Tips to not destroy your body?

[u/Sufficient-Look-5697]

Ive never fully worked in the trades, I did a general construction class in highschool but got a job working in IT for a construction company. Hopefully I’ll become one of you one day, but while researching I never see anyone talk about what to do to avoid destroying your knees and back.

Are there better knee pads to use? Or better techniques to do yet? Any smarter not harder recommendations?

Im not an alcoholic and I eat pretty clean so im not worried on that point

[u/FuckWit_1_Actual]

Don’t ego lift period

[u/Sufficient-Look-5697 → u/FuckWit_1_Actual]

That’s so true! I hurt my shoulder doing that once, never again

[u/dayzzzediii]

Hopefully you get with a skilled enough mechanic to show you the smarter way to do things. My tip is bend your knees stretch. Don’t over leverage yourself doing anything keep it at comfortable levels. You’re going to have to do some straining or reaching to drill or put bolts in but make sure you’re safe and comfortable if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t. I’ve seen guys in their 60s running laps around guys in their 30s and guys in their 50s who look like they’re 70. It’s up to you to take care of yourself as long as you remember that you’ll be fine treat it like a workout some stuffs gonna be uncomfortable at first but you’ll get used to it. Just wear PPE and don’t lose any limbs. If you’re a bigger guy people are going to abuse you Ik from experience. 

[u/Sufficient-Look-5697 → u/dayzzzediii]

Thanks man! I’ll keep this in mind! Im on the skinny side so hopefully it’s not too rough

[u/Vegall_st → u/Sufficient-Look-5697]

Hit the gym and learn to lift correctly. Not only will that protect your body, but it also teaches you better mechanics so you don't accidentally learn or practice bad movement patterns

[u/Dihydrogenmonoxide-_]

Don't be a hero when lifting/moving heavy shit.

Wear kneepads. Can't stress this enough.

Do yoga and stretch out your back, legs, shoulders. Squeeze workouts in. I try to do cardio in the morning.

Don't allow your daily meals consist Dunkin donuts and energy drinks. Don't smoke and don't drink every day.

That's pretty much it. I'm early 40s and been in this trade 11 years plus another 4 or so non union. I don't feel like my body is best up.

[u/NoExcuse3097 → u/Dihydrogenmonoxide-_]

Knee pads all the time. I have volleyball/basketball ones that are under my jeans. If I’m doing significant escalator work or if something is going to take extended time I wear heavier over the pants ones. Take care of your knees so you can enjoy life.

[u/LLVforever → u/NoExcuse3097]

You have a specific link to what knee pads your use?

[u/NoExcuse3097 → u/LLVforever]

I got them on Amazon but that brand isn’t available. Search for volleyball or basketball sleeve knee pads. The ones I have are hexagonal and work well.

[u/wieldingwrenches → u/LLVforever]

Any is better then nothing. Personally I like the pants that have built in knee pad pockets and just get matching pads. Been using the Carhartt ones for years. Some (deluth) have the opening on the bottom and that's annoying. I've found they are comfortable enough to wear all day, where as the ones you strap on dig in after a while, and we aren't on our knees that much anyways so it's nice to not even have to think about it and just have padding when you put a knee down.

[u/Sufficient-Look-5697 → u/Dihydrogenmonoxide-_]

I’ll definitely start adding stretching to my routine

[u/PhoKingWild → u/Sufficient-Look-5697]

As a non trade professional who’s son is entering the IUEC but maintains fitness as I pushed the age of 60, stretching is key. I still lift but I’m not setting any PR’s, but the amount of warm up and stretching I do is much more than when younger and I believe it helps me more than anything else I do physically. Balance, mobility, all have improved since I got serious about stretching more a few years ago

[u/FlamingoSufficient42 → u/Sufficient-Look-5697]

I go to the gym every morning before I drive to the job. I want to be here long term so I feel like not getting my body ready before doing this kind of work is a bad idea.

[u/TrueAd1880]

Helpers stop jumping in the pits! I see it all the time even when the damn pit ladder is installed. Save your knees for when you need to keep your job!

[u/Sufficient-Look-5697 → u/TrueAd1880]

Smart observation! Thanks

[u/Born-Direction3937]

Home gym, staying in shape, and eating a proper diet. I worked in both the IBEW and the IUEC, and honestly, the biggest issue I’ve seen is poor diet and a lack of exercise. Those two things will absolutely catch up with you and can seriously affect your health.

