Stretching Out a Back Injury

It feels like spring is finally here in NJ and I am beyond excited!

I was unfortunately out of commission last week due to a back injury. I wasn't able to workout last Saturday or Sunday (3/29 & 3/30) just because I was busy with different engagements. I was showering before work Monday morning when I was suddenly overcome with intense pain in my lower back! I felt nauseous, couldn't breathe well, and had a constant sharp pain in my lower right back. I went to see my chiropractor twice over the week and went to my internal doctor just to make sure it was nothing with my kidneys, appendix, or anything like that. I was diagnosed with a lumbago sprain, which can last up to 6 weeks! Fortunately I started feeling a whole lot better Friday afternoon and was even able to go for a jog and attend some gym classes this week.

I have always known that I neglect stretching, especially when it comes to my back. After this injury, I will definitely be making stretching post workout a priority. Stretching your back and legs are crucial, even when you aren't active, and many injuries are caused due to lack of stretching or stretching improperly. Here are some stretches that are great for your back and legs and will help prevent injury:

Back Stretches

https://www.athletico.com/2012/03/28/stretches-to-minimize-back-pain/

[Prone Press-Up, almost like cobra, is my favorite for a lower back stretch. If you have lower back pain or you have a chronic tight lower back, use this exercise daily] 

Leg Stretches

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1565&page=3

[When you have a back injury, your hamstrings are also directly affected and become tight. Make sure you pay more attention to stretching your hammy's during and after sustaining any back pain] 

* Neglecting your body only makes your fitness journey more difficult! *

Onto The Next One

Five weeks later and I have completed the Alpha side of Focus T25!! [I'm doing a happy dance right now]

My results have been continually improving and I am excited to see what Beta brings to the table! Like I said in the last post, I have finally started to see results rather than just feel them! I took another progress picture to record the 5 week mark: 

A bit more in-depth information about my results thus far: 

• I weighed myself last Tuesday, and my weight has not changed 
• Chest muscles and shoulder are a lot stronger 
• Abs are noticeably more defined
• Triceps are more defined 
• Glutes are bigger and stronger

And a little bit more about how I have improved over the 5 weeks: 

• Increased number of pushups by vast amount and can do them all on my toes (Total Body Circuit has a ton of pushups)
• Stamina has increased 
• Able to do more reps of the higher intensity moves 
• Arches and calves don't tighten up like they originally were 

I took a 'before' picture when I first started but unfortunately I only took one of the front of me not even thinking my back, hammys, and butt would change significantly. When I am completely done with T25 I will post my 'before' picture along with my final 'after' picture. I will also dig through and try to find a decent photo of the back of me to show those results as well. 

I'll be starting the Beta portion of the program today!