Re: [Leica] Back Pain & Bags

["Ted Grant" <tedgrant@home.com>]

Tina wrote:
>>> The absolutely best back pain advice is to prevent it.  Go to the
> local Y and do back and abdomen strengthening exercises on the weight
> machines.  Whatever time you have to spend is well worth it.  I had
> problems for years but now go to the Y at least 4 times a week and can now
> bench-press a 60 pound camera bag into the overhead compartment several
> times a day and still feel great!  <<<<<

Hi Tina,

That is the best advice anyone has posted. And comes from the experience of
a working photojournalist accustomed to carrying a bunch of gear compared to
an M and a couple of lenses as many of our contemporaries do.

In my case, at 72, I can't slough around eating jelly donuts and being a
couch potato while still shooting 12 hour days on a fairly regular bases.

I power walk every morning at 6 a.m, rain, shine or whatever. No matter
where I am! If one isn't reasonably fit, I don't mean one of those body
building Neanderthals, but fit by swimming a few times a week and power
walking a half dozen miles each morning as fast as you can then you are
going to have back pain from carrying a minilux and two rolls of film.;-)

Nothing fancy, just start out walking as far as you can in 15 minutes, then
try to return to the start point quicker. Do that every morning and build
that to at least an hour plus. And when you're accomplishing that each
morning, throw in at least three mornings a week doing a bunch of laps in
the pool at the Y or the community pool..

Then hell it's nothing to throw those camera bags and gear around like
toys.;-)  And what was it you young lads were saying about needing bags to
carry all your equipment ?  A couple of "m's and a few lenses?" ;-) get
serious! ;-)

One of the most important accessories a photographer can have is, an
excellent pair of legs! And a reasonably broad set of shoulders to hang gear
on.

But the legs are the most important,

So young un's get yer butts out the door, or as Tina says, "Down to the Y a
few times a week and your photography will improve because you'll have the
stamina to go farther, walk longer and in the event of a ner do well wanting
to hang one on you for taking his picture.... you'll be able to run faster!
;-)

See you in the morning at 6.00! :-)
ted

Ted Grant Photography Limited
www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant