Question about step...

[carrie123]

Ok, my lower back is feeling better. I have been able to do tae-bo and it seems to have started to help me strengthen my lower back muscles. I''ve been counting the days when I can go back to doing Cathe's workouts, I really miss them.

I went to join up at curves the other day, thinking I needed a little more, and the instructor/co-owner said she does not advise anyone with a history of back problems to do the step at all, not at home or in the gym because you use everything in the lower back when you step up on anything.

And it occurred to me that as a matter of fact whenever I do step or climb a staircase, or even walk up steep hills, my back starts seizing up on me, blinding pain dropped me to my knees a couple of times.

I am afraid that doing step aerobics will be forever out of my reach.

Does anyone else have this problem? I hope that there is someone who can tell me this isn't true and I might be stepping again soon

Carrie

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar072/slider-but5/lb/209/145/180.0/.png[/image][/link]

http://www.picturetrail.com/uid6743693"

 

[Jamn]

Carrie,
I had back surgery due to a herniated disc, and I do step all the time and I have for years. I think it depends on the type of back problem you have. I had a really good doctor and physical therapist for my problem. They had me first strengthen my abs (daily) and leg muscles. I think you should go to the doctor and get recommendations based on your specific problem.

 

[chefkate]

This isn't a problem I have but best of luck to you!

 

[carrie123]

Wow, that is great news! I will definately take this up with my doctor, thank you very much

Carrie

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http://www.picturetrail.com/uid6743693"

 

[dss62467]

Yeah, I would always go with the advise of your doctor or a physical therapist over that of someone who teaches fitness. The doctors and PT will know the nature of your injuries and not generalize.

 

[kathryn]

I'm surprised that someone at Curves actually knew something about fitness! (The 'instructors' there are notorious for having only a few hours of training before they start work).

Even if step aggravates your back, you may be able to continue to do step workouts. A lower step height (just the 4-inch platform) might work for you. If that is still a problem, then you could buy a Mat Step (http://www.shapeupshop.com/cardio/mat_step.htm I've seen it in some fitness catalogs as well) and do all the choreo on the floor. Of course, you could do all the choreo on the floor without the Mat Step, but I think it looks more fun to actually have a target to aim for!

 

[carrie123]

Kathryn >^. .^<

Thank you so much for the web site and advice. It almost seems criminal that franchises like Curves and the instructors who are promoted so widely have very limited knowledge about fitness. I really feel silly, because usually I'm really into research. I should have done more research before I took their advice.

"Live and Learn"

Again, thank you, I never really thought about using a mat. That really is a great idea.


Carrie

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar072/slider-but5/lb/209/145/179.0/.png[/image][/link]

http://www.picturetrail.com/uid6743693"

 

[LauraMax]

>I'm surprised that someone at Curves actually knew something
>about fitness! (The 'instructors' there are notorious for
>having only a few hours of training before they start work).
>
Ummm yeah, I'd take any advice from a Curves employee w/a grain of salt. Jeez, I have enough issues w/PTs at real gyms!