Podcast: Recovering from back surgery and lifting heavy
In this podcast, the first one ever for the Fat Burning Machine, I discuss the events that lead to my back surgery, what happened during my recovery that changed my life, and how I reacted to what happened. I discuss the importance of proper form when working out. We specifically go over the squat and the deadlift. I hope you enjoy the content. It runs about 11 minutes.
Download | Duration: 00:11:37
Hi Michael,
Have been waiting to hear your podcast and LOVED it. Your voice really showed your love for weightlifting, and made me want to learn how to do both Squats and Deadlifts much better than I do now. Thanx so much for telling us your history...tell us more!
Lynda
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Hey great to put a voice with the face! It's always great to have something new on the blogs! Just catching up after being AWOL for a few days - glad all is well with you and I'll talk to you soon!
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Did anyone ever tell you that you've got a great radio voice? I foresee your podcasts becoming successful. It really was a great listen. Even though I've been doing weight training off and on for almost 8 years now, hearing this has me inspired to reincorporate the barbell squats and deadlifts more heavily into my routine. Being a short guy, I've never had a problem of checking my ego at the door, but I'm really, really going to focus on my form now. I've never gotten to the point where my back was pain free, just got it to a manageable level, but it can be done, so that's what I'm shooting for now!
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Raiden, thanks for the very nice comments. I am glad that the podcast inspired you to bring squats and deadlifts back into your routine. Make sure you focus on the form at first. Who cares if your even lifting just the empty bar? It is the form that counts. I read a story about a Men's Fitness editor who was assigned an article about squats. He had never done them and was afraid of getting hurt, so he really focused on the form. He started out just lifting the empty bar for a long time. Without adding any weight, people were commenting on how much growth he had been getting in his legs! Squats rule and so do deadlifts!
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Michael, that was very good. I liked hearing your voice as well. do you recommend any videos on the web that show the proper form for both of these exercises? Also, would you recommend using a smith machine for barbell squats? and could the same tehniques/results be accomplished with just dumbells?
looking forward to you next podcast!
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Suzette, I recommend staying far away from the Smith Machine. It forces your body to do things in an unnatural manner. It is much better to learn to do barbell squats correctly in a squat rack. Keep the weight down and work on the form. I will look up some of the YouTube videos I've watched on squatting and post them with my next podcast.
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Hey Michael ... thanks for the great audio. Deadlifts is something I have struggled with so you have given me new motivation to go back to them.
Thanks
Rod
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Yay! Michael! I loved this. You do have a really great voice. As soon as I am able, I'm going to start a walking program and then work my way up to weights. That Miracle Seven books sounds great. I can't wait until I'm back in the States. Every time I've tried to get to your blog, my internet is all screwy or I can't type, but today my connection is good and I got to hear this AND I can type. Woo-hoo. You really made my day. It was so great to hear your voice and your story. Great podcast!
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Awesome podcast! I've avoided deadlifts because I'm not really sure of form, so you've inspired me to revisit them. If you can recommend a Youtube video, that would be great. I'm not too clear on what you meant by using the risers.
I've been using the Smith machine for squats but I'll try without.
Can't wait until the next podcast. THanks!
p.s. You do have a great "radio" voice!
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Lilla, when I said risers, this is what I meant. When you take a step class at a gym they have the step platform that looks like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Step-F1010W-Original-Health-Club/dp/B0007OWSXG/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1197060962&sr=8-2
The purple part is the "riser" as I described. The problem with deadlifts is that you have to keep your form correct and with smaller weights, that becomes difficult. Consequently, you just use those risers to lift up the barbell higher.
In addition to my article a few weeks ago about deadlift form, here are som other resources for you:
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/exercises.php?Name=Barbell+Deadlift
Below is from YouTube.com:
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Hi Michael,
I'm a friend of Debbie and Lynda's and found your blog through theirs. I've been reading it for a while and find it very interesting and informative, especially your comments about your back surgery and exercise. I really appreciate the additional information from your podcast. It was well done and informative.
I have problems with back pain, too, though nowhere near as debilitating as yours was. But it was getting worse and worse. I started the BFFM diet about a year ago and lost 30 pounds and started weight training at the same time. Both of those things have been very helpful, but I haven't managed to totally get rid of the pain and was thinking that may-be it wasn't possible. Your experience is very encouraging to me.
I'm doing a weight routine from one of Ian King's books. Squats and deadlifts are coming up and I've been quite concerned about them due to my back issues. Can you tell me the name of the book that you used to get your form down right? Also, do you think that a live person/coach is necessary or that it can be done on your own? Oddly enough, almost no one in my gym does either of those exercises and I haven't been very impressed with the personal trainers that work out of it.
Thanks for your blog. Keep up the good work!
Joanne
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