Can't lift heavy. Lift light?

Debbiedebbiey
Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
Every time I try to lift over 10lbs I end up hurting myself, I have a bad neck from an accident,Its amazing how neck muscles are affected by bicep curls,etc. so should I just lift my 10 lbs It'd be better than nothing right ?

Replies

  • MrsKosal
    MrsKosal Posts: 415 Member
    It's a start. And then try to start adding more when it gets too easy.
  • nyspotlight
    nyspotlight Posts: 124
    Lifting heavy means lifting heavy for YOU. And it is good to build up a base first. I did a few weeks of light before I started adding. It helped me learn form and not stress my back right away. You'll know when it's time to add weight because it'll feel too easy.
  • jaeone
    jaeone Posts: 649 Member
    Lifting heavy means lifting heavy for YOU. And it is good to build up a base first. I did a few weeks of light before I started adding. It helped me learn form and not stress my back right away. You'll know when it's time to add weight because it'll feel too easy.
    ^^ I agree. When that 10lbs feels comfy and it will eventually, its time to increase!
  • wonderkitten711
    wonderkitten711 Posts: 109 Member
    I agree with the others who've already posted. Lift what you can, anything is better than nothing, and hopefully with time and consistent lifting, all your muscles in that area will strengthen and stabilize and you can slowly progress to heavier weights. I'm about six months post-op from major shoulder reconstruction surgery so I can't lift all that heavy yet and have to modify almost all upper body lifts (I think bicep curls and lateral raises are the only thing w/o mods atm), but I have faith that eventually I'll get to the really good stuff.
  • fiveohmike
    fiveohmike Posts: 1,297 Member
    Lifting heavy means lifting heavy for YOU. And it is good to build up a base first. I did a few weeks of light before I started adding. It helped me learn form and not stress my back right away. You'll know when it's time to add weight because it'll feel too easy.

    ^^ 1000% correct :)
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    I have gone up to 15, pull muscles/pinch nerves every time. Then I'm done for a week. 10 definitely feels easy, but my body just seems like it can't handle more. Soooo aggravating ! Even squats seem to mess with me , guess I'm flexing my neck somehow.
  • nyspotlight
    nyspotlight Posts: 124
    It's nerves? That's tricky. I thought we were mostly talking about muscle spasms, etc. I don't know much about pinched nerves and such. I assume you've been to a chiropractor? I was in a little accident and the insurance covered it.

    Can't say it did much for me, but I really didn't get much impact. My mother got a bunch of neck issues from the accident and the chiro was great for her. But they aren't all the greatest - I know some chiro's are very expensive and don't do much. I happened to find a great one.

    The other thing that has worked for me in recovering from a neck injury (this was years ago), was yoga. But only the slower-paced, long-hold kind. Power yoga can pretty much guarantee whiplash if your neck isn't ready.

    Good luck. I know some weight lifting is better than none. When losing weight, you don't want to lose muscle. And it is all but guaranteed (from what I understand) if you don't do some strength training. Lifting what you can is probably the best way to guarantee you keep the muscle you have. Other than that - maybe a PT can help you modify and kind what exercises you can do pain-free.
  • Debbiedebbiey
    Debbiedebbiey Posts: 824 Member
    What type of yoga would be good ? i got a book from library w/pics...it had several sections, arms,legs,shoulders,NECK. So i turned to the neck section and did them all, best i could, ended up at dr. for trigger point injections....went back & read beginning of book it said, "do the sections you dont have a problem with !" as in the rest will help you...i did the opposite, so lesson learned, read book 1st, then practice what it says ! looking back pretty funny lesson. Ive been through PT-they only wanted me to use 3 lb wghts...ugg. 2 Chiros...they all say conflicting things...my dr wants me to have a "yogi" come to my house, cant $, so id like a good video. if anyone has suggestions that'd be GREAT ! meanwhile i lift what i can, keep what little muscle i have i suppose.
  • wonderkitten711
    wonderkitten711 Posts: 109 Member
    Another idea might be to see if there is a personal trainer of some sort in your area who specializes in modified workout routines and injury recovery and see if you can afford just a single session or two to get help figuring out a routine that works with your injuries. With my shoulder injury, my physical therapist was also a sports trainer, so he gave me that kind of assistance towards the end of my therapy program, and as I progress in losing weight, strengthening my shoulder and getting stronger overall, I touch base with him and may treat myself to some sessions with the injury-specialist trainer at my gym.
  • jwilds1010
    jwilds1010 Posts: 33 Member
    Continue to lift your 10lbs but increase repetitions lets say you do 10-12 reps, increase to 15.
    You can instead of repetitions, time your self for 45 secs. doing your 10lbs.
    You can also decrease your rest time between sets to make it more difficult.

    Just suggestions :smile:
  • nyspotlight
    nyspotlight Posts: 124
    I really like being in a yoga CLASS. You probably have a few studios somewhat near by - I live in LA, and we're lousy with them, but every time I travel, I have no problem finding others. Often you can find a class through a community college or at a church as well.

    Studios will usually do a starter deal for classes - something like $20 and you get unlimited classes for a month. This gives you a chance to see if you like the studio - and see what kinds of classes are good for you.

    I'd start with "hatha yoga," Or if you see something called "healing yoga" or "gentle yoga." Just stay away from power yoga or probably even "vinyasa" to start. If you call a studio and explain your situation, they should be able to help you.

    Then every time you are with a new teacher, tell them about your neck before class. They should be able to help you make adjustments.