Random Thoughts

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Ben Bruno

I had a lot on my mind and a lot I wanted to share, so some Random Thoughts seem in order.

1. Knee Update

I appreciate all the continued support regarding my knee so I thought another update was in order since I haven’t given one for about a month. Truth is, I haven’t given one because it’s basically the same; it’s getting betting, but it’s been painfully slow—literally and figuratively. If you had asked me before the surgery where I’d be at the seven week mark, I’d have expected I’d be much further along, but like my boy Forrest Gump says (I just watched that movie on TV the other night, btw, and it’s still in my Top 5 Best Movies of All Time), s#*t happens.

The good news is that in the past 4-5 days, it seems things have taken a positive and it’s starting to feel a little better and I can notice better function. It’s still a far way from being back to normal, but the right direction in a VERY good thing.

I have some great help, and at this point it’s just about being patient and staying positive.

2. Training Update

My training has obviously taken a huge hit as a result of the surgery. Direct leg training is out other than rehab-type stuff, I haven’t been able to do standing exercises, and I’ve found that even pressing bothers my knee little bit when I press through my feet (a lesion in the importance of leg drive). That rules out just about everything I was doing prior to the surgey, except pull-ups pushups, and floor presses.

So… that’s been my program: pull-ups, pushups, and floor presses.

It’s not my first choice, and I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t bored as heck of doing the same stuff 5 days a week for weeks on end, but I’m a big believer in focusing on what you CAN do as opposed to what you can.

There’s a lot of things in life that you can’t control, but you can control how you deal with it.

Do you want to be the type of person that feels sorry for yourself or the type that makes the best of it? I know my answer.

I completed 3,500 chin-ups (various grips) over the course of January, and I’ve used the experience as a time to experiment with a few things that I wouldn’t have done otherwise. I’ll write more about this later because it’s been pretty interesting.

Here is a little fun video of a challenge put forth by my friend Jen Sinkler to see how slowly you can lower yourself in a chin-up.

3. Da Bench Is That Way —>

I had a new article go up on T-Nation yesterday called Exercises You’ve Never Tried Before: Beach Body Edition. Bet you can’t guess what it’s about?

If you’re like me and get sick of upper body training, some of these exercises may be just what you need to spice things up.

4. Movie Reviews

I used to do a lot more movie reviews on my blog because, well, I used to watch more movies. I haven’t the time, and during football season, when I do have time, that wins out over movies.

I saw two this week though. On–Moneyball–was awesome. Highly recommended.

The other—The Grey—wasn’t.

You win some, you lose some.

5. Pats

I can’t tell you how excited I am for this Sunday’s Super Bowl with the Patriots. You may think this is pathetic (and it probably is) but I find myself getting nervous just like when I used to play sports myself.

I think it’s going to be a tough game, but I’m picking the Pats 24-17. Who you got?

6. Chipotle

I’ve made several references to Chipotle on my blog and I’m always getting asked what I get.

Here it is.

Salad Bowl
Black Beans (3 scoops)
Fajita Vegetables
Double Chicken
Mild salsa (2-3 scoops)
Double Guacamole

Truth be told, the guacamole is my favorite part and I could eat it all day long. One of these days I might just try to buy the whole tub and see if I can take it down by myself. I like my chances.

6. What the What???

In case you missed this monster dunk from Blake Griffin this week, you have to check this out.

Yikes.

For more videos of a training nature, remember to check out this week’s For Your Viewing Pleasure.

7. Fitness Page

Have you joined my new fitness page on Facebook? If not, it’s time to change that. Go HERE.

That’s all I’ve got today. As always, I’m open to suggestions from you, so if there’s anything in particular you’d like me to address in future blogs, let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

Have a great day!

  • Zach Porcher

    How much did that montrosity of Chipotle run ya?

    • Joey

      Yes, please tell. Do they charge you for extra beans?

      • Ben Bruno

        Usually about 9 bucks. I go a lot so they hook it up pretty well.

  • Dominik

    Hello Ben!

    Your pull-up-experiences from january interest me a lot. Please keep em coming soon!

    Best,

    Dominik

    • Ben Bruno

      I’ll definitely write more about that soon. I’m still in the midst of some testing though so I want to wait until that’s done.

  • andy

    what did you have done to your knee?

    • Ben Bruno

      I had surgery at the beginning of December.

  • Wynner_CF2020

    Have you considered trying body-weight, strength calisthenics as outlined in “Convict Conditioning?” (Except the pistols, of course.) What about ring dips (easier on the shoulders), handstand push-ups (Be careful when you dismount though. It’s totally doable onto one leg if your balance is adequate), muscle ups, reverse hypers, front/back levers, open-chain glute training?

    • Ben Bruno

      I’m doing a lot of the exercises you mentioned, but not all of them. I would like to get into some more gymnastics type movements at some point for sure. Thanks for the thoughts!

  • Jeff

    Some of us OKC Thunder fans are trying to forget that dunk:)

    Blake is native Oklahoma so I guess maybe I need to Remember that point.

    • Ben Bruno

      Haha I think KP (former Celtic so I like him) is going to get grief for that one for a while!

  • http://beheavy.wordpress.com/ Dana

    I’m glad to hear the progress with your knee is good. And I so envy you being able to still do pull-ups. (I’m still only walking in a pool). Chin-ups are one of my favorite exercises, and the physical therapist tells me it’s iffy whether I’ll be able to do them once I’ve recovered from my back injury, because my mantra has to be keep a neutral spine forevermore. Any tips on chin-ups or pull-ups with a neutral spine?

    • Ben Bruno

      If you do them correctly neutral spine is part of it. You want to avoid arching excessivley or also flexing your spine, which can happen if you kick your feet up. If you do them with your legs straight though, you should be ok. Good luck with your back!