I wanted to share the important lessons I’ve learned from being injured over the past month.
Hopefully, these insights can help you too. 👍
When we’re hurt and unable to train, it’s easy to focus on the physical side of things—but the mental battle can be even tougher. When it’s just you in the fight, going head-to-head with yourself, it can be counterproductive.
Here are five things I’ve learned that have helped me—and might help you, too.
1. If You Built It Once, You Can Build It Back—Faster and Better
This lesson applies to more than just your physique. Whether it’s your body or your business, if something gets torn down, don’t stress.
You can rebuild it—and it’ll be faster, easier, and often better the second time around.
When it comes to muscles, we have satellite cells and muscle memory. Once you start training again, your muscles will respond quickly.
You’ll regain lost gains and probably even make new ones, especially since your body had a chance to rest and recover.
2. Don’t Lament Limitations—Focus on What You Can Do
Shift your focus.
Change your goals.
Rebuild what’s within your reach.
For me, that means training…
- upper body
- rebuilding my shoulders
- getting that V-taper back
- working on core strength & flexibility
These are areas I didn’t prioritize before but are now at the top of my list for the next few months.
3. Injuries Reveal Weak Points
Injuries often occur at the weakest link. They expose holes in your training—the areas you’ve been neglecting.
My Achilles injury highlighted the lack of lateral training and lower body mobility in my routine.
So now, I’m making those my focus.
The same goes for past injuries: when I could identify the cause, I could adjust and bulletproof my body to prevent future issues.
4. Growth Happens in Discomfort
Recovery is a rollercoaster.
Good days, bad days—and a whole lot of discomfort. But in that discomfort, there’s growth.
If I hadn’t been injured, I probably would’ve kept doing things the same way, just comfortable enough not to change…
…but discomfort forces you to evolve, reflect, and sometimes completely shift direction.
As painful as it is, it leads to breakthroughs.
5. Enrich Other Areas of Your Life
This is your chance to pursue the things you’ve put on the back burner.
Want to learn a new language? Pick up an instrument? Dive into painting? Now’s the time.
I’ve picked up the fiddle again, I’m working on my Spanish, thinking about writing another book, and even started writing poetry again. These creative pursuits remind me that I’m more than just a meathead bodybuilder.
We all need other outlets—because when you can’t lift, you still need ways to feel fulfilled.
Moving Forward…
On my YouTube channel, I’ll be sharing tips for PT (physical therapy), showing you how to correct asymmetries (my legs are currently very mismatched—one’s stallion status, the other’s looking like a toothpick), and diving into bodyweight exercises and core strength.
I want to take things in a more holistic direction. Sure, we can build the shell and look amazing—but if the engine’s not running or the wheels are missing, we’re not going anywhere.
Let’s focus on building strong, functional bodies that will carry us through life.
My Final Thoughts…
If you’re dealing with an injury, remember: mindset is everything.
Create a kingdom in your mind that you can retreat to. You’re the one person you have to live with for life. Make that inner world a safe, loving space.
And if you’ve made it this far, thank you, and I’m proud of you! Keep pushing.
Until next time—train smart, train hard.
And if you can’t train, find a way to train around it.
A well-rounded life gives you plenty of outlets, depth, and resources.
