If you are a weightlifter, you probably have been cautioned about slipping a disc when you lift a certain way. Actually, some people will tell the story of how they were involved in such an injury at the gym. Experts claim that such comments have instilled a lot of fear in fitness enthusiasts, which in turn hinders people from achieving their dreams. This has resulted in ditching some crucial workouts like sit-ups, plants, heavy weightlifting and many others. But there is good news because there is no reason to fear this movement of the spine.
What Is the Lumbar Flexion?
In layman’s language, the lumbar flexion is the bending of your spine through an exercise that exerts pressure at the same time. This is why we have mentioned weightlifting like deadlifts and body workouts like sit-ups.
Much of the flexion occurs on the lower part of the spine and the hips. Because of this, heavy weightlifters use a belt to support this area as we are going to see. Yes, there is a small risk of slipping a disc, which can stop your fitness dreams prematurely. But all will go well when every precaution is taken.
Does the Lumbar Flexion Pose a Risk?
The spine has sections that are called vertebrae. And between them, there are discs that allow bending and also absorb shock. The spine is able to transfer weight from one segment to another without any problem. The spine can make four different motions, and the flexion is just one of them.
After buying enhancement gear from Valkyrie, you may have noticed how easy it looks to lift heavy weights or engage in exercises that include the lumbar flexion. But straining the spine too much can cause a disc slip or leakage of the gel that allows smooth movement. Pushing the spine too far is the main risk that is involved.
Precautions to Take to Avoid Lumbar Flexion Injuries
- Lift an appropriate weight – each person has a certain potential in fitness. Some can lift more weight depending on experience and the strength in their muscles, while others can only handle less weight. You need to know your appropriate weight at any time and stick to it. This way, you have no reason to fear hurting your spine while completing the lumbar flexion.
- Choose the right workout technique – the majority of injuries that are related to the lumbar flexion are caused by incorrectly performing exercises. If you cannot get a professional trainer to show you how to lift or do sit-ups, go online and watch some tutorials. If you are doing the right thing, the lumbar flexion will always be an excellent exercise to do.
- Use a lifting belt – it prevents both the hips and the lower spine from slipping when lifting heavier weights. It is one of the most used safety precautions by lifters in the Olympics and other tournaments, and it really prevents lumbar flexion injuries and accidents.
Final Word
As you can see, there is nothing to fear when it comes to the lumbar flexion. You can engage in exercises that are related to this spine movement for your whole life without a single injury when you take the necessary precautions.