Gym gives me bad back!

[cakedup]

Have recently started going to the gym again and have encountered the same problem as always - I get lower back pains as a result.

I used to go to Pilates classes so know all about pelvic floor, core etc and incorporate some pilates in my warm up/cool down. But still end up with a bad back.

At the gym I use the treadmill for about 15 - 20 minutes and sandwiched in between using resistance machines (arms and legs). I suspect it's the leg resistance machines that are the problem even though I do engage my core and pelvic floor when using these machines.

Has anyone else experienced this and any ideas that could help? I don't want to stop going to the gym!!

Swimming? It would support your body.

Try using free weights / bodyweight exercises instead of the machines?

www.nerdfitness.com/blog/rage-against-the-machine-how-to-switch-from-exercise-machines-to-free-weights/

Have you any DC? When I tried to get back in shape after DS (now 4) I kept having lower back issues.

Found out that I have Diastasis Recti (where your tummy muscles separate for the baby to grow but don't go back together afterwards - basically my core couldn't support me so every time I tried to exercise it put strain on my back.

I went though a boot camp programme and healed it (still have slight separation, but far less deep and wide than in was), and have learned how to exercise to protect myself now (once you've had it it can open up again if you're not careful).

Can't do links on my phone but I'd highly recommend Olivia Cagle (should be able to google her). She's not for everyone (Very enthusiastically American in her approach!), but it worked amazingly for me! Best money I ever spent on the boot camp, and I now pay monthly for diastasis safe workouts.

Hellywelly10 ugh I hate swimming! Also I live a 20 second walk away from a gym (with no pool).

ItsAllGoingToBeFine I have considered this...not sure if it would work out better for my back or not. I am a little bit reluctant as I'm quite intimidated by them (and all the massive muscle grunters that use them). I think I'd need some training to show me how.

oreosoreosoreos I do have dc but to be honest I've had back problems even before that. However, I did get to a point (due to Pilates I think) where I would no longer have back problems. Only when I get back into the gym! I have had a look at Olivia Cagle...looks good but bet she's expensive? I'm on a very tight budget (gym is only £20 pm).

If you have the money I'd recommend booking a PT session for them to check your form, it sounds to me like you might not be using them quite right

yes, check with an instructor that you are using the mashines right.

does the gym have rowing mashines? they are good for core but need to be used properly to keep good posture.

I would skip treadmill and use rower or bike instead

BurpeesAreTheWorkOfTheDevil I can't afford one at the moment but I did get a trainer as part of the introductory package when I first joined the gym who taught me how to use the machines. I think I am using them correctly - pilates has taught me a lot about body positioning. However, I do see the trainers sometimes milling about so might just ask them to check on me - good idea.

And I agree - burpees really are the work of the devil. I remember attempting them several years ago. Never again. What a horrible exercise.

I'm not sure what I paid for the boot camp - maybe $50 as it was on a Black Friday deal?

I pay $10 a month for the ongoing workouts, but I think it might have gone up now for new members?

She does have some free content on her site though, and if you follow her on FB/Instagram there are free challenges sometimes there to. She does do consultations - not sure if she might do one free before you join?