back pain

There are many changes that come from exercise - increases in strength, stamina, body leanness, speed, and flexibility – that can be measured. Changes that cannot be accurately measured include the decreased likelihood of injury and the attendant pain and how well you feel. The right exercise can result in an increase in one’s quality of life. In some cases it can be dramatically life changing. As trainers this is the most rewarding result we experience with clients.

One client: “ A year ago at this time I was experiencing frequent bouts of aches and pains in my neck, shoulders, and back. I figured it was just part of growing older. Since I started strength training last January, these problems have gone away. Amazing!”

“ A year ago at this time I was experiencing frequent bouts of aches and pains in my neck, shoulders, and back. I figured it was just part of growing older. Since I started strength training last January, these problems have gone away. Amazing!”

This was the experience of Bill Milliken who trains with Timothy, one of our Austin Personal trainers. Carole had a similar experience: “I woke up every day with back pain. Going up and down stairs was painful for me knees. I am now pain-free”.

We lose flexibility in our backs as we age. To avoid injury to our backs we become increasingly less inclined to go to the fully contracted or stretched position position. It's a classic case of if-you-don’t-use-it you-lose-it; we lose considerable strength in the fully flexed and extended positions.

In a 16 week study using two different modalities to ease back pain one group performed aerobic training such as walking on a treadmill, jogging, and using an elliptical machine and another group exercised used barbells, dumbbells, and other load-bearing exercise equipment. The aerobic group experienced a 12 percent decrease in back pain, while the weight training group experienced a 60 percent decrease in back pain.

Arthur Jones the founder of Nautilus and MedX is said to have spent 100 million dollars on the development of the MedX lumbar machine. Arthur, given to hyperbole, also said that if everything in his life up to that point were bad and evil this exercise machine more than made up for it. Studies report amazing results, client have benefited and as one who has suffered serious back injuries I can attest to the positive results.

The MedX lumbar has features no other equipment offers. Some of the advantages:

Several years ago I suffered intermittent back pain for the better part of three years. I tried everything to get rid of my back pain – stretching, massage, bed rest, exercise, no exercise, a new bed, pain killers, and anti-inflammatory medications. Finally a doctor told me that if it got worse that I should consider surgery.

Number seven in a series about what clients have to say about their workouts.

“A radical transformation”, those were the words Carole used to describe the physical changes she has experienced since she started training at Kelly’s Austin Personal Training 2 ½ years ago.

From this Science News article, Exercise Underutilized For Chronic Back And Neck Pain:

From this Science News article Use Weights, Not Aerobics, To Ease Back Pain, Study Suggests:

“People who use weight training to ease their lower back pain are better off than those who choose other forms of exercise such as jogging”

From this study Schmitt H, Friebe C, Schneider S, and Sabo D International Journal Sports Med. 2005 Jul; 26 (6): 457-63 Comes this result