From 140Lbs to 225Lbs: a Journey of Physical Therapy, Body Dysmorphia, and Herniated Discs

Introduction

Inspirational weight loss and weight gain journeys come in all shapes and sizes. Reddit user Hdgallagher shared his ups and downs with his weight journey that started in 2015. It was a physical therapy and weight gain journey, but it was not without bumps in the road. Hdgallagher openly discussed his physical and emotional struggles, including body dysmorphia and health issues such as Ulcerative Colitis and herniated discs. Despite these limitations, he was able to gain 85 pounds and become physically stronger than ever before.

Overcoming Physical Limitations

One of the biggest physical limitations that Hdgallagher had to overcome was a herniated L4/L5 discs, which caused him difficulty with lifts like squats and deadlifts. With the help of his therapist, he was able to develop a workout routine that focused on developing core muscles that could support his back. This routine included exercises like pressups, planks with TRX bands, dead bugs, and more. Hdgallagher also incorporated these core exercises into his push/pull routine.

Trial and Error

Hdgallagher's weight journey was far from steady progress. He experienced ups and downs, including periods of inactivity due to his health issues. He had to experiment with different types of routines to find what worked best for him, and he was willing to make changes when necessary. For example, he had to eliminate Olympic lifts with barbells from his workout routine when his doctor advised against them.

Body Dysmorphia

Hdgallagher was also open about his struggle with body dysmorphia--a preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in one's appearance. His self-perception did not match what others saw, and he sometimes felt a pressure to put on more weight or muscle than was healthy. This can have lasting psychological effects and can be difficult to confront, but Hdgallagher's openness about his experiences can be empowering for others who have similar struggles.

Conclusion

If there is one message to take away from Hdgallagher's weight journey, it is that everyone's journey is unique. Physical and emotional limitations can arise, but with persistence and willingness to try new things, it is possible to find a routine that works for you. It may not be smooth sailing, but the journey is worth it in the end.