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Content wish list

What kind of content would members be interested in for this section of the forum ?


Re: Content wish list

Reply #1
Isometrics and their benefits, and especially good form.  I am reticent to do weight lifting because I am worried I won't remember to do the movements correctly and could cause more harm than good. 

Re: Content wish list

Reply #2
Isometrics and their benefits, and especially good form.  I am reticent to do weight lifting because I am worried I won't remember to do the movements correctly and could cause more harm than good. 
Isometrics can be helpful when you're just starting to learn what the contraction of a certain neglected muscle group feels like, when rehabbing a structure that isn't stable enough to deal with changing loads yet, or when you're on a plane, you neeeeed to activate your muscles, and you really don't have space to move. Other than that I can't think of a situation where isometric contractions come anywhere near the benefits of full range of motion. I'd be happy to be shown differently though.

Re: Content wish list

Reply #3
Ok, I thought that is where you start if you only know how to do weight lifting where you lift your own weight.  I am really freaked out by the idea of weight lifting.  I probably should stick to yoga!

Re: Content wish list

Reply #4
Ok, I thought that is where you start if you only know how to do weight lifting where you lift your own weight.  I am really freaked out by the idea of weight lifting.  I probably should stick to yoga!
Ah, training with your own bodyweight would be calisthenics. Isometric training is when you load a muscle without lengthening or shortening it. Like stand next to a wall and push against it without otherwise moving. Most things we call yoga use calisthenics.  Nothing wrong with that but generally more difficult than weight lifting gym style, with machines that guide your movement to an extent. Free weights and calisthenics are equally challenging from a coordination standpoint,  if you ask me.

Re: Content wish list

Reply #5
Ok, sorry I don't follow this stuff well.  Maybe some day I will join a gym where they show you how to use those scary looking weight lifting machines!  I've had years of coaching on yoga, so trust myself not to injure anything. 

Re: Content wish list

Reply #6
I am interested in building my strength & increasing my muscle but am restricted to not lifting anything more than 5 kg (Cardio's orders, due to an enlarged ascending Aorta). I have a pair of 2 kg weights & many years ago did some exercises, which I will fish out & have another look at when I am able to walk & stand properly.
Like M, I have trouble understanding the terminology of the different exercises. When you don't have any training in the field it seems like a foreign language.
Maybe strength training with health conditions or restricted movement.

Re: Content wish list

Reply #7
I see Tru started a terminology thread. Thank you, Tru!
Training with health conditions is a tricky subject to tackle online. When you don't know the person and ALL their medical issues well-meant advice can end up making things worse and I'm not sure of the legal implications if they do.
Your 5 kg weight lifting limit for example: any time you lift a leg that's more than 5 kg. So is it meant to be body weight plus 5 kg? Surely he doesn't want you doing pull-ups! But you're allowed to lift your body weight when getting up from your chair. Maybe he means a 5 kg additional lifting limit for your arms? Then is it 5 kg for each arm or total? I have ideas about what he means and I'm sure you understand perfectly fine but as soon as we have people reading along who may not and they still follow the same advice - even to the letter! - things could go very wrong.

Re: Content wish list

Reply #8
I see Tru started a terminology thread. Thank you, Tru!
Training with health conditions is a tricky subject to tackle online. When you don't know the person and ALL their medical issues well-meant advice can end up making things worse and I'm not sure of the legal implications if they do.
Your 5 kg weight lifting limit for example: any time you lift a leg that's more than 5 kg. So is it meant to be body weight plus 5 kg? Surely he doesn't want you doing pull-ups! But you're allowed to lift your body weight when getting up from your chair. Maybe he means a 5 kg additional lifting limit for your arms? Then is it 5 kg for each arm or total? I have ideas about what he means and I'm sure you understand perfectly fine but as soon as we have people reading along who may not and they still follow the same advice - even to the letter! - things could go very wrong.

It is a challenge balancing general advice, even the best advice can do harm in the wrong situation. I don't coach online because of the chances of something going wrong and an inability to correct problems immediately
.
In cates case, a visit with an exercise physiologist would be the best idea, they are the bridge between medical specialists like cardiologist and other fitness professionals. There is a lot of crossover between my degree and the exercise physiology degree, I opted to follow the high performance path rather than clinical. In Australia you can get 5 subsidised family care visits to an allied health professional each year, this can be visits to an exercise physiologist. in my case I am seeing a physiotherapist as my issues revolve around musculoskeletal problems from old injuries where as an exercise physiologist will work with patients with heart conditions etc.

Re: Content wish list

Reply #9
I think I just said what my cardio told me as an example & I would not expect to get personalised instructions here when I can go see an exercise physiologist as part of my health plan. My cardio demonstrated what he meant & what he meant was not lifting something that weighed any more than 5 kg upwards in front of me as my aneurysm could burst. It was good that he told me that & I am much more careful about what I lift & how I lift.
I liked being asked by Tru what sort of topics we are interested in seeing in this section. I don't usually ask questions about weight-lifting or strength training as I don't want to appear totally ignorant about it all. I have gone through my life so far without going to a gym so have no idea about terminology & stay schtum from fear of looking like an idiot.
When I saw the EP as part of the health plan I showed off. He was cute, he was from Brazil & instead of getting real help, which I need, I pretended I didn't really need it. You two know me better. I could see who is available & see if he has moved on, but that could be fairly embarrassing. I might do it anyway. I don't think anyone likes admitting that they need help but I do.

Re: Content wish list

Reply #10
I didn't mean to make it sound like you didn't understand your doctor's instructions Cate, and I'm sorry for that. I wanted to use it as an example for how people are just reading along here could misunderstand because they lack the context you have.

 

Re: Content wish list

Reply #11
Thanks for that, Llama. I think we have a different attitude in Australia towards lots of things & I was just trying to kick-start some ideas for Tru as she is so keen to share her knowledge, as I know you are too. We have some great places to start. Hopefully I'll get to see an EP who isn't so cute!