Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 382, Messages: 54581

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

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Running and low back

2003/07/21, 12:11 PM
Since I've gotten back into heavy lifting again the past few months, I've been having nagging problems with lower back tightness while running. When running distance, I sometimes have to stop every 1/2 mile to stretch....it's even worse when I sprint. I'm very flexible and always stretch properly, so it's hard for me to understand why I have these problems. Should I stretch longer beforehand and more on off days? Any advice?

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OSU Law Rugby....specializing in personal injury and pain & suffering.
ACT3
ACT3
Posts: 44
Joined: 2003/04/07
United States
2003/07/21, 02:59 PM
Mzakal:

I had this same problem for a long time, and occasionally still do. One day I started running a little differently, and have not experienced nearly the same tightness as before.

All I did was change my form. Arch you lower back a little more, stick out your chest, and keep your head back. Run smoothly, with long strides...heal-toe.

This is just what worked for me, I hope it works for you.

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If you work them, they will grow...
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Al
effalunt
effalunt
Posts: 333
Joined: 2002/10/17
Canada
2003/07/21, 03:38 PM
Runners often have very tight, strong hip flexors, part of which attach to the lower vertebrae. This can put stress on the lower back and cause pain. Can you strengthen your hamstrings to even it out a little? Go see someone who can analyze your posture and give you specific exercises.

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Think you can or think you can't; either way you're right--Goethe
INTRUDER
INTRUDER
Posts: 642
Joined: 2002/06/27
United States
2003/07/22, 04:01 PM
Try doing alot of fish stretch's before you go to bed and when you get up.



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"Get everthing you want--just make a little change now"