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I'm in physical therapy for chronic lower back pain (I'm a writer, I sit a lot). I bought a 10-punch pass to local CrossFit gym because I've wanted to try it for a long time and, hey, it's the new year. You have to take 3 "foundations" classes before doing a WOD. They only offer foundations 2x a week. So, of course, I'm eager to get those under my belt. One is tonight. And my back is bothering me a bit from PT this morning and gym yesterday. But the next foundations class isn't until next Tuesday. Should I go tonight, or is that just violating primal blueprint law "avoid trauma"? aka "being dumb"? I don't know how intense the foundations classes are (and I don't know if you know, of that varies gym to gym...). TIA

ETA I did find this thread: http://paleohacks.com/questions/32391/lifting-heavy-with-back-problems#axzz1iXKzgDAV, which is helpful

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 not really an answer to the question, but just wanted to tell you about my lower back pain experience. i was basically immobilized by lower back pain for months and during that time was in physical therapy. i wasn't getting anywhere with the therapy until i visited a chiropractor who had me 75% better within TWO sessions. now, a couple months later (with first weekly sessions and now every other week), i am 100% fine again. to him, my issue was totally obvious, while the physical therapist was not able to help. just wanted to share that in case it might inspire you to get seek other help! – meret Jan 5 2012 at 2:03
also, i was never a believer in chiropraxy...but this guy blew my mind! – meret Jan 5 2012 at 2:04

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Talk to them and tell them what's going on. I did exactly the same thing .. I started xfit after 20 years of on-again-off-again (mostly on) lower back pain. Chiro, Egoscue, Gokhale, PT ... nothing really provided real relief.

Because of my back, when I first started xfit I could only deadlift the bar (45 lbs) and could only do a few squats. It took several months, lots of recurring nagging pain, lots of patience and tons of Ibuprofin, but within 6 months or so all my back pain was gone. I haven't really had it since (over a year). And last time I tried I was deadlifting a couple hundred pounds.

I give all credit to my instructors. They were very good about helping me modify/substitute any exercise that was giving me problems.

Of course I don't anything about your back and YMMV, but it's not hyperbole to say xfit changed my life.

* EDIT: well, maybe a bit of hyperbole.

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Wow, only three foundation classes? My box has a required 10 classes over 4-weeks.

Go and talk to your coach, tell them what is going on. They may let you do some active recovery classes with them, should be open to current non-CR'ers, and will be a combination of yoga, soft tissue work, flexibility techniques and traditional calisthenics. It should make your lower back feel better.

You will be working hard in all your Foundation classes so it's best to go in 100%, so IMO stay low and avoid possibly doing any new damage which will keep you out even longer. Feel better!

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 Thank you! That sounds very wise. I'd determined more or less the same thing five minutes ago when admitting to self that if putting the dishes away hurts, mayhaps is not the time to find out what an "Annie" is. – sara z. Jan 5 2012 at 0:56
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Working out might just fix your back. If I was you, I'd focus on strengthening the hamstrings and stretching the hip flexors/sartorious. It usually do wonders for lower back and knee pain.

I suggest to give exrx.net (under kinesiology) a study. Find exercises and stretches for the muscles I mentioned above.

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... and as the other mentions, do speak with your coach about it and start off easy. – Lars Jan 5 2012 at 5:50
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I'm going to link to the Katy says blog again: http://www.alignedandwell.com/

Have a look at her blo, she has a lot of good information. And, have you considered a standing work station?

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My husband actually has a standing desk that I use sometimes. Thx for link. – sara z. Jan 6 2012 at 4:10
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I am not sure on the gym, but it really depends on the trainers. Boxes vary so much on foundations that no one here could tell you what its like.

3 classes seems pretty short to me if they are including a workout. They might not be doing a metcon and simply introducing movements.

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It's bad to go to CrossFit (tm) at ALL. Using highly technical olympic lifts as metcons is retarded. Just do a program based on the "Starting Strength" book ... and save $100/mo by going to a "normal" gym on top of saving your body.

Somewhat tongue in cheek, but not completely. :-)

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Haha! I hear you. I do go to a normal gym, where I do various things, and I swim, and I also hike and- for the win - tonight I did Zumba. I've just always wanted to give it a go after hearing about it for 2 years, and impulsively bought a 10-visit pass online. I'll be careful, thank you! – sara z. Jan 6 2012 at 4:09

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