Dummy With Dumbbells = Ouch!

Okay Guys, here's my sad tale of ego and inattention in the gym. Oh, and it's not really about iron and steel dumbbells but yours truly, a meaty dumbbell. Last week I read about a CEO in his 60s who was leg pressing 800lbs. "Shoot!" I said intelligently (well, not exactly shoot, but sounds like shoot), "if that old codger can do 800, I'll work up to a 1,000!)" "You're an idiot!" my tender wife replied. I had just recently worked up to  500lbs on the leg press machine and was being extra careful to advance sanely.  I do progressive sets starting with 15 reps at 180 to 10 reps at 270 and 360 to 8 reps at 450 to 5 or 6 reps a t495/50 finishing with 25 reps at 180. Well . . . I was talking with my former trainer and joking around about getting to 800lbs fast when I forgot what I was doing and let the platform move too low to get it back up. I forgot about the safety catch and jus****ched as the weight slowly pressed me into a sort of fetus position. Scary. You idiot, I thought. What have I busted up? I squirmed out of the machine afraid to discover that I torn ligaments, tendons, crushed bones, who knows what. When I stood up, I felt some discomfort but not what I feared (adrenaline etc.) so walked around and then did my usual cool down high-rep set. Later that day, my quads tightened so that I couldn't bend my knees back very far, my knees ached, my hamstrings and upper calves were sore. I had stretched and inflamed a bunch of stuff. Had a few days of great "discomfort" now down to mild. Everything functions but there's a lesson here. Just wish I knew what it is! Well off to the gym.

Hi Doug,

Sorry to hear about the near injury. Sounds like the lesson is warm up and stretch, beforehand as you must have done, otherwise your injuries would have been much worse.

I would stay away from the CEO's 3-6 inch leg press of 1000 lbs (ever see Pat Roberson's press of 1200?, the lack of range is a joke!) Go for at least a foot of range at your current weight or even minus 100-150. You should go for as close to natural motion (and range thereof) whenever possible, don't let anyone tell you that less weight and better range is "better for the knees!"

I know it's fun to do the whole stack!

Have a Good One,

Dave

Hi Dave, Thanks for the tip. I am pretty careful about warming up and do make sure that get a good range of motion. I believe in lifting less with good form and range rather than big numbers with short push and very low reps. The thing with the leg press has more to do with my delight that I haven't got weaker as I lose weight. I'm probably going to focus on 10-15 reps for 4 to 6 sets at weight that challenges me doesn't feel dangerous. I've good progress that way already. Always good to read your posts--especially today's weigh-in one about not settling for being overweight. Downward!

Hi Doug,

Downward ho!

Sorry I think I contradicted myself there at the end: More range and lighter weight. I think I posted that at 3-4:00 a.m.!

Sounds like you're really doing well,

Dave

No sweat Dave, I knew what you meant--my brain still functions for a few minutes a day. Luckily, I read your post during that window of understanding. Uhoh . . . time's up for today!

YOung Doug,,, I have to say you make me sound like a plain ole ***** if I do leg press I can;t do more than 110#...10 x 3 and then I'm crippled.... but having the machine moosh you....reminds me of a line from a movie... "this is exactly how they make Goose Liver Pate!!!!" Geez there is no way I can keep up with you and dave.... you being from Cali...you get inspired by Arnold Russ

Mentor Russ, Alas, your arms look my legs! I've got quite a ways to go--so far still toning and slooooowly building muscle mass. (Still need to lose 30+lbs so walking a fine line.) As for the legs, I'm descended from folks with "strong peasant legs" as my dad used to joke. And, yep, I felt like pate or an old tube of toothpaste!

Douggie.... sounds like you got legs like those guy off of "300" When I read the title of your post..I cringed...I always think I'm gonna drop a dumb bell on my face, and have to sell a kidney to get all the dental work done Russ