Everyone that lifts weights has a relative that says “be careful lifting those heavy weights, you’re going to hurt your back.”
When it never happens and you’re enjoying the benefits of being strong and resilient, you don’t care or listen.
But when you do hurt your back, you feel different.
“Maybe they’re right.”
“I’m too old to be doing this.”
“The risk to reward just isn’t there.”
“If I wasn’t so dumb, I wouldn’t be hurt.”
This is a NORMAL response. But it doesn’t mean it’s logical.
Truth is that lifting heavy weights comes with a small but real risk.
And so instead of trying to avoid getting hurt by not lifting, reframe it:
1. The risks outweigh the reward
2. Getting injured is a normal part of life
3. Working through a flare-up is a skill
When I have a flare up, this is what I focus on:
1. Getting back to general activity ASAP (walking, working other body parts)
2. Getting back to the specific aggravating activity, even if it means an empty bar
3. Recognizing unhelpful narratives and working with them.
4. Seeing it as an opportunity to learn and grow by asking what could be done differently next time.
As I’ve gone through this process with everything from minor to significant flares, I’ve been able to:
1. Reduce the time of the flare up
2. Improve my mental resilience
3. Identify trends in my training and recovery
So don’t worry about that auntie that doesn’t lift. She will injure her back getting out of bed one day because she’s underprepared.
#personaltrainer #physicaltherapist #deadlift
source
Turns out that self care and rest isnt the way to handle flare ups. Explains the horrible suffering and fragility ive been experiencing.