Similar to what you mention in the "dangerous
exercises" re. the stiff
legged deadlift, I also benefited greatly.
I do a lot of cycling including uphill, plus some weight training
and after some years developed a sporadic pain in my hip that
seemed to indicate SCIATICA. I went to various sports medicine
clinics in the SF Bay Area to no avail and had resigned myself
to this being a chronic condition.
Then I read some of the HARDGAINER literature which recommends,
in addition to the squat, stiff legged deadlifts. Tried them
and found to my surprise that my "intermittent sciatic pain"
disappeared, plus I developed a strong lower back. I think the
hip and hamstring stretch from this lift is what cause the pain
to go away.
I've gotten used to criticism especially from people trained
in Exercise Physiology. For example, personal trainers at the
gym have pointed me out to other customers as an example of "dangerous
exercise technique" saying that locking the knees during
the deadlift is "terrible for the lower back" and will
inevitably lead to a "bad back".
After many years of doing this, the only time I've ever had
any problem is if I artificially hold in my abdomen while doing
the lift.
Regards, Thomas
I am wondering who i should listen to when asking questions
so who here has actual credentials or certifications? -Ryan
The best person to listen to is you. Only you know how you
are responding to training and diet, etc. As far as advice goes
- anyone who has trained for 5, 10, 20 years and has lived to
tell about, is more qualified than anyone with letters behind
their name. Frankly - people who have failed and then learned
from it or injured themselves and worked through it, is far more
equipped to train the rest of us. My experience has been that
certified trainers would rather tell which movements to avoid,
rather than teach you how to do them effectively and safely -
what kind of advice is that? There are some very wise people,
experienced people here that have not led me astray. Don't worry
about cerfications/credentials. Anyone can pass a test or written
exam. Remember there have been many "engineers" who
have built bridges that collapse.... Regards, Uncertified and
making consistent gains. - Bill
Well Bill, for the most part I agree with you completely.
Unfortunately, in some cases I do not think anyone can pass a
test, so I do not think that credentials should be devalued but
looked at as another part of the puzzle. I am currently a PhD
student in physics at UC Davis and one of my professors told
me a story about how he used to think that everyone could get
a PhD if they wanted. Recently though, he encountered a student
he said was incapable of doing independent research and just
could not think for himself. In these cases I would say that
he just was not meant to have a PhD and nothing in the world
would give him the ability to get one. Finally, the student realized
this and dropped out. Again, this is perhaps a rare case, but
I do think that degrees should be taken for granted but viewed
as part of the puzzle. -Ryan
Ryan, In my rushed, round-about response, i was basically
trying to say what you are saying. I am in the engineering field
myself, and have met some so-called engineers who match the profile
you describe as the drop out in your example - they understand
basically everything that is explained to them - but can not
USE the knowledge or apply it in the "real world".
My fear/concer in limiting yourself to taking advice from only
people who have designations is that you fall into that trap.
In a recent thread, you engaged in a debate about round-back
lifting. this is a perfect example of that kind of (less-than-accurate)
advice. I believe (much like you) that the human body can adapt
to pretty much anything via a controlled, logical, rational and
gradual process. (Evidence - evolution). I for example owe round
back lifting (atlas stones, to be precise) credit for correcting
a severe back injury suffered in a car accident. Most "certified
trainers" however will adamantly insist that you refrain
from that kind of lifting. In my case, following a professional's
advice brought me only part way to resolution. It was the advice
of an experienced lifter (who lifts for the joy of lifting, with
no designation, but heaps of experience) recommended i "play
with his atlas stones" to ensure i was working my back from
all possible angles and positions that solved my problem. My
back is much stronger and healthier today than it was before
the accident. I owe this to experience over theory. For me, its
a simple matter of "In God we trust - everyone else bring
data". Theory is great - evidence is better. -Bill