Athlete Vaporists?

[Curiousone]

Axian and Iwien, you are both correct.

Both friends did have heart issues. They were not caused by cannabis, but cannabis seemed to increase problems. My fault as I did not word that correctly.

Both friends were encouraged by docs to improve lifestyles. One of them basically quit cannabis while the other improved lifestyle and actually used more cannabis in favor of pharmaceuticals.

Sorry for any confusion.

 

[ataxian]

Axian and Iwien, you are both correct.

Both friends did have heart issues. They were not caused by cannabis, but cannabis seemed to increase problems. My fault as I did not word that correctly.

Both friends were encouraged by docs to improve lifestyles. One of them basically quit cannabis while the other improved lifestyle and actually used more cannabis in favor of pharmaceuticals.

Sorry for any confusion.

Sorry if I come out as pompus!
My whole life has been health and fitness.

Keep running while you still can!

 

[EverythingsHazy]

Multiple reports state that "smoking" marijuana can raise your heart rate 20 to 60 beats per minute. In my opinion, unless you have some underlying heart condition.............big woop to doo. My resting heart rate is 47 to 50 BPM. That means that after an MJ session, my heart may rise to a low of 70bpm to a high of 110bpm. When I run, my heart rate typically stays at between 128 to 135 beats per min for about an hour (I'm 70 years old. If I was younger I would be working out at a much higher level).

But even for those that don't do a lot of cardio, I can't see how a person without any on-going heart conditions would be in danger if their HR raising these amounts for such a short period of time.

But, if you haven't had a physical lately (that is, you don't know how healthy your heart is) and/or you are not in at least average physical shape, it could be a concern.

I wonder if having that heart rate elevation makes you burn more calories as if you were doing cardio to get it up to that same level. Using a heart rate monitor, it says you are burning calories, but is it just skewed?

Also, if your resting heart rate is 47-50bpm, your heart rate while sitting up, or standing, and moving should be somewhat higher no? Resting heart rate being when you wake up, without getting up.

 

[Chill Dude]

Multiple reports state that "smoking" marijuana can raise your heart rate 20 to 60 beats per minute.
But even for those that don't do a lot of cardio, I can't see how a person without any on-going heart conditions would be in danger if their HR raising these amounts for such a short period of time

I agree, it shouldn't pose a significant health risk to an otherwise healthy individual. Caffeine can also temporarily raise heart rate and blood pressure and athletes have used caffeine as a performance enhancer for decades without problems. Moreover, a lot of the sports drinks and energy gels athletes have been using for years are loaded with caffeine!!

Another issue is tolerance to the effects of cannabis as well as caffeine. A lot of People who habitually use cannabis on a daily basis will notice their heart rate doesn't increase at all. Yes, I have measured my heart rate before and 5 minutes and 10 minutes post use and my heart rate was the same(within 2 beats) at both 5 and 10 minute post use. However, I remember the first few times I used cannabis(many years ago) my heart would race and I'd almost feel the adrenaline pumping throughout my body(not to mention the fact I got really fucking high). I didn't have to measure it, as I could feel my heartbeat racing. Now that I'm used to the effects of weed, these type of side effects are non existent or minimal even with a strong sativa. I assume caffeine works the same way in that when you first start drinking coffee your heart rate increases and you sometimes feel nervous or irritable, but after tolerance develops you feel almost a calming effect from caffeine. That said, everyone reacts differently to various substances and some, for whatever reason, could be hypersensitive to the effects of said substances.

So, I guess what I'm saying is that I suspect the heart rate issue to occur much more frequently with weed newbies than with FC pot heads and other seasoned users LOL...

I love weed, chocolate, red wine and coffee and I'm not giving any of them up for any reason damn it!!!

 

[grokit]

Yes some folks get anxiety when they get stoned, I can see how this could easily make the heart beat a bit quicker. But it also depends on the strain, and the person's tolerance along with other variables.

 

[Curiousone]

Sorry if I come out as pompus!
My whole life has been health and fitness.

Keep running while you still can!

