Speaking of exercise - now taking suggestions.

Phrick

It's been a long time coming - but after going over my latest MRI report (and comparing it to the previous one) with my chiropractor and friend a few days ago, and talking for quite a long time with her about it, I have decided that I have to give up running. The required recovery time from even a 2 mile run, the pain, the constipation that comes after all the narcotics it takes to function... it's a knife in my soul but it's also the smart, self-preserving move to just stop. Now taking suggestions for something else to love, to fill the huge, gaping void.

(limitations: bulging disc at L5/S1 and lumbar arthritis and lack of gym-related confidence)

Yi5hedr3

Yep - excessive running/cardio is not good. We're starting to learn this, just like the upside down food pyramid that got us into so much trouble. Lift weights moderately - not too heavy, twice a week only.

Monsterdog1114

Does walking cause the same issues? Bike? Swim?

mandycat223

I bought myself a rowing machine last summer and love it. It's a full body workout (legs, trunk, arms) without jarring or pounding. It is, of course, not a full weight bearing exercise so I try to mix in walking for that. I was able to find a rower that folds up and politely rolls out of the way in a corner of our bedroom when not in use. Home exercise equipment can be the size of a Volvo, only much harder to move. Take a look at the Bodycraft Web site; the model I have is the VR200, for which I paid about $200 less than the MRSP at my local fitness equipment store.

Phrick

Monsterdog1114 wrote: »

Does walking cause the same issues? Bike? Swim?

Walking does, because I tend to strike on my heel when I walk (I was more mid-foot when running). I have a bicycle, but no access to a pool until the public pool opens on Memorial Day. I have a gym membership, but only use it for the Yoga class (which actually I haven't been to in months because the "healthy back series" she was doing made things worse!)

fileshiny

Have you tried dancing? I also love rowing, and have back and knee issues. Straight up weight lifting, with proper form and being very careful, is excellent exercise. If you stick to machine weights (which honestly, are not quite as effective from an actual strength-building and functional fitness point of view) you can be very careful and targeted, avoiding problem areas.

wabmester

Anything low impact should work. Maybe the elliptical?

But if you liked to run outside, the gym is going to bore you to tears. How about rollerskating?

ladipoet

wabmester wrote: »

Anything low impact should work. Maybe the elliptical

I was thinking the same thing...how about something like a bowflex max trainer?

Phrick

wabmester wrote: »

Anything low impact should work. Maybe the elliptical?

But if you liked to run outside, the gym is going to bore you to tears. How about rollerskating?

I did run outside, how could I not, living here! lol. Rollerskating, hmm.... last time I did that I ended up with concussion which I definitely don't classify as low impact haha

mtizi

I second weights. I world get a personal trainer for a couple of sessions to show form. Kettlebell are great & I've heard it really helps backs, maybe cause of the swinging.