maximum intensity work out video

[janet]

I have been breaking this video into 2 halves, doing each half on alternating days. I also do about 30 minutes every other day of hi/low (mostly low) step aerobics. Lately my lower back has been bothering me. Should I give myself more time in between strength work outs? I am working out on a concrete floor in my unfinished basement and suspect that may be to blame more than the frequency of my work outs. By the way the maximum intensity work out video is my absolute favorite excercise video. Keep it up!

 

[Lex411]

You're talking about Maximum Intensity Strenght, right? I love that one too. Right now it's part of my new rotation, doing it twice per week. Tough workout for sure.

As for your lower back pain, I immediately think of the legwork, especially the deadlifts. That's an exercise where it's very easy to do it wrong and hurt your back, and if you don't have a very strong back and just lose form for a second it can put strain on it. Maybe try dropping that exercise for a session or two just to see if that is the culprit, and if the back pain still persists, you'll know it's something else. It could very well be the concrete floor, but with stepping you can take out the propulsion and still get a tough cardio workout. Would you be able to make the step higher without it being too steep and bothering your knees? Or would doing your step workout on the height you have it now, without jumping, give you a good enough cardio workout?

 

[janet]

Funny you mentioned those deadlifts - I think you may be right. I am going to leave them out like you suggested and see if that helps. I am also going to try to lower the intensity of the aerobics but elevate my step - thanks!!!

 

[Lex411]

Awesome, glad I could help. Just make sure, when raising your step, that it never puts your leg at more than a 90 degree angle when beginning or ending a step up or down. If your leg bend further than that, you can end up with some knee pain and damage.

Otherwise it might realy help you to get a tougher cardio workout without jumping.

Happy New Year!

 

[kristina]

Lower Back Pain

Hi Janet. You have double trouble with a concrete floor and doing weights with a stiff back.
First of all, the concrete floor is definitely a factor because it shoots all the shock of impact right back up your legs and spine, having ZERO give or absorption. Make sure you have maximum shock absorption in your shoes, get inserts, and use shock-absorption socks. You might even consider buying a rubber mat for the floor down there if this is long term for you.
Second, consider a weight-lifter belt. I know it seems like those are only for those Arnold Schwartenegar types, but I use one for my leg day at the gym and Body Pump Class...it REALLY helps! Les is right, dead lifts and upright rows are especially hard on the lower back and my Body Pump class does MANY of them. That's when I bought my belt.