Prepare for Setbacks

After a refreshing week off from writing, I AM BACK!

…and coincidently so is my back pain!

”Connor see this is why you shouldn’t lift heavy weights”…

Au contraire mon frère.

I haven’t had this back issue in almost 3 years and back then I was “throwing it out” once a month and dealing with sciatic nerve pain daily.

If this sounds familiar or reminds you of any pain you are having, keep reading

Also, take a look at this cool picture, which I will reference later 😎

Despite what some people think, strength training is not dangerous. Even if you are 50 years of age or older. It’s also not usually the place where people get injured.

Actually, people often move their best when they are lifting weights. They are more attentive to form, their muscles are more engaged and usually, they are using weights that they can handle.

Injuries normally occur as a result of improper movement especially when under excessive load (weight). Or alternatively from someone or something making contact with our bodies causing irregular movement, or trauma (like jumping, landing wrong, and twisting your ankle).

In a strength-based workout, you control the weight, the tempo and up until now I have never seen someone tackle another person mid-squat! 😂

Okay Connor, so then what happened to you?

Well in my case, I was feeling super tight and admittedly decided to skip my mobility routine for the day. I was cleaning up the garage and picked something up from beside me, instead of from the front. Unfortunately, it was just heavy enough to cause me some problems.

Lucky for me I didn’t throw my back out, it just tightened up pretty badly. So I squeezed my core tighter set the object down in front of me, and left the garage alone for the day.

A few days later, I am still going to the gym and substituting machines for free weights. I am doing my mobility routine first thing in the morning and as of right now, I’d say I will probably feel normal by the weekend.

The last time I hurt my back I was out of commission for weeks. I’m talking, debilitating pain. I needed help to stand, spent most of my day lying down, and couldn’t even get into my car. It was a major SETBACK.

This time my back injury feels like a bump in the road rather than a setback and I am still on track with my goals. This time my body is stronger and I am prepared to adjust.

💡Here is your AHA Moment:

Avoid your next setback, step up, take action, and start being prepared for problems rather than being at their mercy.

If you are significantly injured, I mean in serious pain not just discomfort then take this action…

⏰ Don’t waste any more time. Go see a specialist.

Physio, Osteo, etc. if your foot hurts, then hop on over to a Podiatrist!

You don’t need a referral for these and they will treat your specific injuries with specific solutions. Don’t wait to see your family Doctor who will just tell you to “ice, rest, and take ibuprofen.” Then end up sending you to the specialist anyway.

🚶KEEP MOVING.
Movement post-injury and swelling is the absolute answer.

Rehabilitation is an active process not passive. Even for your back.

Just ask your new specialist.

Once you are back to moving with minimal pain, the next step is the most important.

💪STRENGTHEN YOUR BODY.

Holy cow that rehab took forever and SUCKED.

Want to avoid REHAB next time, well try PRE-HAB.

It’s where you don’t wait until you are hurt to start exercising, you stay consistent and start working on your body now.

A bump in the road feels a lot better than a slipped disc in your back.

Prepare now so you can avoid setbacks in the future.

Don’t know where to start? Remember that picture from earlier? Keep reading!

I have launched a cool assessment tool and I’m looking for…

10 NEW PEOPLE to come give it a try.

Oh and did I mention this first assessment will be FREE?

If you would like to work on your weaknesses and reduce your susceptibility to injury…

Submit your info using the link below, or just send me a text- 519-429-9035. The location of the assessment for the time being will be in Grimsby!

Let’s book a time next week and create a plan that is right for you!