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Bouncing Back
4 Tips to Working With Lower Back Pain
11 months down the line from what was a standard drop hop, falling to my knees and an MRI resulting in an understanding that I had bulging Discs from L3-S1 to today where I am back training and enjoying sport pain free is a great feeling but also understanding the journey will continue and the work can never stop. It should be noted the Drop Hop was not cause of the bulging discs but the catalyst for exposing the injury. From spasm to spasm it became clear that although it is common along with general lower back pain in the population four things became apparent in my discussions with experts and research online in how to get back to being pain-free, without surgery (which by the way I was told to consider)
The most important is to understand first what is causing lower back pain. Was it through injury or is it something that has crept into your life due to lifestyle and lack of movement? By consulting a medical professional, sports therapists, physios, or performance coach you will better understand what you are dealing with. Continuing to work with such people during the process to moving pain-free is also something to consider.
There is not a lot of movement that doesn’t involve your lower back in some way so building a library of movements that does not cause aggravation and neglect the area to exercise and strengthen the lower back will put you on the right path. The focus should not only be on your lower back but the surrounding areas including Core, Back, Glutes, Hips, and Hamstrings. Movements should include moving in all 3 planes of motion with considerations when training your core using Isometric holds, Flexion/Anti Flexion, Extension/Anti Extension, and Rotational Exercises.
Fixing your technique and addressing the fundamentals of movement will be the difference in getting stronger or continuing to have pain or even making your problems worse. Work and consult with people who can help you in this area.
Learn to activate before your session. What this means is learning to wake up the muscles you are about to train. Glute, Hamstring activation and core bracing are key to protecting your lower back. Your inability to fire those areas will put more pressure on the lower back to do the work so understanding that they are working is key to ensuring you're protecting and able to strengthen those areas along with your lower back.
My personal belief is there is not a one-way fix-all when it comes to lower back pain. With so many different factors to consider that could be affecting the individual. However, I do believe it’s not a lifetime problem and can be fixed with the right guidance, training and willingness to make it happen.
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
11 months down the line from what was a standard drop hop, falling to my knees and an MRI resulting in an understanding that I had bulging Discs from L3-S1 to today where I am back training and enjoying sport pain free is a great feeling but also understanding the journey will continue and the work can never stop. It should be noted the Drop Hop was not cause of the bulging discs but the catalyst for exposing the injury. From spasm to spasm it became clear that although it is common along with general lower back pain in the population four things became apparent in my discussions with experts and research online in how to get back to being pain-free, without surgery (which by the way I was told to consider)
The most important is to understand first what is causing lower back pain. Was it through injury or is it something that has crept into your life due to lifestyle and lack of movement? By consulting a medical professional, sports therapists, physios, or performance coach you will better understand what you are dealing with. Continuing to work with such people during the process to moving pain-free is also something to consider.
There is not a lot of movement that doesn’t involve your lower back in some way so building a library of movements that does not cause aggravation and neglect the area to exercise and strengthen the lower back will put you on the right path. The focus should not only be on your lower back but the surrounding areas including Core, Back, Glutes, Hips, and Hamstrings. Movements should include moving in all 3 planes of motion with considerations when training your core using Isometric holds, Flexion/Anti Flexion, Extension/Anti Extension, and Rotational Exercises.
Fixing your technique and addressing the fundamentals of movement will be the difference in getting stronger or continuing to have pain or even making your problems worse. Work and consult with people who can help you in this area.
Learn to activate before your session. What this means is learning to wake up the muscles you are about to train. Glute, Hamstring activation and core bracing are key to protecting your lower back. Your inability to fire those areas will put more pressure on the lower back to do the work so understanding that they are working is key to ensuring you're protecting and able to strengthen those areas along with your lower back.
My personal belief is there is not a one-way fix-all when it comes to lower back pain. With so many different factors to consider that could be affecting the individual. However, I do believe it’s not a lifetime problem and can be fixed with the right guidance, training and willingness to make it happen.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
11 months down the line from what was a standard drop hop, falling to my knees and an MRI resulting in an understanding that I had bulging Discs from L3-S1 to today where I am back training and enjoying sport pain free is a great feeling but also understanding the journey will continue and the work can never stop. It should be noted the Drop Hop was not cause of the bulging discs but the catalyst for exposing the injury. From spasm to spasm it became clear that although it is common along with general lower back pain in the population four things became apparent in my discussions with experts and research online in how to get back to being pain-free, without surgery (which by the way I was told to consider)
The most important is to understand first what is causing lower back pain. Was it through injury or is it something that has crept into your life due to lifestyle and lack of movement? By consulting a medical professional, sports therapists, physios, or performance coach you will better understand what you are dealing with. Continuing to work with such people during the process to moving pain-free is also something to consider.
There is not a lot of movement that doesn’t involve your lower back in some way so building a library of movements that does not cause aggravation and neglect the area to exercise and strengthen the lower back will put you on the right path. The focus should not only be on your lower back but the surrounding areas including Core, Back, Glutes, Hips, and Hamstrings. Movements should include moving in all 3 planes of motion with considerations when training your core using Isometric holds, Flexion/Anti Flexion, Extension/Anti Extension, and Rotational Exercises.
Fixing your technique and addressing the fundamentals of movement will be the difference in getting stronger or continuing to have pain or even making your problems worse. Work and consult with people who can help you in this area.
