Incline/Decline Bench vs. Swiss Ball

[thinman]

Originally Posted by letmebefell

I've a tight lower back and pain at the top of the longissimus dorsi, on the right hand side, probably a cascade from a hip injury a few years ago. It means I can't carry large objects (that's you, son) for more than a few minutes at a time. I've noticed that strengthening my shoulders has made the pain abate, so now I'm looking for a way to do incline rows / chest work.

Have you tried seeing an osteopath? He might be able to give you some stretches that would fix you right up.

 

[ken]

Originally Posted by letmebefell

It means I can't carry large objects (that's you, son) for more than a few minutes at a time. I've noticed that strengthening my shoulders has made the pain abate, so now I'm looking for a way to do incline rows / chest work.
I say you don't need either to reach the goals you're after. Pushups will work your chest. Floor presses (don't remember what they're called; you lie on the floor and press the weight like a bench press, but obviously your arms don't go as far down) will work your triceps. 45 deg. bent-over rows and pullups will work your back and biceps (if you don't have a pullup bar, you can either make one or pull yourself up on almost anything). If you can't do pullups, put your feet on something to assist you on the way up. Want some functional training? Do pushups with your son on your back. Put him on your shoulders and do some squats. He'll probably love it. I've gotten in some decent workouts with absolutely no equipment by being a little creative.

 

[irbe]

Yeah i go for the bench. Like people said above better when lift heavier weights. I do the swiss ball at the end just to finish up my work outs. But I would never go a heavy weight, i don't want the ball to slip out from under me and crack my head