Concerns about weight lifting.

TamsinEllis

Don't worry this isn't another "I don't want huge man muscles" post xD

So I want to lift weights (debating getting a gym membership later on in the summer) but I'm concerned I wouldn't be able to lift heavy weights. I've had serious surgery on my fingers (yes I'm only 19) and have very severe arthritis in them. I have limited circulation in my fingers (hands are fine) which results in my fingers being permanently swollen and when I start exercising they swell up even more within 5 minutes to the point where I can't "make a fist" with my hand, most I can do is make a sort of "C" shaped hook (I use the rower and set the tension as high as I can manage to build muscles in my arms). The problem is with no feeling in my fingers I have to look at them to make sure I'm actually holding onto something and I can't really get a good grip on anything.

I've got a doctors appointment coming up so I can talk about it to him then if no-one can answer this in any way, put does anyone think it would be possible for me to lift heavy weights? Or would it be impossible because of my fingers?

Note: When I say they swell up even more when I exercise I mean all I need to do is walk for 10minutes to increase my heart rate and they will swell to the point where I can't make any shape other then the "C" hook. I should also mention I have charcott-marie tooth disease, hence the lack of feeling.

Thanks

KPainter70

I wonder if machines would help? A lot of them don't require the same type of grip that free weights do. I'm sorry you're suffering from this at such a young age, but I admire your desire to improve yourself. That's such a huge part of getting in shape!

ninerbuff

Don't worry this isn't another "I don't want huge man muscles" post xD

So I want to lift weights (debating getting a gym membership later on in the summer) but I'm concerned I wouldn't be able to lift heavy weights. I've had serious surgery on my fingers (yes I'm only 19) and have very severe arthritis in them. I have limited circulation in my fingers (hands are fine) which results in my fingers being permanently swollen and when I start exercising they swell up even more within 5 minutes to the point where I can't "make a fist" with my hand, most I can do is make a sort of "C" shaped hook (I use the rower and set the tension as high as I can manage to build muscles in my arms). The problem is with no feeling in my fingers I have to look at them to make sure I'm actually holding onto something and I can't really get a good grip on anything.

I've got a doctors appointment coming up so I can talk about it to him then if no-one can answer this in any way, put does anyone think it would be possible for me to lift heavy weights? Or would it be impossible because of my fingers?

Note: When I say they swell up even more when I exercise I mean all I need to do is walk for 10minutes to increase my heart rate and they will swell to the point where I can't make any shape other then the "C" hook. I should also mention I have charcott-marie tooth disease, hence the lack of feeling.

Thanks

Learn to use "lifting straps". There are many clients I've trained over the years who have had grip issues and this works for them. I myself use them for heavy lifts on deadlifts, lateral raises, pullups and even curls.



A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

lizard053

I think you should be able to lift relatively heavy weights. I agree with the machines, they will keep you from getting hurt if you lose your grip. That or get a really good spotter! Good for you for making the choice to get healthy!

TamsinEllis

Thank you for the advice, I'll talk to my local gyms about machines and see about those strap things Finding a spotter I think will be slightly harder haha xD