‘Back’ to work
January 7, 2008
OK. I’ve just been to have some more physio on my back. Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m almost ‘cured’ and my physio is frankly, pretty Alpha. Mr Bennet and I have known him since school. He’s been consultant physio to the British Olympic Athletic team for many years and he ran 400m for Great Britain. The walls of his practice are lined with framed running vests signed by people he’s helped – like Linford Christie, Paula Radcliffe, Jonathan Edwards, Sally Gunnell, etc
I’ve been trying to persuade him to give a talk to the next RNA conference about looking after your back, preventing RSI, choosing a chair etc. I think we writers neglect our physical wellbeing. He reckons that if we all spent ten minutes a day lying face down on the floor (he points out we could read/proof read during this time), half the nation’s back problems would not occur.
He also suggests no more than 40 mins at the computer without getting up and walking about or stretching and showed me some exercises to help my back – and all the bits it supports – stay healthy. My back is much better, I’ve lost 2lbs and my tum’s not quite so flabby now I’ve started his exercises which are a bit like Pilates.
However, I have to warn you – some of these exercises involve ‘buttock clenching’. I tried to take this seriously but when you’ve known the guy 30 odd years, it’s hard not to:
a feel a right prat
b start giggling and squirming with embarrassment. Squirming is not required. Clenching is.
Posted by Phillipa @ 8:30 am | Leave a Comment
Debs Says:
Glad to hear the back is improving – poor you with the butt clenching though! I had physio several years ago and the chap was lovely but I did feel & look like I’d been dragged through a hedge backwards after the sessions. My back is fine now though so they were obviously worthwhile.
Christina Phillips Says:
LOL on the butt clenching and squirming! Does it really help tighten the tum… I must definitely give it a try!!