Help my mother get into shape/ better health.

[Zaraza]

She is not very active, she also has had a serious back injury. What are some things i can have her start on. Currently I am having her do cardio. I had her do the elliptical for 15 minutes, take a break for 3-5 then another 10 on elliptical and then i had her do the stairmaster for 5 minutes. I need to get her back stronger so i will be using VERY light weights for overall body muscle strengthening.

What are some exercises or exercise plans that you recommend?

 

[Drum&Bass]

I don't think you should try to train anyone unless you have a few years of experience under your belt and you are very familiar with how the body moves.

I think it is unwise to ask a forum for tips on how to train your mother when no one knows the nature of her injuries and what her physical capabilities are.

Back injuries are serious and you could potentially worsen things. You are in a tough situation. I understand you want to train your mother and help her become healthier but you might cause more harm than good. On the other hand you don't want her to sit around and do nothing...

My advice to you, go to a physical therapist or a good personal trainer. Neither source is perfect but its a much better alternative than the blind leading the blind.

 

[Quiksilver]

She is not very active, she also has had a serious back injury.

Well, there's the problem.

The solution is for her to get active. Injuries, especially back injuries, heal best with daily physical activity. The intensity will have to be judged by her, but generally getting at least an hour of decent physical activity in each day for a few days a week goes a long way towards helping injuries heal.

Trust me, I've been down the back injury road and it's not fun at all. The first time, I sat on my ass waiting for it to heal... Guess what? It didn't. Only when I started working out again did the pain go away for good.

Step 1, assess her physical capabilities with the injury/age/level of fitness/etc.

Step 2, get her to find an interest in physical activity.

Step 3, jump in and get dirty on a daily basis.

 

[Zaraza]

Many trainers at the gym dont know ****. Drum&Bass I do understand your concern and I am thankful for you to say that. I do have to be careful with how I train my mother. My goal is not to have her deadlift,squat, and bench a lot. It is more of her to lose weight and become active, whether that be 30 minutes to 1 hour a day.

Right now I have her working her back with 5-10 pounders nothing more. I have gotten her to do Yoga in order to relax her back and muscles. For cardio I have her raise her heart rate in order to burn some fat/cal.

I am a nursing major and am currently taking a very advanced nutrition class, so I am working on our diets right now.

But most of all before I leave I have to say that i agree with Drum&Bass, I am no professional but without trying I will never become one. I approach with caution because this is my mother we are talking about.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Keep in mind I am not making her a body builder lol.

 

[Zaraza]

Quicksilver, thank you as well.

Its true that injury heals with slow activity. Thanks man.

Yesterday was her 3rd day, and she said she is sleeping better at night and is feeling stronger more alive. I'm feeling a lot happier.