Clean and Jerk and others.

[RasPlasch]

About a year ago I got a stress fracture on a vertabrae in my spine from playing baseball. Would exercises like clean and jerk, deadlift and other of those types of workouts put me at risk of refracturing my vertabrae? Should I stay clear of these lifts? What do you think would be best for me?

 

[Double D]

At 16 years of age I wouldnt think you would be advanced enough to do those exercises in the first place. I would see a trainer in the first of all. Your back is nothing to mess with. While a trainer cannot determine a problem he can help you put together a good workout that will steer away from another injury. Just let him know what your problem is and go from there.

 

[Spud]

I am scared of doing the Olympic lifts and will refuse to do them until properly trained by someone qualified. Deadlifts, however, are not as dangerous as some people make them out to be. Start with a VERY VERY low weight. I started using just the bar until I got the form down. With such a light load, it is safe for you to twist your neck to look at the mirror to see if your back is flat and your form correct.

Just remember, practice, practice, practice until your form is correct. Then slowly move up in weight while maintaining form. You'll eventually reach a decent weight to train at, and you'll be doing it safely too.

 

[Double D]

Deadlifts are very dangerous with someone who doesnt know how to do them. On top of that its a guy with back problems already.

 

[Spud]

Thats only if he is cocky and goes for a heavy ass weight to begin with. I don't think picking up the bar will be a problem.

 

[Double D]

Picking up the bar wouldnt be a problem, but why waste time with that because he would eventually want to put weight on that bar. And with that comes the problem. The risk vs. payoff just doesnt add up for me.

 

[Dale Mabry]

Pay someone who knows what they are doing to teach you these lifts.

 

[Double D]

Pay someone who knows what they are doing to teach you these lifts.

I already said that, come on Dale get with the program......

 

[Dale Mabry]

I already said that, come on Dale get with the program......

I said someone who knows what they are doing, not a trainer.

 

[Double D]

I said someone who knows what they are doing, not a trainer.

How dare you......

 

[Spud]

Picking up the bar wouldnt be a problem, but why waste time with that because he would eventually want to put weight on that bar. And with that comes the problem. The risk vs. payoff just doesnt add up for me.

You don't run without learning to walk first. A bar is a good place to start.

 

[Double D]

You don't run without learning to walk first. A bar is a good place to start.

Yeah, but whats the point if you are not going to add weight to that bar? Thats like being able to walk, but not actually walking anywhere.

Again the payoff just doesnt outweigh the risk.

 

[Spud]

I suppose. Perhaps my not having any serious back problems biases my views.