Royal Purple

Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: Lifestyle

Dear Abi [Click to enlarge]

Dear Abi,

I'm a rugby player and, needless to say, I'm always getting beat up. I beg girls to walk on my back or give me massages, but that doesn't always work. What are some stretches I can do to prevent this awful pain in my back.

Sincerely,
I've fallen and I can't get up


Dear I've fallen and I can't get up,

Involvement in any contact sport can inevitably lead to an increased risk of injury. The secret is to take a proactive approach to the pain. Back massages and girls walking on your back may temporarily solve the problem. (Although it sounds more like a clever pick up line to me.) A better solution would be to eliminate the back pain before it starts.

It may seem out of character for a strong, masculine, rugby player, such as yourself, to participate in something as sensual as yoga. However, the poses and sequences of this alternative form of stretching can be incredibly beneficial to the body.

University Fitness offers a variety of yoga classes including one for beginners, and one intertwined with Pilates. If you're too tough to show your sensitive side in a yoga class, there are countless instructional videos you can do in the convenience of your home. Then again, the ladies you meet in your yoga class may be willing to "walk on your back" if stretching doesn't do the trick.

While organized stretching, such as yoga, will considerably help minimize your muscle soreness. It is also important to stretch throughout the day. Obviously thoroughly stretching before and after practice is a must.

Have you ever noticed that dogs stretch immediately once they wake up? Not just a simple sun salutation, but a fairly elaborate series of stretches. Even though our canine friends cannot necessarily verbalize their pain, rarely do you hear a vet diagnose a dog with back problems, or muscle soreness.

Reverse the roles, and learn a trick from man's best friend. Make a small slumber sacrifice and set your alarm a mere five minutes earlier. When you wake up do a few simple stretches - reach for the sky, touch your toes, arch your back. Nothing ornate, but it may be a helpful habit to start.

Eighty percent of Americans will sometime experience back pain, according to WebMD. So, rest assured that three out of every four people can relate to the pain you are in. Don't let your back pain get the best of you or keep you on the sideline. By trying out some of these new techniques you should be back in the game in no time, and, if you're lucky maybe even get some girls to cheer for you in the stands.

Best of luck,
Abi

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