Ouch, My Back!--Help!

[crazystepr]

Hey everyone,
Lately I've been having a lot of lower back pain--almost unbearable-after I do BM2, IMAX2, Cardio Fusion, or Drill Max. I noticed it mostly after I started doing Cathe's new videos about a month and a half ago--and last night I did IMAX2 and today my lower back is screaming. I've been doing Cathe's videos for about 3 years now and this has never happened before.

I was wondering if anybody else has ever experienced this and if not, what do you think I'm doing wrong? It's actually getting to the point where I can't do any ab work on the floor because my back hurts so badly. Sitting, standing, walking, etc. are all so painful.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[delfin]

Yes, I've struggled with lower back pain, too. What helped me was putting down puzzle mats to better absorb impact, lowering my step height, and mixing up the cardio alot. I used to do all step, and now I add the treadmill (incline walks and jogs), kickbox, and have also been using the Nordic Rider. Also helpful is doing back stretching exercises after every workout... and making sure I use proper form on all weight work. Strengthening the back muscles has helped as well. Lower back pain can be horrible, I know, so good luck. And, if you don't see any improvement, a trip to the doctor may be in order.

 

[singinggoddess]

I have had back problems for about 4 months now from too much impact. I was running alot and doing the Imaxes and the high impact step workouts. I started crosstraining with the elliptical and now do not do high impact workouts in a row. My back is finally getting better, but it has taken a lot of time and effort to get back to feeling good. My advice is to mix it up and don't do too much of one thing. Maybe add some yoga and some stretching in there as well. I hope you feel beter soon

susan

 

[crazystepr]

All great advice--thank you, ladies for your kind words and great suggestions/tips. Will be sure to try them all out!

 

[paxy]

You need to stretch those tight muscles!! I cannot believe how much better my back is when I incorporate yoga and pilates in my DAILY workouts. Also, if you have a stability ball, do backbends over the top and supermans on your stomach. Do these every day and I know you will see a difference. My husband the "he-no-stretch" man has finally seen the light. It is quite a sight to see and hear him on the stability ball every night. It makes getting up in the morning so much more pleasant. Good luck to you; bad backs are the pits.

Cheryl

 

[crazystepr]

Cheryl,
You are SO right. I am the worst at stretching. I am always in a rush to get through a workout and have always viewed the stretching as "optional" even though it is probably the most important part. I am going to go get a stability ball this weekend and work on doing the moves you suggested. Hopefully I'll see some improvements because like you said, bad backs are the pits!!