I haven’t been able to do a pull up in over 1.5 years.
1.5 years ago I injured my right shoulder picking up a box. A year ago at this time I couldn’t raise my right hand above shoulder height. I had trouble putting a shirt on or reaching behind my back. I all but stopped working out due to severe pain putting any weight or strain on my shoulder at all.
I went though months of physical therapy, some thought I needed surgery but I resisted. Six months ago I still couldn’t raise my hand all the way up and even hanging from a bar was not an option. I felt pretty defeated like I’d never be able use my shoulder the way I once had again…yet I persisted. I felt like giving up many times… and yet I kept working at it.
A few months ago I was able to hang from a pull up bar and lift my feet off the floor with little to no pain. I wanted to try a pull up, put my shoulder didn’t feel ready and my gut said no and not to rush things.
Today I felt ready, I was nervous and not sure I’d be able to pull it off. I decided to record my first attempt for better or worse. Worst case I failed and used it as motivation to keep trying. Best case I succeeded and it served as motivation. Either way I made up my mind that today was the day.
So, after a year and a half I achieved my goal of 1 successful pull up. After feeling like I’d never be able to do one again it certainly felt great. 😎