back trouble and exercise

Hi all -

I was on the right track to my goal weight when my back decided it'd had enough (slipped disc in the lower back).  This, and other stress, has caused me to get out of my routine and put on 10 of the 36 pounds that I'd lost.  I was on a regular diet(ediets.com) and exercising, but needless to say things have gone south. 

I've been trying to get my eating habits back to normal, but a major problem for me is the exercise.  I can only do low impact work outs so as not to jar and damage my lower back anymore than current.  I can walk, but not with an incline.  I cannot jog or run and lifting weights still isn't an option.  I do some crunches and other back strengthening exercises on a daily basis, but this does not help in the long run.  I was wondering if any of you had ever been in this situation and know of anything I can do to help myself.  While I do enjoy walking, it doesn't seem to be the cardio that I need.  My doctor recommended swimming, but the water and I do not get along well.

Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.   Thank you!

I have the Walk Away The Pounds videos. They are great cardio. Maybe you could do those videos. It isn't on an incline and you get a great workout.

try walking on a tread mill, if you dont have access to one, the next best thing in your situation would be an olympic track, its level, made of soft cork, and your not venturing too far off from your vehicle in a nearby parking lot (just incase something happened).

My back hurt for a long time, but from miss aligned muscles and I have found that pilated workouts have really helped. I like a mix of cardio and a little mat work. Its low impact and really great for strengthening muscles. I used the Crunch Fat-burning pilates with Ellen Barrett dvd and that worked really well for me.

Hope you feel better!

I am in the exact same situation...I was a runner for years and years, until I hurt my back. I was lost, got depressed, and gained weight while I tried to find a new direction as well. Walking feels too much like a day off, I need serious cardio to be satisfied. You sound like you're the same way.

I eventually joined a gym. The elliptical has been my savior. You can work out as vigorously as you can running on a treadmill, but with zero impact, and you can mix up the programs and the intensity without adding stress to your back.

Bicycling is great, and for a really hardcore workout, spinning is easy on the back but still incinerates calories!

From your on site trainer....me....

even after slipped disc injuries, it is EXTREMELY important for you to strengthen your lower back muscles. if they burn during the workout that is OK! lower back muscles are just like any other muscle, they can build up lactic acid and burn when pushed hard. try total core exercises such as planks or superwomans.

...and also the abdominals as they help balance and support the lower back as well!   :)