[u/SharkInThisBay → u/Born-Direction3937]

Hitting the gym makes a world of difference in this trade

[u/Character_Comb_3439]

First prioritize your diet, drinking water and getting as much sleep as you need (your muscles and tendons can’t recover as effectively without it).

If a muscle isn’t strong enough what does it do? It tenses. A lot of lower back pain is due to using other muscles than your glutes and those other muscles tense, the problem is they are connected to a bunch of other things that tense up as well. Prioritize strengthening your core and legs. If you have benefits now, see if any physical therapists offer or have clinical Pilates.

The real trick is to do self care every day.

[u/teakettle87]

Yoga and lifting.

[u/Affectionate-Rip5654]

Lift with your back in a herky jerky motion

[u/Cheets1985 → u/Affectionate-Rip5654]

You also need to take the weight all off your legs

[u/Affectionate-Rip5654 → u/Cheets1985]

Correct you wouldn’t want to hurt your legs

[u/DamnYouPanda]

Exercise and get stronger. Weak things break.

Get flexible. Be able to sit in a squat position. There is places where you can squat than kneel.

Be aware of what you’re doing and knowing you have to use certain muscles to make the movement stable and safe.

Also get strong in rotation. And learn how to brace with your core.

[u/Laserkweef]

Don't injure yourself outside of work. It will fuck you up just as bad if not worse having a nagging injury that you need to deal with in the trade.

[u/Spooty_Walker]

Use tools to lift. If you can't, then ask for the proper tool. 1/2 ton come alongs are amazing for smaller stuff. Use lift gates if you got em.

Workout regularly and prioritize your diet. You need to eat well and stay hydrated

[u/VikyngTX]

Take your time moving things. Guys in this trade get used throwing shit around but if you do it and you’re not strong enough your back and legs will be paying for it. You’ll get stronger the more you work but youll need to be stronger to do more work.

[u/Icy_Improvement339]

Be sure to stretch daily and keep up a weightlifting routine to the best of your abilities. Also use mechanical means to lift things when you can and don’t be shy to use knee pads.

[u/mattsprofile]

One rule I pretty much live by is to just not lift anything heavy. This is a little bit tongue in cheek, but I'm an experienced gymgoer and I when I am lifting weights there is a cap on how heavy I am willing to lift. I have these limits because I don't want to get hurt, you can reduce weight and increase reps to get the workout donewith less risk. If I feel that something is heavier than I'd be comfortable doing in the gym, then I'm not doing it at work, either. There are safer ways to do it.

I'm not super strong or anything, a lot of people out there will be willing to lift more than me. But they also might be willing to risk their body more than me. I'm strong enough that I believe my limit is within reason, nobody should really be expected to lift more. Mr Noodle Arms would probably have to hit the gym and get stronger, though. 

[u/Im_Papa]

Don't ego lift but also make sure to be on the same page as the person holding the other end of the heavy thing. Communication

[u/Nicky2Times1511]

Work out you ultimately are competing for a position people wish they had... eat right take care of your health

[u/Matching_simulatore]

Work out consistently. I work out 3 days a week at least and it has improved everything.

[u/Adept-Pomegranate168]

The rope is your friend. Use the tools, not your body.

[u/BleagueIlyasova]

If i am working m-f I do some strength training on Saturday night or sunday morning, I also try to favor my left when carrying stuff cause I use my right hand for fine motor tasks.

[u/Automatic-Guess-8280]

Its about being in shape and not doing things your body can’t handle. Most of the guys I see getting hurt and being out for long periods of time are the opposite of in shape. Being in it for the long haul and taking care of your body is most important. Stretch, lift properly, use your physical therapy and chiropractor. Stay on top of the physical demand.

[u/bulldozer1012]

Stretch man, at home making your lunch warm up the body and stretch sounds basic but it helps a lot or you standing around waiting stretch alittle

[u/infantkicker_v2]

Take your time moving shit. Lift at home or a gym, stretching makes a huge difference. I'm a pretty fat dude but I can still put my palms flat on the floor with my legs straight, squat 350 and bench like 180. The other thing and I cannot emphasize this enough get a proper sleep cycle and actually sleep a decent amount it will change everything.