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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.
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’ll focus on pull-up development. Whether your goal is to continue building strict strength or you’re working to increase kipping capacity, we will cover progressions to help you advance your pull-up performance.
Thursday, we’ll work on handstand walks. Get ready to refine technique, build control, and develop confidence while moving upside down.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's hybrid session involves combining multiple elements from racing to understand the feel of transitioning between disciplines, followed by a lower-body endurance EMOM.
MOBILITY
Take your front squat mobility to the next level with this progression class focused on dynamic flow, stability, and control. Building on the foundations established in our previous session, we’ll reinforce improved mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders while introducing active movement patterns and stability drills that directly translate to enhanced squat performance. Expect to move through controlled flows, tempo holds, and mobility-activation sequences.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is cleans. Working on speed under the bar and catch position, in the full squat. Spicy complex of clean pull, hang power clean, squat clean. Followed by some heavy clean pulls. Finishing with doubles on the back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
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 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
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
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Session: LRC Tempo
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins with a 1 min recovery. The sequence will be repeated 5x. Evening session only this week!
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. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running 800m intervals off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Today we will bridge repeats with IFE. Hill running is a great way to build some strength and power in your legs.
Monday:
Nothing like kicking off the week with some Back Squats! Before we get the engine fired up for some repeatable efforts! What will your times look like?
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5/4/3/5/4/3 front squat
Conditioning:
Every 5 minutes x 6 Alt between
A: Park Run + 25 Wall Balls
B: 30/25/20 Cal Ass Bike + 25 Wall Balls
Tuesday:
Strength accessory to get the session started before we build to some heavy deadlifts! Then we hit a fast and furious workout.
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 12
1: 12 Incline DB bench press
2: 30-45 sec glute hamstring bridge
3: 20 sec straight arm side plank/arm
B) Deadlift Every 2:00 x 6 - 2/2/1/1/1/1 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
30 Power clean
30 Burpees over the bar
Wednesday:
We're building to a tough single in the push press before we partner up for some working out!
Strength:
EMOMx10 - 1 Push press
Conditioning:
In pairs every 5 mins x 6 on a rolling clock
4 rounds
YGIG
6 STOH (60/40)
6 TTB
AMRAP - Cal Ski
Thursday:
Legs, legs, legs, then into a 12-minute workout where you rest during the run!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 8 DB Box Step Up
B) Every 90 sec x 5 - 6 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 Alt - 5 Goblet Spanish Squats & 3-5 strict knee to elbow
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Devils Press
6 DB Hang Cleans
9 DB Front Rack Squats
Car Park Run
Friday:
Long Weekend, so we're going to bring the fire this Friday to kick start the long weekend! See you on the floor!
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.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
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 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
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
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Session: LRC Tempo
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins with a 1 min recovery. The sequence will be repeated 5x. Evening session only this week!
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. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running 800m intervals off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Today we will bridge repeats with IFE. Hill running is a great way to build some strength and power in your legs.
Monday:
Nothing like kicking off the week with some Back Squats! Before we get the engine fired up for some repeatable efforts! What will your times look like?
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5/4/3/5/4/3 front squat
Conditioning:
Every 5 minutes x 6 Alt between
A: Park Run + 25 Wall Balls
B: 30/25/20 Cal Ass Bike + 25 Wall Balls
Tuesday:
Strength accessory to get the session started before we build to some heavy deadlifts! Then we hit a fast and furious workout.
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 12
1: 12 Incline DB bench press
2: 30-45 sec glute hamstring bridge
3: 20 sec straight arm side plank/arm
B) Deadlift Every 2:00 x 6 - 2/2/1/1/1/1 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
30 Power clean
30 Burpees over the bar
Wednesday:
We're building to a tough single in the push press before we partner up for some working out!
