Question: i am a bodybuilder and i do several heavey exercises. one is a padded row, where i place my lower chest against a pad and i use that as counter resistance as i pull the weights to me. i had increase my weights and ever since that day, i have had pain at the xiphoid process. at first it was crazy bad, hurting with deep breaths and radiated up to the sternum, midway. now its better but i can still push at the xipoid process and feels tender, if i stretch my chest open or do my chest work out certain angles will aggrivate that area too. is this a normal thing to happen with weight lifting or should i be concerned? this has happened to me before but it was many years ago. it has been going on an easy 3 months now, better but not gone, and i still continue to do my chest work outs 2 times a week, minus that one exercises. how much longer do you think it will take to get better? i know not working out would help but should i be concerned that its been this long? over all very healthy, do cardio daily and great shape. no other health probs or pain, 42 yr old feamle. i really appreciate you time.