Injured but don't want to quit.

Hi folks. I started SS novice program back this past November. Now I’m pushing 60 and have not ever been in a gym before. Before I started the program I Rehabed for a couple years due to a very bad accident that left me with a torn cuff, two fused wrists, fractured L 4 and 5 and C2…5 broken ribs a fractured hip and a total knee replacement. I was sedentary to say the least…Skinny Fat!.
So I start the program from a very weak prospective and a plethora of Rang of motions restrictions,…mostly in the inablity to low bar squat and any serious Press due to the wrist pins and shoulder joint problems,and from being 30 years late to get to a gym…Lol.
I started with just the bare bar for all exercises. By early March I had worked up to a 175 lb High bar squat, a 290 Dead lift but still stuck at a 100 lb bench and50lb press. I see the program works! But I messed up by trying to force myself into Low bar squats and thus tore another rotator cuff. Have had the MRI and so far two injections and looks like surgery will be required.

So here is the gist of my post;…I’m a Vet and go thru the V.A. for all medical needs,.no other insurance to help me out. If any are familiar with the V.A., then you know it takes forever and a day to get anything done thru them. I may possibly be able to have the surgery by Sept. or Oct… I know I’m injured but what can I do to keep what I have gained and to not lose it all this far into the ballgame? I know the Press and Bench are out,… I can still dead lift but the weight has fallen way off now…185 is about max with out serious pain. So far I can’t get my arms into position for any type of squat…this really sux.

Would really love to hear some recommends.

Hi there,

I’m sorry to hear about your troubles.

Do you have access to a safety squat bar?

The gym I go to has a funny sorta “U” shaped bar…? Is that it? If so then how is it used…same way as a regular Bar?

Oh and thanx for the reply Baraki!

That sounds like a Buffalo bar and I’m not sure that would be any better tbh.