Back pain, work and the gym

[arbaholic]

1 hour ago, benedmonds said:

I started putting on weight when I stopped climbing.. I could never been bothered with the gym as I am to lazy.. I have found running and cycling helps keep the waist line down..

 

It is difficult to stay motivated, cycling is good if you go out with a group and I am trying to do a couple of events a year, preferably something that will scare me... A half Ironman a few years back (I was terrified about drowning), marathon (goal to be sub 4 hrs), etape in the summer (stage in the tour de France 160 miles 2 huge climbs, being chased by a broom wagon if your too slow..). I have an off road marathon and a night marathon this spring..  I am still surprised by how my physique has changed and on the rare occasions I go to site I am very careful not to try and lift big bits of wood.. 

 

 

If you have know a few people who cycle locally download strava and get them to do the same. If your competitive you wont be able to get out on the bike enough.

[Stephen Blair]

I'm sitting with my tens machine on just now.
My problem is muscle spasms now, I can't get to excercise , my wife had to tie my laces this morning!

[benedmonds]

Just now, arbaholic said:

If you have know a few people who cycle locally download strava and get them to do the same. If your competitive you wont be able to get out on the bike enough.

If it's not on strava it didn't happen! 

 

I am not overly competitive and ride with guys who are way stronger then me and have friends who are much better runners and swimmers.  But I still love strava, I see what my mates are doing, leave comments and that can inspire me but I only really compete against myself..

[Big J]

Well first session in the new gym with proper weights. I joined a local leisure club type gym back in October not expecting to be able to do much but I've progressed just past most of their machines, and they're getting a gym refurb at the end of the month and the new machines are far worse. 

 

So at the council gym (which is fairly smart, actually) with the full compliment of free weights, so tried a lot of things I've not been able to do previously. Barbell benching went OK, but weaker than I'd like, the deadlift was OK (only up to 100kg to maintain form) and enjoyed hang cleans, but jarred my left ankle a little. 

 

Going to try squatting next time (very, very light). The weak point is certainly my core and lower back. I can deadlift fairly heavily if I round my back, but I won't do that now. Build up the core, then build everything else. 

 

Even after pummeling my lower back, I feel really good.

[HertsWood]

My back problem was made worse by the fact I had rheumatoid arthritis in my right knee, with the joint collapsing.

However, I had a partial knee replacement last December & now my back is the best it’s been. With monthly “tune-ups” at the Physio.

TENS has to be carefully used in my case as I also have a pacemaker (at 48)

[HertsWood]

Technically with my knee and pacemaker - I’m the bionic man.
Just can’t go near induction hobs, microwaves, arc welders, airport security metal detectors or use petrol hedge cutters

[Big J]

Any uni lateral injury almost always causes problems elsewhere. Your bad knee knackering your back is unfortunately so common. I've had intermittent issues with my right foot, ankle and calf due to me having to favour that leg. 

 

I take it you just have to explain the bionic situation to the airport security staff? It must be reasonably common these days

[stihlmadasever]

3 hours ago, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi said:

What a good thead!

Anyone know what exercises should be done to relieve pressure on the knee joints? One of mine is goosed.

Cheers

Probably caused by weak quads or glutes.This may help you

https://www.livestrong.com/article/374362-knee-exercises-to-relieve-pressure/

[Woodworks]

Another thing that I find helps is avoiding standing on hard flat surfaces for long periods. If I am processing on a rough yard on uneven hardcore the back holds up better than on a nice flat concrete yard.

[Big J]

17 minutes ago, Woodworks said:

Another thing that I find helps is avoiding standing on hard flat surfaces for long periods. If I am processing on a rough yard on uneven hardcore the back holds up better than on a nice flat concrete yard.

Likewise. For years I really struggled with shopping centres and supermarkets. The relentlessly flat floor very quickly caused me lasting pain. My physio said it's because your back position never changes when walking on very flat surfaces and for people with preexisting back conditions that can be awful.