lose weight fast on bike?

[Catrin]

Resistance training, to me, IS strength training, though this may well be a matter of different definitions.

Proper hydration and getting enough sleep are also very important parts of the puzzle, as well as stress management. Raised cortisol levels from stress works against us in this department. All of our bodies are different and we need to figure out what works for us at this time.

Are you still working with a PT? If so, they should be able to give you an idea what you can do in the area of strength training that won't hurt you at this time. If your PT clears you, and you can afford it, an experienced personal trainer might be very helpful in showing exercises that won't hurt...it needn't be a long-term arrangement.

[OakLeaf]

I'm pretty surprised they recommend crunches with you having a back issue... but your PT should be able to recommend some extremity-strengthening moves you can safely add to your core routine. Are you doing any push-ups now? That's just adding an elbow bend to a good form high plank (which requires good hand and wrist strength all by itself, besides the entire sheath of the core). Step-ups are another one ... core strength to align your pelvis; foot, ankle and hip stabilizer strength to align your knees; then the quads and hammies to lift you up onto the box.

[Swan]

Catrin and OakLeaf.. I was surprised, too, and upset that they made me go through with them (and other exercises) even though the pain from doing them was awful and often immobilizing at times. I have gotten better at doing them, but aren't crunches supposed to be bad for the spine? I have admittedly quit the orthopedist and physical therapists, as they have done nothing to help me and have only extensively hurt me (that is, almost put me back in the hospital), billed me what I believe to be excessive amounts ($120 and not even a proper appointment?!), and came up with six different diagnoses (some ridiculous, like a too-tight hamstring and that "it's all in my head") for my mid-to-lower back problems. I have had it. Whatever is wrong, no one has been able to help with it.

I will try my best to adhere to everyone's advice. I'm motivating myself by promising everyone on FB that I'll owe them $5 if I don't lose 30# by July 4th ; )
I'm a penny pincher, so no way am I gonna lose the bet!

[Catrin]

{{{Swan}}} so sorry that you've been going through all of this!

[Swan]

Have you had an MRI for your back? Docs will come up with a lot of hokey when someone presents with back pain. It's hard for them to dispute MRI results. If you haven't had one, you may need to insist.

I have degenerative disc disease, and had back surgery when I was 30.

Have had 2 MRIs and 2 sets of xrays. Came up with minor scoliosis (5.7doc) and early onset disc degenerative disease. Nothing need worrying about just yet, say the doctors I've been to. It may be my weight, it may be my breasts, or it may be any of the six diagnoses I've been handed, or some combination of all/some of the above.

[OakLeaf]

Ugh Swan, so sorry you're having to go through all this.

Have you seen a McKenzie PT?

[Swan]

Nope! Looks like it's exclusive to the UK? Shame! I've tried just about everything else by now, haven't I.... lol