Hey campers. Just a short one today as I’m EXHAUSTED.
Hands up if you’re aware that hanging heavy bags off your body is a big posture no-no.
I can feel my left shoulder rising up as I write this – it’s not a good feeling. After carrying a laptop and a massive kit bag around London for two days straight, my upper body feels almost as if I’ve given myself major DOMS.
In future posts, we’ll have a chance to talk about posture correction and all that good stuff. Today I just want to address the pain side of things.
One of the tutors on my PT course liked to joke that as a personal trainer, “I give injuries – I don’t fix them.”
Luckily, we are pretty well versed in preventing them. We’ll wait until I’m more coherent to talk about why and how to strengthen your back and shoulders to withstand the everyday. But to tide you over until then:
- Never underestimate the power of a warm-up. If you’ve got something heavy to carry, try to get your arms and shoulders warmed up first. Think shoulder rolls, a few wall press-ups, big arm circles. By pumping warm blood to the muscles and ligaments you need to engage, you’ll lessen your chances of injury.
- Know your limits. Simple enough. Carrying stuff is a feat of strength and endurance. That puts a very definite limit on the load you should try to carry.
- Stretch out. If you carry a heavy bag to work, try to stretch out your arms, chest and shoulders once you’ve set it down.
And of course, remember that your body needs rest and recovery. In my case, that means some much needed sleep.
Good night!
The Literary Trainer 