A few weeks ago, I was relearning how to deadlift and squat. I ended up hurting my back and causing my old sciatic nerve issue to rise again. It had been years since I had any lower back or sciatic nerve pain and, as for squats and deadlifts, it had been since I was a teenager (and a lot lighter in weight) that I had done anything looking remotely like traditional squats or deadlifts. As my life changed and I got older, I gained an enormous amount of weight which caused me to lose a lot of mobility and flexibility. I hated it because my size hindered everything I did.
Life In Transition
During those years, the simple things in life that most people take for granted like walking, running, bending over, shopping, cooking; heck, even making love became difficult and a big undertaking. I was always out of energy, weak, and not living but surviving. I no longer wanted to live like that and after my heartbreak in 2011 (losing everything I once cared about) I surrendered to God (January 2012) and allowed Him to bring about change, transformation, and restoration in me. I have been through a lot and have dealt with all types of issues and problems that I didn’t know I had. God changed the way I see myself and I had life purpose again. I wanted to not only see my life changed but to see others changed and transformed as well. Thus, began my journey to life and health and losing 255 lbs naturally. I used no fad or gimmick diets. Only eating right, living right, working out hard, and serving God. Nothing more, nothing less.
Basic Tips
Some of these tips are no brainers; they're common sense, but you would not believe the amount of times we tend to forget the basics. I know I’ve been guilty of it. I am in no way an excerpt or have a medical degree; however, I have experience and not just head knowledge. I have first hand account experience which trumps any head knowledge that is only learned in a textbook. I don’t have theories. I have “in the trench, crucible of life, knowledge and experience” to offer you.
- See your doctor as necessary.
- Ice: ice pack, frozen veggies in a ziplock bag. Remember ice helps to reduce the swelling.
- Heat: heating pad, Blue-goo medicated soreness cream, etc. Heat loosens up the muscle to reduce recovery time.
- Medicine (over the counter or prescription)
- Rest (bed rest). Make sure your bed is not the issue. Replace mattress pad if you have a dip in your mattress or sleep is uncomfortable. I know for myself, I didn’t have the money for a NEW bed. I bought a 3” memory foam topper and placed a cut ½” piece of plywood under the mattress to add the stiffness that was needed.
- Stretch (hamstrings). People don’t stretch their hamstrings enough. The hamstrings are tied into your glute and spinal erectors. The posterieure chain is connected.
- Light workout (ex: If your quads are sore for days, try a light weight leg-extension machine to push new blood, nutrients, and oxygen into the muscle. Sometimes this will lose up the muscle and help it recover faster.
Until next time grab a FREE Refill of the King's Brew @ the Soul Cafe.
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