Rehabilitative Exercise
If you are in a corrective phase of training, you may relate to Zoe. She has lower back problems and is partially paralyzed from the waist down (yes, dogs do have waistlines) due to a traumatic injury when she was a young pup. She has had surgery to prevent the injury from worsening. Essentially, she had lower back impingement that caused a number of slipped discs and dying nerves - she lost a good deal of motor control.
I work with her almost every day, assisting her to perform squats. I pick her up, rest her on her two back feet and push her down and up for 3 sets at 10 reps each. Then I give her a little massage and stretch.
I am amazed how this keeps her well tuned and preserves what she has left. When I miss a few days, she just goes around dragging her back legs. After resuming our sessions, she is back bouncing around.
If squats do this much for Zoe, think of what they can do for you!
By the way, our e-guide, Getting Started with Weight Training is almost here. Stay tuned.
Ciao for now - Janet
posted by Janet Ford at 11:06 AM
6 Comments:
I am looking at weight bearing exercises as a way of getting back some energy - I'm over 60 now, and have been dragging my feet about it, thinking that I'll just grow old "gracefully." Well, the best grace is seen in little Zoe - if she can do it, so can I.
How can a dog have such troubles? I don't believe I could do such a brave job as Zoe.
It is not just Zoe being brave - do you think she's doing those squats on her own? Her owner is brave and knowledgeable - good thing Zoe has a fitness expert as her owner.
I did squats and hurt my hip. Do you think squats are good for women - human or dog?
Janet,
I don't believe dogs have waistlines, at least not the same as a human. I guess they have hips. But what do I know, I only have a cat.
Lucille:
I am sorry you hurt your hip but please do not stop squatting! The squat is an exercise that everyone needs regardless of age. If you cannot squat, you must find out the reason (flexibility issues, joint problems, weak muscles) and fix it.
The squat is one of 10 basic movements the human body is designed to do. It is also necessary for good organ health and digestion.
You squat everyday: getting in & out of chairs = squatting; on & off the toilet = squatting; in & out of your car = squatting. If you can't squat safely, you decrease the quality of your daily life
Unfortunately most people are taught to squat wrong or with too much weight or with machines which are totally useless.
Your squat needs to be three-dimensional with nothing holding you up but you- machines are useless for exercise in general.
Before you squat you need an assessment to make sure you a physcially capable of squatting correctly. The assessment will also identify what you need to fix to be able to squat safely
Please read my other posts on the blog and the articles I have on www.TheFitWoman.com for a better explanation or contact me directly for more information.
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