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USAPL Powerlines Interview with:
Kevin D. Stewart
by Priscilla Ribic
There are a few fears we all have in powerlifting such as: Am I going to get at least two white lights? Is my squat deep enough? But not so often spoken of is the fear of MAJOR INJURY that will take us away of our love, competing. The following interview of USAPL lifter, Kevin Stewart will give you some insight of his injury, surgery, the road of recovery and phenomenal return to the platform, less that a year later.
Meet Kevin D. Stewart:
Please give us a little background information Kevin:
Date of birth: December 23,1962
Occupation: Telecommunication Network Administrator
Years lifting: 8 Years
Weight Class: Masters 242 /Open 242
Best lifts: 775 squat,567 Bench,750 Deadlift
Please tell us briefly the nature and date of your surgery.
The surgery was for a chronic dislocation over the years. The actual surgery consisted of removing bone spurs, bursitis, shaving my collar bone down to shorten it, repair of the meniscus and drilled hole in the top of the scapula. It was done in Oct of 2001.
Most people fear seeing doctors for lifting related injuries, knowing in advance they will be told they will not be able to compete again. Was this was also the case for you and what went through your head at the time?
This was the case for me. The Surgeon told me that I needed to give up heavy lifting and I needed to find a new sport. I knew he was wrong and that I'll quit when I'm ready to, under my own conditions. This is was what went through my head.
About how long after the surgery were you able to do normal daily functions?
About Three weeks.
And most important, how long until you were back in the gym?
About five weeks just to do the bar.
Tell us about your road to recovery.
Not being able to go to the gym was the killer for me in the beginning. The road to recovery is a constant one still today. With age and maturity comes wisdom, with the surgery and the time away, I've gotten plenty of both.
When you were finally back in the gym, what sort of numbers did you begin with?
I actually had to train at different times from my training partners because they were so protective about the recovery. Squatting was what really helped my bench get back to normal. 135lbs came about two weeks into the gym.
Give us a sample of your weekly or monthly gains while recovering.
The gains came quickly 225lbs within 4 weeks of returning to the gym, 315lbs soon after. It took me a while to get to 405lbs because of the fear factor.
Did you add any new exercises to your regular workout to either help recovery or help prevent further injuries?
Training a little smarter. Less trips to 500+ on the Bench workouts throughout my training.
When you finally got back to lifting what you would consider a reasonable amount of weight, at what point did you put on gear? Do you find yourself relying on it more now? And do you find using the gear is any different for you?
I put gear on after I went to 450lbs for the first time after the surgery. I don't rely on my gear until my max lifts. I feel training in gear is a disadvantage. If you train without the gear, you are working on raw strength. When you finally use your gear, it adds that much more to what you can do.
At what point did you feel that you were ready to compete again?
I feel I will be ready for the Masters Nationals 2003.I didn't feel I was mentally ready for the Bench meet (Aug 2002) I did or the Thunder Mountain Open (Oct 2002). I needed a starting point, so I did them.
What was going through your head on your first attempt?
Just to get my opener 515lbs and then to get back to my personal best of 550lbs.
What have been your biggest obstacles to overcome?
All MENTAL after the surgery, seeing the people who counted me out and the few who believed in me. I HAVE SOMETHING TO PROVE to myself.
Did you add any different supplements to your diet to help increase recovery, reduce swelling or pain?
No supplements during the recovery and over the counter pain stuff.
What words or encouragement and/or sound advice would you like to give to any fellow powerlifters who are going through a similar surgery/recovery?
Take it slow! You can come back no matter what anyone tells you. How bad do you want it, ask yourself that? Your health is your life, not lifting. If your injury takes you away from being a competitor in the sport, pass your knowledge on to the younger lifters who want to learn our sport. Keep it alive and growing.
Anything else you would like to add?
I want to Thank Kara Bohigan for the encouragement throughout the entire ordeal. My training partners Sami, Les, Brad, Joey, Tony, Allen and Scott. You guys are invaluable! Lucy, Heather, Ronda my kids and my brother Eric. Thank you from the bottom of my Heart! Thanks J! My Coaches Johnny Graham, Tee "Skinnyman" Meyers.
Special Thanks to Larry Maile and Titan for your support and taking a chance on me.
Thanks Kevin for taking the time for the interview. I am sure this will serve as a source of encouragement to fellow lifters who may be going through the same ordeal. Good Luck to you at both Master and Senior Nationals this year.
Priscilla Ribic
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