Question About Working Out

cinblog1965

Does everyone that follows EM2WL also follow the guidelines of NROL4W? I have problems with some of the exercises in that book (deadlifts and squats) because of bulging disc issues. I can however use the machines at the gym because they help support my back and I can do plank work. It's the bending and straightening that puts me in a pain for weeks.

Anyone else have this issue?

Anyone in this group use gym machines instead of free weights?

I realize compound exercises are more effective in that you target more muscles with less exercises, but I just can not do some of them and I worry that I will not be able to gain the muscle I need to burn off the calories I'm eating. Or maybe I've got EM2WL beginner's panic.

MrsKosal

I read in NROLFW that when you do the deadlifts and have back issues to wear the straps they provide at the gym. I've never had to use them, but I bet they'd help!

patty43ck

I am using a little bit of both (machines & equipment). I am on a lifting program that my PT put me on. Some of the moves are similar to the NROLFW but I think the bottom line is if you are working hard enough to sweat, pushing your limits and increasing weights when you can. I know when I first started, I don't think I was pushing myself hard enough on my own. When I asked my trainer for guidance and told him I wanted to add more free weights, he really ramped it up a notch and I felt a huge difference from when I was trying to do it on my own. It was all about proper form and weight amount. Now I know what to strive for and feel confident I am making progress. I am sure there are modifications for some of the moves that you can't do so that you can still fit them into your routine. If you don't have access to a PT, maybe someone here can recommend those or google the information on You Tube. I know that has been a great source for watching proper form and showing alternate ways to do the same exercise and still get the same benefits. Good luck!

cinblog1965

Thank you for your replies, you're a great group!

I have been working out (weights, then karate) for about 25 years. I know I'm doing the proper form and I'm pretty good at pushing myself. I wouldn't have gotten a black belt if I wasn't. I would still be doing karate full intensity if it wasn't for my back. It kept me in so much pain, I got to where I had no energy. After finally admitting I can't do it anymore, I know I have to find something that I can do. I'm hoping if I stick with the machines for a while I may be able to get some of this weight off that I've gained while not working out very hard the last 2 years because I wasn't willing to admit defeat with karate . . . lol. Maybe then my lower back won't hurt so bad. Until then, dead lifts are out. squats, some days my discs aren't as bad as others and I can do them, but once I place a barbell on my shoulders, I feel the rubbing in my discs.

I just guess I'm having newbie panic attacks about all this 1700 calories I'm allowed to eat. I'm used to being told I need to stick with 1200.

cinblog1965

Patty-I think I'll just keep working on the machines for now. I'll just ke:laugh: ep pushing myself and I know I know, I need to give it a good 4 weeks and see if I can tell any changes. All of you just keep reminding me of that :laugh: