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Lower back strength needed

I_Am-aZon Posts: 893 Joined: 2003/02/18	2003/03/21, 01:33 PM My lower back was injured years ago, but it always seems to come back to haunt me. For instance, I have increased my calf raises to 215lbs from 155 just last week and I have no problems at all with the higher weight on my calves - it's just that I feel the pressure of it in my lower back to the point where I am a little nervous that I will injure myself. Should I be wearing a belt or would that just give me a false sense of security?
rev8ball Posts: 3,081 Joined: 2001/12/27	2003/03/21, 02:10 PM Best thing to do is to strengthen it. I never promote the use of belts unless you plan on competeting in a powerlifting comp. Hyperextensions, dead lifts, etc., are the best. Just start out light and easy; get a feel for the movement, and keep strict form. Also, focus on strengthening your abs as well. The abs support your back as much, and in some cases more, as your spinal erectors. In fact, one of the things a belt does for support is increase intra-abdominal pressure to insure spinal support. -------------- Michael "Trample the weak; hurdle the dead!"
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/03/21, 02:27 PM I agree ditch the belt and start a real lifting program to target that area. Deadlifts and hyperextensions as Michael suggested are the best to do this. Just make sure someone teaches you proper form. -------------- IF YOU CAN STILL ITCH YOUR NOSE AFTER ARM DAY, GO DO ANOTHER SET!!!
dahayz Posts: 794 Joined: 2002/05/08	2003/03/21, 02:44 PM I agree, use the belt that was put into your body, your transverse abdominals.
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2003/03/21, 04:45 PM The belt is like camoflage for certain muscles! Deadlifts work like the others said. -------------- Peace on earth Ivan Montreal Canada
roni0906 Posts: 1,008 Joined: 2002/01/24	2003/03/22, 02:34 PM Hyperextensions are great. After I had my daughter and got the epideral, my lower back was very week. I did a lot of hyperextension and gained great strength in my back. It hurt to do pushup and after about a month or so, it didn't hurt anymore. I went from only being able to do hyperextension with no weight to adding about 70 lbs within a couple of months. -------------- Lisa Just laugh about it....
I_Am-aZon Posts: 893 Joined: 2003/02/18	2003/03/24, 09:58 AM Thanks a lot everyone - I will definitely increase the abs workout - every gym session instead of just twice a week. I will consult with a trainer to get help with my hyperextensions and deadlift form - never hurts to get checked out once in awhile. Thanks
mattwilson Posts: 54 Joined: 2003/02/27	2003/03/29, 03:41 AM I read that relying on a belt can actually weaken the back! I dont' touch belts, except for the one through my belt loops.
Lonegirl Posts: 446 Joined: 2002/11/13	2003/03/30, 10:51 AM Don't work abs daily. THey need rest too. :)
I_Am-aZon Posts: 893 Joined: 2003/02/18	2003/04/01, 10:51 AM Are you sure about the abs lonegirl? I was told that ab work could be done daily - I'd hate to think I am overworking them, ....they are my least favourite exercise and I so much want to jump at the chance to take your advice!
I_Am-aZon Posts: 893 Joined: 2003/02/18	2003/04/01, 10:59 AM That is great news RW! Now I can leave them and not feel guilty!
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2003/04/01, 04:43 PM Rest those abs! eh :) -------------- We must become the change we want to see. Ivan Montreal Canada
I_Am-aZon Posts: 893 Joined: 2003/02/18	2003/04/02, 01:17 PM NP Ivan - I look forward to it...eh!
aashik Posts: 6 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/04/16, 02:26 PM Don't forget the hamstring. Stretching hamstring takes pressure off your back as well.
I_Am-aZon Posts: 893 Joined: 2003/02/18	2003/04/16, 02:37 PM You right aashik - I now incorporate a lot of deadlifts into my routine to stretch those hamstrings - thanks
j64ysxr98v Posts: 1 Joined: 2002/12/16	2003/05/01, 10:25 PM Please tell me,what is hyperextension exersize for the back.I really don't know.My lower right sacrum is killing me and I thought this may help...thanks
moune Posts: 10 Joined: 2004/10/09	2004/11/23, 12:09 PM hi i heard that people with lower back problem were not suppose to do deadlifts ans what about beginner that still feels back pain with crunches :(
moune Posts: 10 Joined: 2004/10/09	2004/11/23, 12:09 PM hi i heard that people with lower back problem were not suppose to do deadlifts ans what about beginner that still feels back pain with crunches :(
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2004/11/24, 09:27 AM Can be perfomed on the floor, lay on your stomach, andput your arms behind your head( like you would a crunch)now slowly and controled raise your chest and feet off the ground, and "arch" up, kinda like a fish. Deadlifts if done right, shouldn't bother your back, the back does play a roll in it, however only the last top20% or so of the movement. they are safe, just don't try 400lbs off the bat. Actually I have had strained back erectors a while back( 4 years ago) and I stoped deadlifts all together for about 6 months, and I gradually worked my way back into them. Now my deadlift is my strongest lift an di have no lower back trouble at all.:dumbbell: ========== Quoting from pres9874@aol.co: Please tell me,what is hyperextension exersize for the back.I really don't know.My lower right sacrum is killing me and I thought this may help...thanks ============= -------------- The following, has not be approved by the FDA or FT, it was not meant to diagnose,treat,or prevent any diease(s) Please consult a moderator or doctor before using any of the suggestions or comments.
	2004/11/26, 01:17 AM if you have a lower back machine...try using it....you can start with a weight you feel comfortable and try to increase the weight progressively...make sure you keep track on how your back is doing...also try to differentiate between pain and good soreness....