[elektikakass]

When I started running, my back would kill me. I knew I had to stretch my legs, but I really had to stretch my back and shoulders, too. Kind of standing with legs apart and reaching left arm to right foot, then right arm to left foot. It helped. Strengthening ab muscles really helps the back, too.

As for how much rest, well, go with how you feel. When I was pregnant, walking helped my back. If it feel like it's getting worse, then I would stop. Try ibuprofen and the warm bath (I'm ignoring your water comment ).

By the way, I like the pic. You remind me of Rober Downy, Jr (I mean that in a good way).

Just think, last week we had to practically shame you into walking, now even a sore back won't stop you

[LSg44PDu]

another good stretch for the lower back is to put your legs shoulder length apart, put your hands on your hip, lean forward till you feel you lower back tighten up (Hold it for 15 secs)..Slowly right yourself, and then push your hips forward till you feel your back tighten up (hold it for 15 secs) then relax..it's like humping the air in super-slow motion...Also you shouldn't feel pain..just tightness...if you feel pain your going to far.

[Hujkmlopes]

Nah, Other then my total lack of good judgement over the last 10 years. My Job has me stapled to my desk. I will try some stretching ... I'm scared.

[dodsCooggipsehome]

Hmmm.. Taking a soak sounds real good. Unfortunately I Let myself go to far and displace all the water.

okay maybe not so funny. But thanks for the advice on stretching...

[Doctorpills]

aaww, now, stretching ain't that bad..

you don't even have to touch your toes or the floor to begin with.

the easiest one is to sit on the floor with your feet in front of you, spread about a foot apart..then curl your back.. not your pelvic,, but you back like a cat.. forward like your reaching for your toes, hold it for a count of five, come up and repeat.(atleast I didn't tell you to wrap your hands around your ankles and roll like a ball. lol)..

You can also get on all fours (hands and knees) and do the cat stretch up.. and then sway back down.. these should help.. other than that,, fill your tub with warm water and epsom salt and take a soak.

[bloriMal]

Who says you're not already 8)

[JesikaFlpk]

I have been walking everyday since Last Wednesday, and I feel real good about it. Sunday Morning, I started a new route that takes me about 1.5 miles. Along this route is a very mean and nasty hill I must climb.

Monday Morning I woke up. Went to the bathroom, bent down to lift up the toilet seat and I tweaked something in my lower back. I still went for my walk that morning. But as the day is progressing my back is bothering me more and more.

Even though I'm around 400 pounds( maybe lower )I haven't had a sore back in many years, so I'm not sure what to do. I figure I tweaked it because that hill made those muscles work, and in the morning they were tight, and I pulled them bending over?

So do I continue to walk and work through it seeing the pain isn't to severe at the moment, or wait until my back feels fine again, no matter how long that takes.?

What ya all think?

[arindiruppya]

Sure enough, as soon as I got home I did a Quick Mile. Oddly enough, I feel much better now. I guess I'll know tomorrow.

I didn't read your advice in time.

Whoo hoo... 2.5 miles all together today.

[HaseBeceDeemy]

Thanks a bunch Patty... Just weight till I'm thinner. I'll be one sexy hunk huh? hahah.. okay enough.

[doctorzlo]

I would give yourself a few days....Also remember to do your stretches, it can be the difference between loose and tight muscles

[casinobonbiner]

you also might want to concider for you job if it applies to get a back brace. It might help your back from tweaking too much. As for the stretches, I stretch for about 15 min and do cardio for another 15. then I run for 30 mins.