[aren]

I'm in a real difficult situation. A couple years ago, I had a tumor in my right arm. I had surgery and got the treatment and everything is fine now. However, I am really out of shape. I went to the gym for a month this past summer, but I gave up since I couldn't do much.

Before I had cancer, I played basketball 24/7. I was in perfect shape, and if I started to workout back then, I'd be perfectly fine now. However, that's not the case. Right now I'm 17 and all I do is lift weights with my left arm. With my right arm, the max I can lift is 5 lbs, max maybe being 7 lbs.

I really want to get back into shape. I can do anything and everything as long as I don't put pressure on my right arm. I can't have anything happen to it. However, I still have many other places I can work on, but this is where I need help. What should I do? I currently weight lift with my left arm and that's about it. My chest had also completely been ruined through this past few years. What can I do to get back my 6 pack back?

I've also lost 20-30 lbs these past few months. I'm 5'11/6'0 and I weighed around 180 lbs a few months ago. Now I'm around 150 lbs. I've been going through a very difficult time that isn't necessarily related to my cancer, but let's just say that I've been thinking a lot and I barely get any sleep anymore.

So, what I need is a good workout routine that doesn't invole my arm right. I can use it, but if I do, I can't surpass lifting or putting more than 5 lbs on it. Any help would be much appreciated.

I also realize there is sub-form about sports injuries, but I really want this to be in the main traning forum so people can see the topic.

[vdawg]

damn bro sorry to hear that, as for only being able to lift about 5 lbs with your right arm, its definetly going to be a huge problem. your arms are involved in pretty much everything you do ( besides some ab and leg training) but im stumped

[jornT]

Sorry to hear that bro, propz to you for still having the spirit for wanting to workout. Need a bit more info bro, what exactly did they do to your right arm, any muscles damaged that will never heal? Can your right arm with proper excersize become fully functional again?

[U-GOD]

id like to be the first to say congratulations. beating cancer is very impressive!

the only suggestion i have reguarding your training is balance your arms out. that means if you can only lift 5 pounds on your right then only lift 5 pounds on your left. eventually they will even out in strength and size. when i first started working out my left arm was weak, but after a few months of lifting it was identical to my right. to me it doesnt make sense to train only one arm, because the gap between the two will only get bigger and more noticable.

good luck with your training bro. keep us posted. feel free to ask whatever questions you have to take advantage of this site.

[LitterTrove]

Congratulations!

Can you provide more information about your right arm?

What can I do to get back my 6 pack back?

Don't worry about abs right now. That comes from being lean, and it's difficult to lose the fat and build muscle at the same time. In answer to your question, nutrition and overall physical activity is what will restore your abs.

[aren]

Thanks for all the comments.

Originally Posted by jornT

Sorry to hear that bro, propz to you for still having the spirit for wanting to workout. Need a bit more info bro, what exactly did they do to your right arm, any muscles damaged that will never heal? Can your right arm with proper excersize become fully functional again?

Basically, they replaced the bone from my shoulder to a little above my elbow. A lot of muscle was removed that I don't think will ever come back, but I do have some muscle in that area. The range of motion in my arm right is really good, but it isn't fully functional. Maybe in a few more years, I might be able to do more with it, but as of now, I can't do much.

Originally Posted by U-GOD

id like to be the first to say congratulations. beating cancer is very impressive!

the only suggestion i have reguarding your training is balance your arms out. that means if you can only lift 5 pounds on your right then only lift 5 pounds on your left. eventually they will even out in strength and size. when i first started working out my left arm was weak, but after a few months of lifting it was identical to my right. to me it doesnt make sense to train only one arm, because the gap between the two will only get bigger and more noticable.

good luck with your training bro. keep us posted. feel free to ask whatever questions you have to take advantage of this site.

Are you sure? My right arm I can't lift much with in a day. I can do maybe 2 reps of 5 lbs with my arm right, whereas with my left, I do many reps in any given day.

Originally Posted by LitterTrove

Congratulations!

Can you provide more information about your right arm?

Don't worry about abs right now. That comes from being lean, and it's difficult to lose the fat and build muscle at the same time. In answer to your question, nutrition and overall physical activity is what will restore your abs.

I explained above. If you guys need anymore information, let me know.

Well since I can get a proper biceps with my right arm, I'm hoping I can get improve my chest.

[BigBen]

Originally Posted by aren

I'm in a real difficult situation. A couple years ago, I had a tumor in my right arm. I had surgery and got the treatment and everything is fine now. However, I am really out of shape. I went to the gym for a month this past summer, but I gave up since I couldn't do much.

Before I had cancer, I played basketball 24/7. I was in perfect shape, and if I started to workout back then, I'd be perfectly fine now. However, that's not the case. Right now I'm 17 and all I do is lift weights with my left arm. With my right arm, the max I can lift is 5 lbs, max maybe being 7 lbs.

I really want to get back into shape. I can do anything and everything as long as I don't put pressure on my right arm. I can't have anything happen to it. However, I still have many other places I can work on, but this is where I need help. What should I do? I currently weight lift with my left arm and that's about it. My chest had also completely been ruined through this past few years. What can I do to get back my 6 pack back?

I've also lost 20-30 lbs these past few months. I'm 5'11/6'0 and I weighed around 180 lbs a few months ago. Now I'm around 150 lbs. I've been going through a very difficult time that isn't necessarily related to my cancer, but let's just say that I've been thinking a lot and I barely get any sleep anymore.

So, what I need is a good workout routine that doesn't invole my arm right. I can use it, but if I do, I can't surpass lifting or putting more than 5 lbs on it. Any help would be much appreciated.

