Almost everyone that works out seriously over the long term with progressive load is going to accumulate dozens of injuries, regardless of how good your form is. That includes professional athletes, powerlifters, strongmen, bodybuilders, etc. It's basically inevitable.
Well said Malphas. I was a serious (fanatical) weightlifter back in the late 60's and thru the 70's. I self inflicted a lot of pain on my body over those years. Joint issues, back spasms, hemorrhoids, fatigue, and the whole time I told myself and others how healthy I was. I blacked out several times during workouts. One time I came to lying on the floor with a 235lb bar over my knees my last memory being a successful snatch. I was alone and have no idea how the weight could have ended up there without hitting me on the way down. Some time around then I began to ask myself if what I called discipline and perseverance was just plain insanity. I had dreams of greatness fed by sayings like "you can do anything if you want it enough". Marriage, work and family eventually crowded the gym out of my life.
Since then I have tried workiing out many times. The problem is I habitually but unintentionally start replicating the intensity of my competitive past. I end up with another injury, or get sick from over exerting myself.
I have found that Mr. Miyage was right when he told Daniel to go "find balance". To know it is one thing to do is another.
When I was 21 I benched 395 and c&j'd 335 at 181lbs. Not bad in pre-steriod days but nowhere near elite even in the 70's. Performance enhancing drugs were around and we were aware of them but we didn't know how common they were among the elites. I could crank out 25 to 30 good pull ups any day. I just went out in my gym and did 9 but I had to do them palms facing me because of an injury. Ah, to be young again.
