From the category archives:

injury

Check this out. I talked to my friend the chiropractor Markus Schuster next door. As a personal trainer I  have been working with him and some of his clients for the past year and have to say we had some awesome results.

The reason I am posting this today is that I had a whole bunch of “desk warriors” and ”travel champions” come in lately with severe neck issues that were relentless. As much as I would like to think that I can fix it all, it is sadly not true. Markus has done an incredible job at helping some of my clients.

This video is just an introduction and depending on the feedback we will add a mini series every two weeks or so dealing with specific issues and how YOU can deal with it to avoid getting bigger problems.

If you need to contact Markus for help you can get in touch with him here

4832 Park Road, Suite J,
Charlotte, NC 28209
drs@schusterchiropractic.org

In my experience as a personal trainer over the last 12 years  I have seen quite a lot of BS and one of it is that something has to hurt before it gets stronger. The best example was this dude how was doing biceps curls with a barbell. His form was beyond horrible besides the fact that the barbell is not made for curls. The back arched with each repetition as he jerked up the weight. He confirmed that he had back pain and I suggested some modifications. He just shook his head and said he needed it. Hearing that I just shook mine and walked away. You can only lead a horse to water but not make it drink.

Here are some simple rules of avoiding injury while training:

  1. make sure your gym maintains the equipment properly. Slipping belts on treadmills, broken cables, loose DB weights are an indicator of bed maintenance.
  2. Warm up, it does only take a couple of min. Do a warm up set before lifting if you have the time. It will prepare you better and get you in the right frame of mind.
  3. Thinking that more is better, think again. Going really hard in one training and then not being able to go again for a week is not the optimum.
  4. If you just started out, don’t go all out, and for your own sake don’t copy the meatheads at the gym or your fitness magazine, it is a recipy for disaster.
  5. Free weights are fantastic tool but only use them if you know the proper form. Ask your personal trainer or strength coach for help
  6. Help others, receive help. If you know that an exercise is pushing you to the max, get someone to spot you. It will keep you safe.
  7. Are you just working on your thighs and butt or just your chest and upper body? Newsflash, no one likes a toned butt and flabby arms or a toned chest and upper body and legs that you can sue for lack of support. Balance is the key. A body that is not trained balanced will lead to injury.
  8. A good personal trainer can really help you with your form. Even if you don’t want to train with a trainer or can afford one for longer. Take the time to ask them about form. It will really help you.

Alright guys,

have a great workout.

Michael

Feel the burn!

January 22, 2010

but not the pain….something that a lot of athletes follow. I catch myself sometimes pushing through pain and with pain I am not referring to burning muscles but rather the pain of injury. I am a trainer, not a saint. I know what to do right, but sure enough my own insecurities sometimes keep me [...]

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