I also realize there is sub-form about sports injuries, but I really want this to be in the main traning forum so people can see the topic.

This is a very difficult situation in terms of training, but first off and most importantly Godbless u for beating cancer bro thats better than any weightroom accomplshment.

Ok u said u cant lift much weight with your arm bc of the surgery, can u lift with your shoulders like front raises. If so i would seriously suggest doing tae Bo(dont laugh) with 2 or 5 lb weights in your hands bro. I honestly swear by it you will gain very lean muscle mass and be in very good cardio vascular shape. This is my best idea as far as weiht training bro. And dont think are u serious bc i did tae bo for a year straight and got great results!

If u put 2 or 5 lb weights in your hands and 2 lb ankle weights you will stimulate the muscle fibers more,than just aerobics alone, dont forget that aerobics will build muscle up to a point bro. So u can be in shape again with a very cut vascular look.


Bro on another note about your happiness. Most people are happy when they achieve goals, correct? being in shape shouldnt be anything u lose sleep over man u have accomplished keeping your life bro thats increadable. If u can do that u can set your mind to other things and accomplish them.Set a respectable goal that u can accomplish and then another one after that. I really suggest the tae bo for gaining some size back bc it is great cardio and it does build muscle, but u will have a leaner look, nothing wrong with that. If thats all u can do bc of your arm then ok your doing your best and thats the best anyone can do is their best bro. Dont be upset about it, God has other plans for u, im sure youll be great bro.


Godbless and dont stress over it youll be much happier

[aren]

Originally Posted by BigBen

This is a very difficult situation in terms of training, but first off and most importantly Godbless u for beating cancer bro thats better than any weightroom accomplshment.

Ok u said u cant lift much weight with your arm bc of the surgery, can u lift with your shoulders like front raises. If so i would seriously suggest doing tae Bo(dont laugh) with 2 or 5 lb weights in your hands bro. I honestly swear by it you will gain very lean muscle mass and be in very good cardio vascular shape. This is my best idea as far as weiht training bro. And dont think are u serious bc i did tae bo for a year straight and got great results!

If u put 2 or 5 lb weights in your hands and 2 lb ankle weights you will stimulate the muscle fibers more,than just aerobics alone, dont forget that aerobics will build muscle up to a point bro. So u can be in shape again with a very cut vascular look.


Bro on another note about your happiness. Most people are happy when they achieve goals, correct? being in shape shouldnt be anything u lose sleep over man u have accomplished keeping your life bro thats increadable. If u can do that u can set your mind to other things and accomplish them.Set a respectable goal that u can accomplish and then another one after that. I really suggest the tae bo for gaining some size back bc it is great cardio and it does build muscle, but u will have a leaner look, nothing wrong with that. If thats all u can do bc of your arm then ok your doing your best and thats the best anyone can do is their best bro. Dont be upset about it, God has other plans for u, im sure youll be great bro.


Godbless and dont stress over it youll be much happier

You mean like raise my shoulders up and down. If so, I can.

I know you're trying to be nice and you mean well, but I want to make my own plans. I want to get into good shape for myself and for the ladies. Girls aren't attracted to flat stomachs and no muscles.

[LitterTrove]

Originally Posted by aren

I explained above. If you guys need anymore information, let me know.

Then why do you say you can't build your right arm up again? Forgive my frankness, but your posts seem to imply that there's more than atrophy stopping your right arm.

Don't worry about not being able to even things out. Your right arm will develop more quickly than your left until it evens out. Strength training yields diminished returns, so, if there's nothing stopping you, start working your right arm as intensely as it can handle.

Sidenote: I think BigBen's suggestions are legit, not to be dismissed.

You mean like raise my shoulders up and down. If so, I can.

How badly did your shoulder atrophy?

[patdiddy]

congrats on beating cancer bro..... im sure that must have been hell. cancer is my worst nightmare and ive had a couple scares with it. glad to see your doing ok.
hope everything works out for you in the end. godbless you.

[aren]

Originally Posted by LitterTrove

Then why do you say you can't build your right arm up again? Forgive my frankness, but your posts seem to imply that there's more than atrophy stopping your right arm.

Don't worry about not being able to even things out. Your right arm will develop more quickly than your left until it evens out. Strength training yields diminished returns, so, if there's nothing stopping you, start working your right arm as intensely as it can handle.

Sidenote: I think BigBen's suggestions are legit, not to be dismissed.

How badly did your shoulder atrophy?

I can't build my right arm again. I think I may be able to work with what's left, but I'm pretty certain I can't add muscle to it.

[Rocky]

As everyone has said - congratulations on beating cancer. Big Ben makes fine suggestions. This has already been touched upon with regard to imbalance, but you need to be careful when training one side as the more out of proportion you get, the greater the risk of muscle related injury, if one side is dominantly stronger than the other you could end up with all sorts of difficulties regarding spine and posture, and possibly other problems. Your body by nature won't grow too far out of proportion anyway so you will find you'll only be able to grow the "good" side so far.

My suggestion would be like has already been stated - work to your weakest link and build up your right as far as possible to balance out. Have you actually been told by the doctors that your chances for muscle growth are so limited or are you just assuming as such, you may be able to do more than you think after some time. Use DB movements and start with your weakest side, as many as you can do with the right side, copy with your left even if you can do more. Barbell movements may have there benefit in that psychologically you may find you can do more but there is a risk of your dominant side taking the majority of the stress and increasing the imbalance further.

I understand your frustration given your limitations but work within the boudaries you are set and constantly try to break through them.

Sincerely good luck man and I hope you get back some of your lost gains!