Preventing Back Pain in Coaches

Preventing Back Pain in Coaches

Preventing Back Pain in Coaches

May 17, 2012 by Brandi Smith-Young
Preventing Back Pain in Coaches
Preventing Back Pain in Coaches
I remember when I coached how sore I would be afterwards. Long hours, weird positions, uneven surfaces, moving mats and equipment, repetitive spotting on one side, saving the athlete that bachs in the middle of a skill... All of these things contribute to back pain in gymnastic coaches. Taking time to take care of your body will help you be a more successful coach. Staying healthy, strong, and flexible will help you complete the required job duties and still have energy left over to go home to your family or home life. It has been proven that with proper body mechanics less energy is expended thus saving energy for the end of the day.

5 simple things to prevent Low back pain

1) Core: There are lots of ways to work the core. Here are just a few.
Planks forward


Side planks: phase 1


Side Plank Phase 2


Upper abdominal curl ups phase 1

phase 2

phase 3


Lower Abs


2) Hip strength:
Clams



Prone Knee bend lifts



Lunges

3)Stretching:
Hip Flexor stretch




Quad Stretch


Hamstring Stretch

*only as lean as far as you can with a straight back.



Calf Stretch



4) Cardio:(Interval training)
3 days a week. 15-20 min total workout time. Sprint 30 seconds with recovery 2 minutes. Repeat for 15-20 min

5)Good spotting Technique
Get as close to the gymnast as possible.
Keep arms close into the body, not out stretched.
Bend at the knees and hips, not from the back