As many of you know, I’m an ardent believer in solo training. I constantly look for ways to mix things up and create new routines. Many of us practice the angles of attack with control, pull back and follow through. Why not expand beyond the standard drills?

I’ve encouraged my students to practice the 12 angles of attack with the double zero. Do it with both the right and left hands!

Check out the video below.

Give it a try!

I’ve got another variation of the 12 angles of attack coming out next week. Stay tuned!

How about you guys? Do you have other variations of the 12 angles? If so, please comment at the end of this post!

Seeing Stars

My client and I worked on a pulling technique during today’s private lesson (Sunday, December 15th). I demonstrated the technique a couple of times. He had a quizzical look on his face. I decided to demonstrate the technique once more. Unfortunately, I did not communicate to him my intention. He and I pulled each other’s arms at the same time.

Oh, man! A sharp searing pain reverberated through my shoulder, and I saw stars for a few seconds. While the pain settled down over 5 minutes, my shoulder was pretty much shot for the rest of the lesson. My client was apologetic about the situation. I waved him off, telling him that (A) I failed to communicate that I would repeat the technique and (B) it was good to go through that experience. Why? It confirmed for me that my right shoulder is seriously messed up and has been for several months.

As I noted in a previous post, I recently had an x-ray that revealed “chronic dislocation at right AC joint.” It also showed an “old nonunited fracture at distal end of right clavicle.” I have an appointment with a shoulder doctor on January 17th. To be honest, I am looking forward to the appointment. I want to find out the problem and fix it, whether it be through physical therapy or surgery.

Fast forward to 1:45 of the video below to see what my client and I were doing this afternoon.

If you are not able to view this video, go here.

Note that the video was shot five months ago, in July. I did not have any issues with my right shoulder at that time other than nightly dull aches. Go figure.

I’m now paying the price for a 37-year-old injury. Actually, it’s two. I had a shoulder separation in 1986 and then a dislocation in 1987. The “chronic dislocation” noted on the recent x-ray likely stems from the 1987 injury.

I’ve had dull aches in the right shoulder for years, typically at the end of the day. I’d pop a Tylenol once in a while. Other than the ER visit and a follow-up appointment, both in 1987, I never saw a shoulder doctor.

Anyway, I think the pull-ups that I did and my push-up challenge may have contributed to the current situation. That said, I stopped the pull-ups in September when my shoulder pain became more evident.

I do not like this situation one bit. I was generating momentum regarding my physical fitness and the private lessons I’ve taught this year. It’s been a fantastic year, and then this comes along.

All I can do is to get answers and go with the flow simultaneously!

Fortunately, my annual two-week holiday break is coming up, which should be a nice break for me.

Before you venture into the wild jungle of the Internet, might I persuade you to fuel my caffeine addiction ☕️. Your kindness could be the very thing that keeps the keyboard clacking and the ideas flowing!

I need your help defraying the increasing expenses of the blog/website. I’ll recognize you for your contribution. 😉

A huge thank you in advance!

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