There has been some recent posts about "would you offer unsolicited advice to someone" at the gym. Most people--myself included--said probably not. In fact I generally have a workout planned and am focused on getting it done.

So the yesterday I was doing a back routine with seated cable rows. I don't always incorporate them because for me they can trigger lower back pain.

Right after my first set, a woman who is a regular every morning (and in outstanding physical condition) came over and asked me, "Do you have any issues with back pain?" I answered, "yes, these are killers for me. Always have been." So she took a moment to explain that she thought I was bending too far on the return and it puts stress on the lower back. She mentioned that I had the pull okay and was effectively hitting the middle back and traps, but was simply entending too far on the return. I had always done it that way...and that's how a trainer had taught me a long time ago.

So I was at the gym this morning and thanked her...I was totally without pain and feeling great this morning. I am pretty grateful that she tactfully stepped in and taught this old dog a new trick.