zoned_post_meri
New member
You might think it sounds ridiculous but too much sleep increases the aches and pains as you get older. I took 4+ years off because I had an issue with a bulging disk in my back. The PT, then chiropractor told me to stay away from the gym, cardio and the golf course until the pain went away. After three years of inactivity, just therapy, I wasn’t improving, actually the bad days seemed to be getting worse. I quit the therapy and started back at the gym, strengthening my core muscles, my shoulders, my neck and knees. I also figured out that i only need 5-5 1/2 hours sleep per night. if I slept longer than 5 1/2 hours, it took much longer to recover. Next was getting back on the course. The first year was painful after playing 18 and recovery was 2-3 days. Now, I can play 18, go home and do yard work and play with the kids and am fine. So I stick to 3-4 days at the gym per week and about 5 hours of sleep per day. I’m turning 50 this year, I still have arthritis in my back, but the pain is only minimal and golf isn’t painful.
Almost 40, but with a bad back/bulging disk as well. That advice you got from your PT is awful. Obviously, power lifting is out, but general exercise -- some running, hard walking, stairs, anything that strengthens and engages the core -- is great for disk issues. At least it is for me.
I find yoga to be really good for golf/back-related aches. I also don't particularly like going to yoga classes. Thinking of finding a good Youtube/video-based yoga workout I can do on my own early in the morning, that's focused on strength and stretching.