Torn Pec

TheEngineer · #1 04-12-2007, 08:45 AM

I tore my left pec benching a couple of weeks ago.

I completely ruptured my right one four years ago benching 430 (with good form...paused on the bottom, elbows in tight, hips on the bench) and required surgery to reattach it to my arm. It was successful; I finally returned to a >400 bench, only to have this happen.

The "good" news is that I felt it coming this time (learned from last time), so I could ditch the bar without tearing it 100% (but it's still well over 50% ruptured). As the tendon is still attached, I won't require surgery this time. I broke a rib, but the trade-off was good.

This isn't much of a post, really. Just my bad beat. Thanks for reading.

Macdaddy Warsaw · #2 04-12-2007, 07:36 PM

Jeeeeesus. That's pretty badass. "Broke a rib, but whatever"

SixT4 · #3 04-12-2007, 09:23 PM

I didn't realise going to the gym could be so painful...

theblackkeys · #4 04-12-2007, 09:35 PM

Jesus Christ. That's all.

TheEngineer · #5 04-13-2007, 07:44 PM

Thanks all. I appreciate the support.

cbloom · #6 04-13-2007, 11:05 PM

This is a thinly disguised brag post.

TheEngineer · #7 04-13-2007, 11:16 PM

[ QUOTE ]
This is a thinly disguised brag post.

[/ QUOTE ]

Today, I can bench 65 pounds. I'll be stronger someday but will never attempt a 1 rep max again for fear of a third tear. I can't currently carry a heavy box and am in physical therapy. I checked my luggage on my last business trip because I couldn't lift my carry-on overhead.

A rather [censored] brag, I think.

theblackkeys · #8 04-14-2007, 05:16 AM

Now, is there something you could have done in your training that would have lessened the risk of a ligament/tendon injury? It seems like your muscles were a bit ahead of your ligaments.

TheEngineer · #9 04-14-2007, 09:36 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Now, is there something you could have done in your training that would have lessened the risk of a ligament/tendon injury? It seems like your muscles were a bit ahead of your ligaments.

[/ QUOTE ]

The only thing I knew to do was to always train with strict form (which I was). I encourage everyone here to train every rep you perform in the gym with perfect form.

As for me it wasn't a case of suddenly getting strong too fast, like a guy juicing up on some insane plan for a year straight. Rather, my strength levels were the result of a lifetime of all-natural, heavy training. I guess it just caught up with me over time. Oh well....that comes with the territory.

Packard · #10 04-14-2007, 09:46 AM

Check out "Dave Tate Bench Press 600 pounds" in a search for good form. Pec tears are usually bad style of benching with the elbows sticking straight out.