I would love your opinion on training...!

[skinnydood]

So.. maybe six months ago I ****ed up on my deadlift form and hurt my lower back.

I noticed when I walk something clicks/shifts in my left leg and that "clicking/shifting" goes up to my back a bit.

I still want to lift and get big.. so I signed up at golds (today) with the intention of just using the machines. Can one get big and gain strength using only machines?

At any rate.. I am not sure whatsup with my body because I have no insurance to get a MRI just yet.

I just did legs all today on the machines.. my back actually feels a bit better.. I will see how it feels tomorrow.

Thanks!

[kelkel]

Yes, you can grow using machines. Nutrition and intensity of effort is key. You definitely won't grow sitting at home.

[skinnydood]

Yes, you can grow using machines. Nutrition and intensity of effort is key. You definitely won't grow sitting at home.

Well, that makes me happy. Thank you.

[kelkel]

I'm sure you can still cycle in some free weight exercises along the way. Just don't re-injure yourself by going over-board. When you have insurance again look into chiropractic care with one who has his advanced degree in applied kinesiology and does limbs as well. A good one can do amazing things in my opinion.

[skinnydood]

I'm sure you can still cycle in some free weight exercises along the way. Just don't re-injure yourself by going over-board. When you have insurance again look into chiropractic care with one who has his advanced degree in applied kinesiology and does limbs as well. A good one can do amazing things in my opinion.

I will definitely do that. That sounds quite nice.

[Splashdance82]

I have 3 discs in my back that are bulging. I'm trying to put off a second surgery as long as I can.

I have to be very careful lifting. I am unable to do most lower body workouts due to the pressure that it puts on my back. Anything that's on a flat bench is completely out. Something about the angle just hurts, not to mention that laying down/getting up is uncomfortable. Thankfully decline and incline benches don't hurt!

On top of that I work out early in the mornings and I work out alone. I utilize machines in almost all of my workouts since most of them allow me to "lock in" and keep my back safe. I'm also able to go very heavy without a spotter and not kill myself! I've been steady gaining over the last year with them..... Practice perfect form and go hard!

[crazy mike]

Yes, you can grow using machines. Nutrition and intensity of effort is key. You definitely won't grow sitting at home.

I'm sure you can still cycle in some free weight exercises along the way. Just don't re-injure yourself by going over-board. When you have insurance again look into chiropractic care with one who has his advanced degree in applied kinesiology and does limbs as well. A good one can do amazing things in my opinion.

I'm older and just herniated 4 disks and recovering now. Kel is right on with post posts. If he didn't say it I would of. Why not machines. The principal of growing more muscle mass doesn't change. While free weights generally build more at a better rate it is mostly do to not using many stabilizing muscles and or maybe not hitting multiple heads of the targeted muscle . That's where more exercises come into play.

Remember what you need to do togrow more muscle fibers, New muscle growth. That is the basics of overload until failure. You can do the same on a machine and use a spotter as well to get that next failure rep complete. Good luck. ..crazy mike

[noitangidni]

My numerous years in lifting I have come across many issues regarding the lower back. Luckily nowadays information is easy to get via the internet, you just have to cross reference your sources and take everything with a grain of salt.

With that being said, in the past, I have also hurt my lower back by deadlifting. Luckily for me, it was never anything serious. I know you have stated that you do not have insurance for an MRI, but I can assure you that you should start rehab now using soft tissue manipulation. My issue with my lower back was the piriformis muscle in the glute region. Swollen piriformis irritates the sciatic nerve which causes a lot of lower back pain. I would suggest you research that and a few stretches along the way, it could really help you. (some stretches to look for: figure four stretch using both static and foam rolling/lacross ball options)

It took a while for my lower back to be at 100% (2 months) but after rehabing it religiously, it was like it never happened.

[shaunjohn242002]

I don't have a problem with machines either, I use them sometimes too. As far as your back goes be very careful with it. Take more time with your stretching. Be sure you are warmed up properly before lifting. Injuries don't just happen with free weights. Wear a belt for support. If it doesn't hurt too bad, go hardcore on abs, a strong core is key to preventing further injuries. Just make sure to do the core LAST on training day.

[The Dirty South]

I have two bulging disc in my back. I use to get extremely bad back spasms that would go down my left hip. The pain would shoot down to my left knee also. The work I do always made it worse. I've always lifted heavy with power lifting and some oly lifting thrown it. What saved me from all the pain (I might be the only one this has worked for, so just my
.02 on the matter) was foam rolling, pvc rolling, lax ball work and doing very light good mornings with just 135 or even bands. Also Contrast Jacuzzi baths (yes get a couple of bags of ice and prepare to cry). I hope some of this is able to help my friend! Heal up quickly!

-Dirty South