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Funny enough (not so funny) just a few hours after I published this post, I hurt my back while squatting. But I could pretty quickly tell it was moderate pain — it hurt a *lot* but I could still move — I knew to stay calm, not panic, and explore some gentle movement. These things happen, and knowing that it doesn't have to be a huge deal really makes a difference.

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I also stumbled upon this YouTube video today which I found super helpful and reassuring. I know nothing about this guy and content warning for major gym bro vibes, but this information is solid and really comforting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riq-DfDDimc

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Thanks for chatting with me Anna! But so sorry to hear about hurting your back. Wishing you a speedy recovery and reach out with anything.

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Anna, it would be interesting for us to hear about your injury and how it progresses and how you deal with whatever pain you are feeling.

Thank you for this interview, Dylan gave some great insight into dealing with injuries of all types and sizes.

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This is super helpful information (I particularly liked the understanding that athletes don't go for soreness -- I'm so gradual with my progressions that I am rarely sore and often wondered if I wasn't doing enough). As a movement teacher focused on post-menopausal women, I hear all kinds of fear about strength training or even out-right dismissal. I am always looking for resources to guide folks to and I am sharing this in my community. Anna, I've not done one of your workouts yet. Would they be appropriate for my population?

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I'm glad you found it helpful!

I generally present my workouts with a lot of options, and urge folks to start slow or light and ease their way in (per this conversation!). I will give you full disclosure that I have not done a specialized certification course in working specifically with older populations, but my workouts are designed to be pretty accessible and all-levels. You're very welcome to check them out and see if you think they would be a good fit for your people, and I'm super open to feedback on making them even better for the post-menopausal crowd!

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As a lifetime mover and persistent if nonprofessional athlete, I loved this conversation! I always understood and appreciated soreness for what it was until I suffered my first back issue (bulging disc) when I was 36, and psychologically that really shook me. My current bout of plantar fasciitis has also freaked me out! Both situations though have been helped with the care of excellent professionals who know that I never want to hear them say “no movement”, and so they work with me to allow for healthy and healing routines. Your strength routines have been so empowering for me - like I said before, this is the first time I’ve been able to shake off the ridiculous “women should only tone” mindset and work toward HEAVY!

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