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I have a problem/squats

Luvthemtorts Posts: 190 Joined: 2005/02/16	2005/05/03, 10:59 PM I just read in one of the forums that in order to have a large upper body you must in turn work your lower body just as hard. Due to having two herniated discs in my lower back as well as Degenerative Disc Disease I am quite limited as to the amount of work I can do on my lower back and some leg exercises such as squats. Am I fooling myself into thinking I can still make good gains in my upper body or am I killing myself for nothing? As always, thanks in advance!
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2005/05/03, 11:16 PM I think its possibel to train legs, just be smart, and keep your ego in check. heres 2 examples, one a guy I see at one of my gyms I work out at.....has had most of both arms amputated. Yet he still come into the gym, and uses machines to train his shoulders and chest.....at least what he can do physically. It's only like 25-30lbs but hay he's doing somthing and not neglecting anything. Another guy part of his body is crippled( i'm not sure how)but his right arm can't be used.......but he comes in, uses legs presses, and trains that one side of his upper body. I don't think smith mchnes squats, or leg presses leg extensions would hurt ya too bad.....if it hurts go lighter, do what YOU can do safly. If you can't do heavy weight do more reps, lower rest time. IF theres a will theres a way.....good luck. -------------- " The only true eye, is your minds eye"- plato
Luvthemtorts Posts: 190 Joined: 2005/02/16	2005/05/04, 12:16 AM Bigandrew, Thanks for the advice. I currently do dumbbell squats as suggested but can only tolerate the pressure of 60 pounds on my lower back which doesn't feel like it does much at all for my legs. I also do leg extensions/reverse leg extensions and calf exercises. I only have access to my home equipment and can not afford a gym membership so I am trying to make due with what I have on hand. Bottom line, is this going to affect the results I get from my upper body workouts?
Koi_Saisei Posts: 70 Joined: 2005/03/11	2005/05/04, 01:08 AM It wont reduce gains from your upper body that much at all. But after a while you'll begin to look out of proportion.
blue77 Posts: 182 Joined: 2004/10/10	2005/05/04, 03:00 AM Doing squats release hgh and other vital componets,do what you can do luvthemtorts,dont get frustrated and quit,see what you can do with your upper body youll do just fine,
Luvthemtorts Posts: 190 Joined: 2005/02/16	2005/05/04, 03:08 AM Thanks for the encouraging words! I am so excited about my new "lifestyle" and was really bummed after reading the post regarding leg work being necessary to achieve results for upper body. I feel much better after reading the replies! As far as being out of proportion, At least 1/2 of me will look good in a year or so LOL!
	2005/05/04, 06:58 PM you can try to do isolation lifts...like leg extensions, lying/sitting leg curls... try to do deadlifts...do just the barbell...see how it feels...if you can't do it then so be it...but try....very very light....perhaps it can help with the back problems...little by little...
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2005/05/04, 07:56 PM don't for get lunges, and onelegged squats. I find running stairs makes for a good burn in my quads( high step) Are your abbs strong? they may help your back? -------------- " The only true eye, is your minds eye"- plato
Luvthemtorts Posts: 190 Joined: 2005/02/16	2005/05/04, 09:18 PM Thanks for the additional info! I already do leg extensions and leg curls. My main problem is the compression that the squat position causes on my lower spine. Much emphasis is put on doing squats and its' affects on controlling overall body results. This is why I am concerned that my results may not be what I would like. My back problems are beyond help due to the fact that the discs have basically disintegrated. Because of another more serious medical condition I am not a candidate for surgery or other corrective procedures. As far as running stairs, unfortunately I can't do meaningful cardio type exercises do to the fact that it causes Anaphylaxis if I over exert or get too hot. Kinda makes lifting tricky but I seem to have found a pattern that I can tolerate without going into shock.
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2005/05/05, 05:49 PM only other thing i coudl suggest.....is try and get a gym membership.....cause it hink the hack squat would be perfect for you. -------------- " The only true eye, is your minds eye"- plato
Luvthemtorts Posts: 190 Joined: 2005/02/16	2005/05/05, 11:24 PM Bigandrew, Believe me I wish I could. Being on disability has put me in a financial strain in addition to the emotional/physical aspects. Not feeling sorry for myself just explaining the situation. Thanks for your suggestions regardless! Hopefully I will still get some sort of results with my little home workout.