Strength:
EMOMx10 - 1 Push press
Conditioning:
In pairs every 5 mins x 6 on a rolling clock
4 rounds
YGIG
6 STOH (60/40)
6 TTB
AMRAP - Cal Ski
Thursday:
Legs, legs, legs, then into a 12-minute workout where you rest during the run!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 8 DB Box Step Up
B) Every 90 sec x 5 - 6 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 Alt - 5 Goblet Spanish Squats & 3-5 strict knee to elbow
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Devils Press
6 DB Hang Cleans
9 DB Front Rack Squats
Car Park Run
Friday:
Long Weekend, so we're going to bring the fire this Friday to kick start the long weekend! See you on the floor!
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’ll focus on pull-up development. Whether your goal is to continue building strict strength or you’re working to increase kipping capacity, we will cover progressions to help you advance your pull-up performance.
Thursday, we’ll work on handstand walks. Get ready to refine technique, build control, and develop confidence while moving upside down.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's hybrid session involves combining multiple elements from racing to understand the feel of transitioning between disciplines, followed by a lower-body endurance EMOM.
MOBILITY
Take your front squat mobility to the next level with this progression class focused on dynamic flow, stability, and control. Building on the foundations established in our previous session, we’ll reinforce improved mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders while introducing active movement patterns and stability drills that directly translate to enhanced squat performance. Expect to move through controlled flows, tempo holds, and mobility-activation sequences.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is cleans. Working on speed under the bar and catch position, in the full squat. Spicy complex of clean pull, hang power clean, squat clean. Followed by some heavy clean pulls. Finishing with doubles on the back squats.
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
Session: LRC Tempo
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins with a 1 min recovery. The sequence will be repeated 5x. Evening session only this week!
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. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running 800m intervals off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Today we will bridge repeats with IFE. Hill running is a great way to build some strength and power in your legs.
Monday:
Nothing like kicking off the week with some Back Squats! Before we get the engine fired up for some repeatable efforts! What will your times look like?
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5/4/3/5/4/3 front squat
Conditioning:
Every 5 minutes x 6 Alt between
A: Park Run + 25 Wall Balls
B: 30/25/20 Cal Ass Bike + 25 Wall Balls
Tuesday:
Strength accessory to get the session started before we build to some heavy deadlifts! Then we hit a fast and furious workout.
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 12
1: 12 Incline DB bench press
2: 30-45 sec glute hamstring bridge
3: 20 sec straight arm side plank/arm
B) Deadlift Every 2:00 x 6 - 2/2/1/1/1/1 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
30 Power clean
30 Burpees over the bar
Wednesday:
We're building to a tough single in the push press before we partner up for some working out!
Strength:
EMOMx10 - 1 Push press
Conditioning:
In pairs every 5 mins x 6 on a rolling clock
4 rounds
YGIG
6 STOH (60/40)
6 TTB
AMRAP - Cal Ski
Thursday:
Legs, legs, legs, then into a 12-minute workout where you rest during the run!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 8 DB Box Step Up
B) Every 90 sec x 5 - 6 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 Alt - 5 Goblet Spanish Squats & 3-5 strict knee to elbow
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Devils Press
6 DB Hang Cleans
9 DB Front Rack Squats
Car Park Run
Friday:
Long Weekend, so we're going to bring the fire this Friday to kick start the long weekend! See you on the floor!
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’ll focus on pull-up development. Whether your goal is to continue building strict strength or you’re working to increase kipping capacity, we will cover progressions to help you advance your pull-up performance.
Thursday, we’ll work on handstand walks. Get ready to refine technique, build control, and develop confidence while moving upside down.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's hybrid session involves combining multiple elements from racing to understand the feel of transitioning between disciplines, followed by a lower-body endurance EMOM.
MOBILITY
Take your front squat mobility to the next level with this progression class focused on dynamic flow, stability, and control. Building on the foundations established in our previous session, we’ll reinforce improved mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders while introducing active movement patterns and stability drills that directly translate to enhanced squat performance. Expect to move through controlled flows, tempo holds, and mobility-activation sequences.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is cleans. Working on speed under the bar and catch position, in the full squat. Spicy complex of clean pull, hang power clean, squat clean. Followed by some heavy clean pulls. Finishing with doubles on the back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
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 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
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
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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