Warming up for gym

[everythingisgoingup]

Hi everyone

I am in my fifties and started at the gym back in the summer, five to ten minutes on bike, lifting (small) weights and 5-10 minutes on rower. Usually about 30 mins three times per week.

I also do yoga once per week, however I am finding that my back and shoulders are becoming stiff since starting the gym.

Those of you who are gym users, any suggestions? I want to keep going but do not want to harm myself.

Thanks for reading 😊

I'm also in my early fifties and go to the gym 4-5 times a week. I've been going for years and don't have aching anything apart from
DOM's. If what you're describing isn't DOM's then it may be you're not doing the weights correctly. Sometimes, for example, if your weights are too heavy another part of your body may try to take part of the strain to take the weight off the part of your body you are trying to train (if that makes sense!)
For this reason I have a personal trainer once a week to keep me on track, teach me new things, and to make sure I have correct form. Perhaps it may be worth investing in one even for just a couple of times so he can look and make sure you're doing exercises correctly.
Well done for getting in the gym and please try to sort it because the benefits are amazing 😁

Thanks comfyslippets what are DOMs?

Rowing is often associated with pain in the lower back. (e.g. Guide for managing low back pain in rowers - World Rowing). So perhaps stop the rowing aspect for a while and see if that helps

(DOMS - delayed onset muscle soreness, the after effects of working out, feeling sore the next day)

Are you stretching before and after your session?

If not try it. 10mins stretching (before or after cardio) and 10mins at the end after your cardio.

I do stretches like:
Neck flexion (forward and rear)
Shoulder rolls
Eagle arms
Cow face arms
Shoulder flossing with yoga strap
Seated half twists
Thread the needle
Camel pose
Lying knee rolls over twists
Cobra
Locust
Forward fold
Chair pose
Standing figure of four
Goddess pose

Basically design a little glow to support what I' doing that day (eg on chest day there will be more chest opening stuff etc).

Honestly it works.

Thank you wise mumsnetters, so many suggestions.

I have had a couple of rest days and feel less stiff today. I am going to revisit tomorrow and try some suggestions, thanks 🙏