Want to strength train but.......

[Marie1120]

I used to do strength training regularly and want to get back to this but keep having a problem. Certain exercises make my upper shoulders tense up and then I get a really bad headache on the one side. This takes a long time (days) for the muscles to relax again. I am not going that heavy but maybe more than I am ready for. Has anyone else had this happen? Do you think if I just start lighter with any exercise that uses the shoulder/upper back that I could strengthen these and get past this?

Thanks.

 

[SRP]

Starting lighter is a good idea. Also, watch your posture and your form, and make sure you're not hunching your shoulders when you do the exercises. Make sure your shoulders are down and relaxed, and your neck is not tense. Lighter weights will probably help with this, since it'll allow you to concentrate on form first, instead of just lifting the weights. Also, make sure you stretch when you're done. Do some good, long shoulder stretches. Also stretch your neck: roll your head around, pull your head gently to one side and then the other by trying to touch your ear to your shoulder... that sort of thing.

 

[Marie1120]

>Starting lighter is a good idea. Also, watch your posture and
>your form, and make sure you're not hunching your shoulders
>when you do the exercises. Make sure your shoulders are down
>and relaxed, and your neck is not tense. Lighter weights will
>probably help with this, since it'll allow you to concentrate
>on form first, instead of just lifting the weights. Also, make
>sure you stretch when you're done. Do some good, long shoulder
>stretches. Also stretch your neck: roll your head around, pull
>your head gently to one side and then the other by trying to
>touch your ear to your shoulder... that sort of thing.


Thanks for the suggestions and tips. I will print this out and keep it as a reminder. I really hope this works so I can gradually build up some strength without these muscle headaches.