Strength training help
 

I am trying to get back to using weights. I am previewing a KCM DVD for tomorrow. (cardio pump).
She does lawnmowers without giving any form tips. This move makes me a little nervous for my lower back. Does anyone have any tips or an idea for a sub if that move is not safe for me. Thank you!

I don't have this DVD so bumping.

My low back is very problematic but I am able to do Kelly's lawnmower with modifications. I use a light weight. I don't bend forward too far and I slow the move down to 4 counts up and 4 counts down. I don't do as many reps but it is worth it and my low back can handle that.

Thanks, Sherri and Linda.

I just do regular rows :D. I know it's not creative, but I've never been able to make lawnmowers work for me. Not so much for my lower back, but my upper back. Right under my scapula can be problematic, so when Kelly does the lawnmower move, I just sub in slow, heavy rows instead.

I would be really careful with that move. I was learning a Tai Chi Sword form this winter and there were some twisting moves that really aggravated my back. I had to stop lifting weights and body weight twisting moves for a few months. I wasn't in agony but I knew that no good would come from pushing it.
I recently started lifting and doing the sword form again.

Thank you! I think I will skip the lawnmower move. I am so sorry about your back.

I, too, have a wonky lower back (in addition to a bad knee, bad hip, and bad shoulder!). I can't do the lawnmower move either. Instead, I just kind of slightly bend over a little, and I put my hand/arm on my other leg. Then I just kind of do a row. I also use a much lighter weight than I used to.

Same type of modification for deadlifts. I used to be able to bend all the way over to my shins, but now I just kind of bend over so the weights come just to the tops of my knees and I look forward to the screen (instead of to the floor). Again, I also use a much lighter weight than I used to.

I find that any move that makes me bend over and move a weight makes my lower back twingy, so I really make an effort to not bend too far and not use a weight that is too heavy. I also ice my back after just to fend off any soreness.

Not lawnmowers, but I like to sit on my stability ball or the edge of a chair for any kind of bent over-ish back exercises like rows. It takes pressure off my spine and I can focus on the muscles working.

Good luck!

Sherry, I'd just stick to regular rows.

lreidgreen - Yikes! I'm glad you are doing better.

Due to a back injury, I rarely do any kind of bent over weight work. I use wall anchors and bands and do standing back work. It is still very effective.