Leaner Legs/Deadlifts ? for Cathe

[2workout2]

Hi Cathe,
I am posting a question for my spouse. When doing LL and MIS tapes, he has problems doing deadlifts, this exercise hurts his back. He has tried doing the exercise with lighter weights but his back still hurts. I checked your form pointers section of the site, but there were no other exercises listed that worked that section of the body.

Is there another exercise he can do instead of the deadlifts to work the same muscles?

I also wanted to use this post to thank you. Late last year I posted a question concerning calf and shin pain. You answered my post giving my exercises to do twice a week, and you also advised me to let up on my cardio (too much too soon). I followed your advice and I am still doing the exercises. It has helped so much, I am using your tapes in addition to running on my new treadmill for two miles three times a week. I have not had any problems with my shins or calfs. I am slowly increasing my miles.

Thanks Again

Terri

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Terri! I'm so glad to hear that your calf/shin pain is no longer a problem for you. I'm even more excited to hear that you are STILL doing your "theraputic" exercises. As you can see for yourself, this truly pays off.

Deadlifts can be uncomfortable on the lower back for some people. Deadlifts help to strengthen the lower back and the hamstrings. So if after following all of the form pointers, your husband is still uncomfortable with deadlifts, then he should focus on working these muscle groups with other exercises. Doing this may also improve the strength in these areas enough so that deadlifts may not be as uncomfortable for him over time.

A good lower back exercise is a Modified Superman. This exercise also works the buttocks area.

Lie face down on the floor. Extend both arms up over your head and straighten your legs. Raise your right arm and left leg off of the ground simultaneously and then lower back down to the starting position. Do the same thing on the other side(left arm with the right leg). Do three sets of 15 alternating reps. NOTE: While your back will arch VERY slightly when your arm and leg are lifted, be sure not throw your back into hyperextion.

Form Pointers:

Feel your buttocks and lower back muscles contract during the lifting phase.

Keep your neck in line with your spine throughout the exercise.

Keep your movement slow and controlled to avoid hyperextending your lower back.




Hamstring Exercise:

Seated Leg Curl

This is actually an exercise machine available at most gyms. If your husband does not belong to a gym then his hamstrings will get quite a workout in LL, especially during the low end lunges, static lunges, and one legged sqats.

Lots of luck to him (and you too of course;-))!

 

[2workout2]

Just a little thank you!!

Thanks, for the quick response. We are both home exerciser and we use all of your strength tapes, we run, bike, and use your cardio tapes for a balanced exercise program. He will only use your tapes, he thinks they are the best around. We are so excited about the new strength tapes coming in July 2001, I will be one of the first to order on your presale Can't wait!!

Thanks,

Terri