Exercising without aggravating injuries

I have gained a lot of weight due to bulging discs in my back.  If you can relate, holla! LOL  Anyway, it is absolutely frustrating trying to find a workout routine or even alternatives (because you need to mix up your routine) to get this fat off!  I am limited to the elliptical machine and the bike.  I really love to run, jump rope and play sports, but those aggravate my back so much that afterwards, I'm couch bound for 2-3 days to recover.  On top of that, I have toxicating anti-inflammatories I have to take, the occasional steroid shot when I have a bad flare up; all of which cause weight gain and pollute your system. 

Injured folks seemed doomed to a life of obesity, or being overweight because of injuries that prevent us from exercising enough to fight the fat. In my case, lowering my calorie intake has never been enough.  I've always had to move the caboose to let the fat loose. 

So, if you can relate to this problem, what solutions have you found to counter the injury/weight gain issue?  I am desperate for different routines or recipes. (I've recently become a vegetarian as well) Also, I am about to have surgery on both shoulders, alternatively of course, but that is going to seriously hamper my exercise schedule.  Any advice is appreciate, or if you're just as frustrated as I am, go ahead and discuss/vent/rant! :)

Well, I have bulging discs in my back, and if they are not bothering me I don't let them slow me down too much. 

I lift heavy weights, jog on my treadmill, and use my Wii to get in aerobic workouts. 

Lifting weights actually seems to have helped my back.  I don't lift if my back is bothering me, but otherwise I go in there and give it my all. 

Actually, most of my back problems recently have been due to sleeping in a bad position (falling asleep on the couch), or taking my grandkids to the water park and trying to go on the slides with them. 

I also had shoulder surgery a couple of years ago (rotator cuff) and it really did slow me down for a while.  I couldn't even jog on the treadmill for 3 months.  The Physical therapy afterwards was part of what got me interested in lifting weights. 

You really have to watch your diet, and I can say that losing weight helps with all of the back problems. 

Like karozel, I've seen a lot of improvement with my back due to lifting heavy. But my back problems are not at all as bad as what you describe.

Is it possible to meet with a physical therapist, and see if they can develop a workout routine that allows you to be as active as possible, without making your injuries worse?

I have a bulged disc, too, but it only bothers me once in awhile (hurt like hell when I initially injured it, though).

Your first priority, I think, should be core strength.  If you can strengthen your core, it will help to support your back, and then you will be able to do other exercises more vigorously without aggravating your discs.  So, you need a core routine that you can do, and progressively move up to one that provides more stress.  I don't have anything specific to recommend, as you are probably not able to do even the minimal routine that I do, as it sounds like you are still a little too fragile.  At least you have an idea where to start.

Chris

All good advice.. .thank you.  (I really hate going to my physical therapist because being in the military there are a lot of soldiers in there who are missing limbs or have wounds much worse than mine ..I feel like I'm taking away from someone's time who needs it more than me.  I can just as easily google core exercises as well anyway. 

If I run more than twice a week, something pops out of place in my L4/L5 which induces spasms, and I literally can't walk... I go down!  I've been to the doctor and chiropractor, but they only prescribe temp fixes and won't do anything until it literally herniates.  Grrr.. I really hate having spasms so I really have to be careful what I do. 

Just wanted to add that weight loss is 80% diet... You might want to focus more on what you're consuming until you are able to exercise more without pain. Cor strengthening exercises are great, and you should absolutely focus on that to help improve your back issues, but this is not going to help with the weight gain issue.

Original Post by gddrdld:

Just wanted to add that weight loss is 80% diet... You might want to focus more on what you're consuming until you are able to exercise more without pain. Cor strengthening exercises are great, and you should absolutely focus on that to help improve your back issues, but this is not going to help with the weight gain issue.

 80%?  Sure feels like its the other way around.

Original Post by gddrdld:

Just wanted to add that weight loss is 80% diet... You might want to focus more on what you're consuming until you are able to exercise more without pain. Cor strengthening exercises are great, and you should absolutely focus on that to help improve your back issues, but this is not going to help with the weight gain issue.

Whoops...double post...slow computer. ><