Last Wednesday I picked up the dumbbells… a moment later, I looked down I saw a cut on my left knee with some bleeding. It was strange but I was both glad and worried at the same time. Let me explain…

You see what happened is that as I prepared for my shoulder exercise the dumbbell rack area was pretty packed. The problem happens when people start placing benches real close to the dumbbell rack!

You’ve probably seen this, when someone trains as close to the mirror as possible… as if it’s got some kind of magic to do a few extra repetitions and lift some heavier weight! OK, the mirror can give you a mental edge when you notice your muscles moving and shaping in action… but there’s NO Reason to stick so close to the mirror.

Anyway…

I picked up the dumbbell, turned to walk to the bench… “SMACK”… I hit the bench closest to the mirror. I took another 2 steps and sat on the bench where I was training. Finished that set then looked at my knee.

Ouch! A small cut started bleeding and I started wondering how bad it’ll feel next day. You know, with all the excitement and testosterone rush at the gym chances are you’d bypass an injury as minor.

On the contrary, I was glad that I was near the end of my workout and already done with my leg exercises.

Listen, I’m not saying this to encourage you to workout during an injury, far from it. Some years back I actually did that and ended up worse. You’ve got to assess the damage.

But hay, we won’t get into that right now. Instead let’s flip this and let me ask you: have you had situations where minor things stopped your workout? I’m talking about things like forgetting your workout gloves, forgetting your gym bag or simply “feeling all drained out and wanting to leave as you step into the gym”.

On the “forgetting stuff” part, it used to happen to me at least once a month. I’d simply arrive at the gym with nothing more than my work clothes! (I hit the gym straight after office).

You know what… I ended up putting spare sport shorts and tops in my car! My mom used to joke and call my car a 2^nd room. Well, it comes in handy when I forget my workout clothes. Now I’m thinking of putting spare sports shoes too.

Everybody’s unique. And I guess every once in a while you’ll face a different kind of set back you got to deal with. Well, let us know… hit “Comment” at top of this post and tell us what set backs you’ve faced and how you handle it (who knows, your take on things may be an inspiration to others).

M. Jamal

Related posts

• 3 Things That ‘tick’ You Off During Your Workout!
• Why Ab Exercises Should Be Combined With Back Exercises…
• Does A Celebrity-like Figure Inspire You?