It's been some time since my last blog. First off, I want to say that my workout has been maintained due to the motivation I have pushing me to continue. However, I have gained ten pounds! How frustrating is that?
After many weeks of fretting, I had an epiphany from God last night. Could my bone density be increasing due to my weight lifting? Yes, indeed. There have been studies for the last 50 years that it is true; bone density is increased by weight lifting. The Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/strength-training/HQ01710 provides details on how lifting weights three times a week is a major benefit to overall health and increased bone density. LiveStrong has some great guidance as well. http://www.livestrong.com/article/452698-exercises-to-increase-bone-density/
One thing I should comment, a couple months ago I changed my routine again. I decreased my weight and increase the reps to a minimum of 15 and a max of 25. I have discovered that I have lost some body mass (size), but the muscles must be getting leaner and denser.
On the subject of supplements, I have dropped ForceFactor as it was not providing the results I was expecting. I started to take a daily Vitamin C routine to avoid getting sick, but I discovered that it can cause an increase of iron absorption into the red blood cells which leads to muscle aches. So I cut back on Vitamin C.
I did go have an X-ray performed on my hip to check the status of my 23 year old Acetabular fracture (hip socket break). I'm glad to say that while there is still evidence of the break, it is not getting worse. However, the other hip joint which did not break in the accident, there are signs of Inflammatory Arthritis of the Hip. I have to say that the pain is not severe enough to warrant surgery or shots, so I have a long time before any invasive medical work. Overall, the doctor said I was doing the correct things to make my hip last a lifetime.
The doctor did say something that I was suprised to hear. Every time a hip ball is dislocated from the socket, there is a 10% chance of bone death. I have to say Thank God! I know for sure that my hip was dislocated well over ten times in the months that followed the accident. Today, the bones look healthy and my exercise is actually helping. I was very concerned that performing leg exercises like squats, leg press, and clean press would harm me. But the doctor was very clear that as long as there are no sudden jerks or pounding as in running, jogging, or jumping, I was fine. He did say that converting my walking routine to an Elliptical or NordicTrac machine would be better for me due to the smooth action of the machine. Walking still has some pounding each time the foot hit the ground.
Anyone have advise on a good machine and how it works?
