First Training Session After Soft Tissue Work

I was able to achieve full elbow extension in my left elbow for the first time since I broke it 18 years ago. I was very interested to see how this would affect my training session, especially the effect it would have on the right knee.

Here's what happened:

• My torso straightened on the RDLs along with my elbow
• This created more loading of the left hip and less strain on the right knee
• Left hip actually felt almost "crampy" around the joint itself
• On the back squat, pelvis felt square
• Left shoulder tends toward more extension when bar is on the back than right; this was not the case
• More recruitment of left glute, left external/internal oblique while squatting
• More "crampy" in the left hip
• More recruitment of right VMO, right adductor complex, right gracilis
• On the press, right pec recruitment, more left triceps recruitment due to full elbow extension
• Overall, my body wasn't quite sure what was going on. Everything felt strong, but awkward. (Could be I lifted an hour after I got up...)

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. The right knee only barked a couple of times and then shut up. That crampy feeling in the left hip continued when I was finished. I drove to Winstom-Salem to Coach Ethan Reeve's annual strength and conditioning clinic and the hip was still crampy. I spent most of the day sitting. So Sunday, hip was still crampy. I was concerned because this is how the hip felt when I had to get the MRI. So, I stayed off the platform yesterday.

It's amazing how just a couple of extra degrees in the left elbow could make such a big difference in the whole system. The hip feels better today so it's going to be a spur of the moment decision whether I snatch and C&J today to make up for yesterday or just hit my regular strength day.

I'm excited to see how this is going to make difference in strength and power levels. The more I get rid of my compensations, the more efficient I become (duh!). I've trained so long in a compensated body that this seems like a whole new world of training for me. I am actually starting to feel young again (early twenties kind of young). Not only that, all these compensations on top of a grueling work schedule explain why I was only ever able to work upto 90% of Cmax without getting injured. 16 hour work days, 4-5 hours of sleep, and heavy training do not a happy body make. Every day is an adventure with Z--I never know how I'm going to feel or how I'm going to perform. The general trend is extremely positive. Three more months of training should be very interesting...