Question About Working Out
cinblog1965
Posts: 133 Member
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.
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.
0
Replies
-
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!0
-
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!0
-
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 1200.0 -
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:0
This discussion has been closed.