Hey guys, whats up?

So the past few weeks my lumbar has been sore, sometimes even hurts and i've lost alot of flexability. i think this is do to my spine compressing when i started doing squats and calfs on the machines. i dont think its impropper technique because i do hardly any free-weight lifting.

it might be compounded by the fact that i naturaly sleep on my stomach but i've been trying to sleep in the fetal possition more.

i do a fair amount of ab strength training but it doesnt seem to be helping that much

is there anything i can do to get rid of the soreness and improve my flexability?

thanks

How are you doing the squat? Are you wearing a belt?

Best way to practice squat is to use a bench. No weights, just the bar. Before you drop down, fix your eyes on something, like the edge of the ceiling. Keep your feet shoulder width apart, then squat down, still fixing your eyes on the ceiling edge, then when you feel the bench, go back up still fixing your eyes.

If you are doing that, then great. Even a little weight, as you described, can cause the pain you are describing. I recommend looking at how you are doing the squat, and see if it's correctly done.

Also, it could be that you are over working yourself. Are you resting your body at least for a day before weight lifting again? I recommend having a fixed schedule where you have some days off, and some days on. That way you can rest your body a little and prevent injury. On off days, just work on cardio, and on days, work your body first, then do a little bit of cardio.

Oh, and are you using that squat machine? Or the actual rack for squat? If you are using a machine, I don't recommend doing that. Those machines can be oddly shaped for some people, and can cause the pain you are describing. Always use the bar for squat, that way your body can be free from any restriction caused by the machine.

even the smith machine? (i think thats what its called)
Thanks

Well best way to check is if the motion feels natural. If you are using a machine and it restricts your movement such that it doesn't feel natural, then it's probably going to hurt you when you use it often.

ok ya...i dont use a belt and i usually workout from monday to friday...i might skip a day but for the most part the intervals are close...i use these which might be the culprits


this machine pivots from a single point...feels pretty natural to me...i stand with my back supported by the pad

this one however compresses my spine the most i would think...its 100% vertical pressure on the spine


haha..it came to me that iv'e been running more on the treadmills as opposed to the eliptical...but with flatbottom crappy skate shoes...i bet thats an issue too

The gym I use has both of those in it. I have seen many people mention back pain after using the top one, even with good form.

I think you should try using the rack for a couple of days. You might feel better afterwards.