Intro (uncommon background)

GJones27

Hey everyone. I've been a lurker, but I thought I would share my story.

I'm trying to get in shape by my wedding, as I have toothpick arms that don't look great in a strapless gown. I also want to be healthy for marriage, including the honeymoon, as I'm so out of shape and can't do things like hiking.  However, health problems are keeping me from reaching my goals. I'm not overweight -- I'm almost underweight -- as I have a stomach ulcer. I also herniated a disc in my back, so exercise is dangerous for me. I just went to the gym three weeks ago, and I herniated my disc again after it healed 95%.  :-(

Are there many of you with health problems that are frustrating your goals? 

In the meantime, just a word of caution to everyone.  I herniated the disc in my back due to a personal trainer who pushed me too hard at the gym.  If you haven't exercised in a while, take it slow!  If you push yourself too hard, you may really injure yourself, and then you won't be able to exercise at all like me.

Ginabean2011

That's good advice about not pushing yourself too hard.

I have health problems- Crohn's disease. I've been hospitalized 6 times in the past year so my energy levels aren't great and I can't handle anything too hardcore. I do a lot of walking outside, it's easy and effective but unfortunately not a super high calorie burner. I might be having surgery next month so I know I'll have to be careful at that point too. For me, I only have a few pounds to lose but it's mostly about trying to stay healthy.

GJones27

Hey GinaBean!  I'm terribly sorry to hear that.  If you do have surgury, I hope it goes well!  I used to do a lot of walking, too, but I also find that limiting (I live on the East Coast, and when the weather gets bad, it gets a lot harder, doesn't it?)

ChaosRunning

I have some back problems to and neck problems (broke my neck when I was 4), normally I can work out with no problem, but some days are hard.

GJones27, if you're arms are your main issue, get bottles of water, start small and when you are watching TV hold one in each hand and raise them straight up above your head for a few minutes (do it through commericals).  As that weight gets easier, you can get bigger bottles or fill them with rice or beans (something with more weight, sand works too). its like making your own weights.  This way you can tone up your arms without strain on your back.  You can also hold them out to your sides to work different muscles. 

Just a suggestion.

GJones27

Thanks for the tip.  Yeah, I've been scared to lift weights, but maybe light is okay?  I'll certainly talk with my PT.  With your neck and back problems, how do you warm up?  I guess I'm also afraid of lifting weights, as it's too painful for me to walk now and get my heartbeat up.

Hope you're feeling better!

jonchrissy

I'm so sorry to hear about your injury! One of the BIGGEST things I push for is making sure your trainer is certified. There are a TON of programs out there through the ASCM and other accredited bodies. I wouldn't even accept a degree in kinesiology as proof they know what they're talking about (mostly because I have one and we focused on research and exercise on a very bio-molecular level).

I would ask your PT if they know of any exercises you can do to tone your arms and avoid injury. In the future I would ask any "personal trainer" where they have their certification from and specifically who they've trained before. You don't want a trainer that's only worked with men trying to bulk up for body building competitions because more often than not, they're not going to know what to show you.

miguelhilary2010

My FI has a herniated disk in his lower back.  He did it about 5 years ago, and never had surgery to fix it.  He stretches every. single. day.  He stretches while watching tv and before bed.  He was very slow getting back into working out, but now he lifts weights and runs just fine.  He avoids certain exercises that put a lot of strain on his back like squats (he subbed for leg presses).  You should strengthen your core muscles (abs, back, obliques) to protect and support your spine.  Once your core is stronger, you should be more comfortable lifting weights with your upper body.

If you're going to do some lifting, even the water bottle technique suggested above, make sure you are sitting with your back straight up against the back of a chair.  Do not arch your back to push the weights or hold them up.  Keep your back straight.  If the weight is uncomfortable, try a smaller amount.

ChaosRunning

I can run and lift weights and do just about anything (no bungee jumping).  Most of the time my back  and my neck are ok.  when they start hurting, i back off of working out and focus on streching. since most of my injurys happened when i was so young I'm not too limited now.