Strength training/bodybuilding

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Another thing to remember: Breathe through the movement. Inhale on the negative, exhale on the positive. I tweaked my neck (of all thing) by holding my breath doing DB bench press. I didn't even realize I was doing it until it was too late.

 

Not entirely sure, but certainly something to do with trying to weights the way I used to, after a bit of a break. I should have eased back into things a bit more.

I've done something to my left trapezius / lat area which hurts like anything if I twist or move in the wrong direction, but is fine if I don't move that way.

 

I can't believe I just saw this thread. I've been working out for about 6 years now. I have to agree with what a lot of other people have said. The especially important points are:

More weight less reps. You're much better off doing a weight 10 times, and being exhausted and needing a quick break before your next set, than doing a lower weight 20 times, even if in both cases you are working your muscles to exhaustion.

Proper form is essential. Not only can you hurt yourself (hope you're doing better HB), but if you "cheat" you really aren't getting the benefits. I see some people who have a huge arch in their back when they're bench pressing - and they are just asking for an injury. Now obviously, you need some arch in your back i.e., you should be able to slide a hand under your lower back - but some of these people have parts of their back elevated several inches over the bench.

Also I will say this from personal experience. The most exciting time in lifting weights happens after doing for about 6 months. In the beginning you can't lift much weight, but the gains you start seeing after about 6 months are huge. In fact, that's the biggest gains you'll see at any point in working out. I probably gained more strength in the first year of working out than I have in the five years since then. My weight has consistently gone up, but percentage wise the increases are now much smaller than they used to be. (Although on a personal note I do have to say that just yesterday I completed my first ever set of 245 pound bench press - not bad considering I'm only 5'8" and weigh about 180lbs.)

Not only does your strength increase the greatest at that time, but you'll also see the biggest difference around that time of how you look physically. You'll actually be able to see bigger biceps, pecs, quads, and (if you are lucky) abs. I work abs, but I need to lose about 10 more pounds before anyone would actually be able to see them.

 

Actually, against my better judgement, I went to the physiotherapist and he worked some miracles. My opinion of the physiotherapy industry has changed from one visit. I am now injury-free again.