fist through a TV set at a trade show. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. All of my long term aches and pains got 6 weeks to heal.

Give your wrist a couple weeks rest... then find movements taht don't strain it. Rest heals.