Learn to activate before your session. What this means is learning to wake up the muscles you are about to train. Glute, Hamstring activation and core bracing are key to protecting your lower back. Your inability to fire those areas will put more pressure on the lower back to do the work so understanding that they are working is key to ensuring you're protecting and able to strengthen those areas along with your lower back.
My personal belief is there is not a one-way fix-all when it comes to lower back pain. With so many different factors to consider that could be affecting the individual. However, I do believe it’s not a lifetime problem and can be fixed with the right guidance, training and willingness to make it happen.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10
5mins easy jog
then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)
Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.
Monday:
We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.
Strength:
A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift
B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat
Conditioning:
17min AMRAP
3 Power Clean (60/40)
6 Front Squat
9 Box Jump
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups
B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row
C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock
Conditioning:
4 rounds for time:
16 Alt KB STOH
1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry
10 Burpees Over KB
30 Double Unders
Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single
B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions
Conditioning
In a 3-minute window:
15 TTB
30 wall balls
AMRAP cal row
Rest 2 mins x 3
Thursday:
On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press
B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension / 15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls
Conditioning:
For time:
120 DB Hang Snatch
Every 3 mins
15/12 Cal Assualt Bike
10 Hand Release Push Ups
Friday:
Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.
Strength:
EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar
Conditioning:
In Pairs for Time:
800m run together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
100 Cal Ski
Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
80 Cal Ski
Half Park Run Together
20 Sandbag Over Bar
60 Cal Ski
Car Park Run (Together)
20 Sandbag Over Bar
40 Cal Ski
ENGINE
Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.
Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.
HYROX
Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.
MOBILITY
We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
11 months down the line from what was a standard drop hop, falling to my knees and an MRI resulting in an understanding that I had bulging Discs from L3-S1 to today where I am back training and enjoying sport pain free is a great feeling but also understanding the journey will continue and the work can never stop. It should be noted the Drop Hop was not cause of the bulging discs but the catalyst for exposing the injury. From spasm to spasm it became clear that although it is common along with general lower back pain in the population four things became apparent in my discussions with experts and research online in how to get back to being pain-free, without surgery (which by the way I was told to consider)
The most important is to understand first what is causing lower back pain. Was it through injury or is it something that has crept into your life due to lifestyle and lack of movement? By consulting a medical professional, sports therapists, physios, or performance coach you will better understand what you are dealing with. Continuing to work with such people during the process to moving pain-free is also something to consider.
There is not a lot of movement that doesn’t involve your lower back in some way so building a library of movements that does not cause aggravation and neglect the area to exercise and strengthen the lower back will put you on the right path. The focus should not only be on your lower back but the surrounding areas including Core, Back, Glutes, Hips, and Hamstrings. Movements should include moving in all 3 planes of motion with considerations when training your core using Isometric holds, Flexion/Anti Flexion, Extension/Anti Extension, and Rotational Exercises.
Fixing your technique and addressing the fundamentals of movement will be the difference in getting stronger or continuing to have pain or even making your problems worse. Work and consult with people who can help you in this area.
Learn to activate before your session. What this means is learning to wake up the muscles you are about to train. Glute, Hamstring activation and core bracing are key to protecting your lower back. Your inability to fire those areas will put more pressure on the lower back to do the work so understanding that they are working is key to ensuring you're protecting and able to strengthen those areas along with your lower back.
My personal belief is there is not a one-way fix-all when it comes to lower back pain. With so many different factors to consider that could be affecting the individual. However, I do believe it’s not a lifetime problem and can be fixed with the right guidance, training and willingness to make it happen.
11 months down the line from what was a standard drop hop, falling to my knees and an MRI resulting in an understanding that I had bulging Discs from L3-S1 to today where I am back training and enjoying sport pain free is a great feeling but also understanding the journey will continue and the work can never stop. It should be noted the Drop Hop was not cause of the bulging discs but the catalyst for exposing the injury. From spasm to spasm it became clear that although it is common along with general lower back pain in the population four things became apparent in my discussions with experts and research online in how to get back to being pain-free, without surgery (which by the way I was told to consider)
The most important is to understand first what is causing lower back pain. Was it through injury or is it something that has crept into your life due to lifestyle and lack of movement? By consulting a medical professional, sports therapists, physios, or performance coach you will better understand what you are dealing with. Continuing to work with such people during the process to moving pain-free is also something to consider.
There is not a lot of movement that doesn’t involve your lower back in some way so building a library of movements that does not cause aggravation and neglect the area to exercise and strengthen the lower back will put you on the right path. The focus should not only be on your lower back but the surrounding areas including Core, Back, Glutes, Hips, and Hamstrings. Movements should include moving in all 3 planes of motion with considerations when training your core using Isometric holds, Flexion/Anti Flexion, Extension/Anti Extension, and Rotational Exercises.
Fixing your technique and addressing the fundamentals of movement will be the difference in getting stronger or continuing to have pain or even making your problems worse. Work and consult with people who can help you in this area.
Learn to activate before your session. What this means is learning to wake up the muscles you are about to train. Glute, Hamstring activation and core bracing are key to protecting your lower back. Your inability to fire those areas will put more pressure on the lower back to do the work so understanding that they are working is key to ensuring you're protecting and able to strengthen those areas along with your lower back.
My personal belief is there is not a one-way fix-all when it comes to lower back pain. With so many different factors to consider that could be affecting the individual. However, I do believe it’s not a lifetime problem and can be fixed with the right guidance, training and willingness to make it happen.
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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