John Pappas Posted December 27, 2007 Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 Hi All, At workshops and here on the forum, we often talk about the importance of good posture when operating Steadicam. In early November I unfortunately sustained an injury to my lower back. This was not Steadicam related, and, even with physio several times a week, it looks like it has put me off work until at least February. When being assessed by the Doctors, it was metioned how lucky I was to have such a strong back - and how this had prevented further injury. Yes, they were talking about 'those' muscles. In essence, having good posture has saved me from SERIOUS injury. If you haven't already read it, I would recommend reading Chris Fawcett's 'Thought's on Steadicam Posture' which is available on Tiffen's website. Seeing the importance of this first hand has really opened my eyes to how lucky I have been. Some people have asked if I will give up Steadicam now that I have had an injury. I most definately will not. With the right posture and technique, and the medical evidence that my back was in better condition BECAUSE of operating, I will be back in the rig as soon as I can. Just thought I'd share my experiences. All the best for 2008. John Pappas Pappas Media Services East Coast, Australia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Bryan Fowler Posted December 27, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 John mate, Very glad to hear you'll be ok. Thanks for the posture reminder. Did you get my christmas present of a new PM? I wasn't sure if it was on your list. You may be able to return it if it's not to late. =) Fowler Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mike McGowan SOC Posted December 27, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 When I'm asked (as I'm sure all of you are almost every day), "does your back hurt?", I usually reply, "no but my feet are usually tired at the end of the day". I think that if you stand correctly, have the rig balanced right, et, steadicam doesnt really hurt your back. It does (as you commented) make the muscles strong (as well as many other muscles in your body). mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Bryan Fowler Posted December 27, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted December 27, 2007 When I'm asked (as I'm sure all of you are almost every day), "does your back hurt?" Yep, I get the same question about my back. I'm a small guy (5'8" and 135lbs) and I think people don't believe me. =) I tell them my back gets a mild workout, like I was swimming, but not as much as my knees. Svenson and I were talking about standing still, and how much of a pain that is on our knees, and feet. A recent job where I was a steadicam-tripod reminded me of that. Poor knees, what did I ever do to them. =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric ramahatra Posted December 28, 2007 Report Share Posted December 28, 2007 i've just started "steadicaming" few days ago and never before. I held the rig a whole day and never felt any hurt in my back but in my feet and my legs. Hope this won't change as i'm just 110lbs for 5'8 !!!! I hope this is not a bad posture, or not too bad ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Violanto Posted December 29, 2007 Report Share Posted December 29, 2007 I'm a small guy (5'8" and 135lbs) and I think people don't believe me. =) Svenson and I were talking about standing still, and how much of a pain that is on our knees, and feet. A recent job where I was a steadicam-tripod reminded me of that. Poor knees, what did I ever do to them. =) That makes me feel better. I am 6'3 but only 155lbs, and I get heckled for being too small. This summer I was in a pretty major motorcycle accident. I landed on my back and tumbled down the highway. That day I was not allowed to operate- my assist and I swapped roles, but the very next morning I was sprinting up and down a basketball court with the Harlem Globetrotters (with a fake smile on my face, of course!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members nick franco Posted December 29, 2007 Premium Members Report Share Posted December 29, 2007 That makes me feel better. I am 6'3 but only 155lbs, and I get heckled for being too small. This summer I was in a pretty major motorcycle accident. I landed on my back and tumbled down the highway. That day I was not allowed to operate- my assist and I swapped roles, but the very next morning I was sprinting up and down a basketball court with the Harlem Globetrotters (with a fake smile on my face, of course!) Aw man, glad you're ok. looks like that was a nice (ducati?) bike. Are you riding again? nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonycope Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Just went to the 3-day workshop in Boulder... been using the rig (Archer) for about 5 months after 1 day initial training with Peter Abraham. I thought I was using fairly good posture, and for the most part, I was. However, I was using symmetrical settings on my vest, and had noticed that the right shoulder pad was always about 1/2 inch off/above my shoulder. And, of course, I would def. feel some pain in my back. At the workshop, Peter adjusted my vest so that one of the rib pads/straps was a bit longer than the other... and BAM - no more back pain. It def. felt off for a day or so at the workshop, but once I got used to that, it all feels great. Now, both pads ride perfectly on my shoulders. Keep in mind that I don't look out of balance, and there's no hump or odd deformities on my back... but for some reason, I fly asymmetrically. Who knew?! Just thought it might be something to keep in mind if you do have back aches. My problem now is my feet - especially the balls of my feet... feels like I am rubbing them raw in my shoes. Anyone use shoe inserts? Other suggestions? Thanks, Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Mike McGowan SOC Posted February 9, 2008 Premium Members Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 I like super feet but i also like to switch shoes every day. Each different pair of shoes has a different insert. http://www.superfeet.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Grammatikos Posted February 15, 2008 Report Share Posted February 15, 2008 4 years before i had the honour to have a talk with Garrett in Ibc ,we talk about that and he Answer me iam stiil working and i have not pain but iam going to my office with my bicycle everyday,so just remember your lifeway its very important , two years now iam swiming all the year specially in winter ,i stop the borring gym and i understand and apreciate Garrett worlds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.