Nah. I didn't take it like that. It did make me be a bit more specific, which is good to avoid spreading BS!

 

[Ansel]

not quite athlete vaping but athletics for your lungs:

http://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Your-Lung-Capacity

 

[Reprojected]

You might just have a cold brother or allergies. I want to be 48 doing ironmans and shit keep it up brother!!

I turned 50 in this past May. Two weeks ago, I finished Iron Man Canada.

Over the six month training program, MFLB was a constant companion (3-6 d/week). I did some of the bike workouts vaked. I did not see any elevated heart rates others have mentioned. Rather, the medication made it easier to go slower which tended toward a lower HR. Going slower is frequently exactly the right answer when you're talking about a 112 mile ride that comes right before you run a 26.2 mile marathon.

 

[Blueberryyumyum]

Also an athlete vaporist here, i lift weights, five free weight compound exercises is my way to go: Squat, Bench Press, Deadlift, Overhead Press and Barbell Row.
Three exercises, three times a week, 45 minutes per workout. Excellent for gaining strength, building muscle or losing weight all natural.
Not only do i feel better, also my lung capacity is much better now and i also get a much better quality high from using less.
I also don't need to vape as much as i did in order to get to sleep because the weight increases over time each workout so i'm already beated up from lifting.
Using MJ after you workout relaxes your muscles and also help them from recovering. I never vaporize before my workout here's why.. I’m often breathing heavily after Squatting a hard set of five.
Your blood pressure increases when you lift heavy weights. But it returns to normal after finishing your set. Also you can't lift as much weight when your high and not focused.
That’s how lifting improves your cardiovascular fitness. People who lift weights with the focus on strength training have lower blood pressures than people who don’t exercise.
Found a great article on http://www.medscape.com/cardiology that proofs that strength training improves cardiovascular fitness.

"STRONG MUSCLES MAKE A MORE EFFICIENT HEART

Weight training lowers cholesterol levels, slightly decreases blood pressure (BP), reduces body weight and fat stores, and improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. And, in contrast to what many doctors tell their patients, regular weight training, over a period of months, improves cardiac function by reducing heart rate and BP responses during lifting of heavy loads. “Weight training makes the heart more efficient. Because the muscles are stronger, any given load now represents a lower percentage of one’s maximum capacity. As a result, you have a lower heart rate, and lower blood pressure, and since those are the two primary factors that determine demands on the heart, you have lower cardiac demands. Stronger muscles translate into less effort to lift any given load,"

Why you should you choose for weigtlifting instead of cardio?

Because you get bored of cardio, you don't get stronger.
In fact strength training will lower your blood pressure and improve the health of your heart better than cardio and regardless of your age… even if you had a heart attack.
Lifting weights will keep your heart healthy and your blood pressure even lower then cardio, so no need for cardio, you don’t have time for it anyway.

 

[biohacker]

@Blueberryyumyum: I do the same type of weight/strength training as you (starting to adopt Wendler's 5/3/1) and couldn't agree more. My diet is JERF (Just Eat Real Food) and I keep my fats high and carbs low to moderate (I love Kiefer's Carb Backloading protocol) and i've been able to maintain single digit body fat for over a year now with improvements to my physique and strength like i've never experienced before even though i'm pushing 40 years of age (chronnological age). My resting heart rate can be as low as 40's, but typically low 50's with textbook BP.

I vape alot for many, many conditions/reasons, and so that's the only part where we differ - I very much love vaping before my workouts. I have done many steroids in the past, and know you can't compare the two - but when i'm medicated - I FEEL like i'm on steroids. It's like I can focus so intensely, and lift more, or the pain is blocked or something....and I get much more into the zone. This works for weights, sprints, biking, etc. But everyone is different, and perhaps my tolerance is much higher. I also find that even morning workouts (especially deads or squats) absofuckinglutely CRIPPLE my sleep, even if I vape. So even though I can be dead tired, my CNS just stays so ramped up.

I'm also finding my night sweats not going away and i'm starting to get a little concerned. This is something that used to strictly happen during withdrawal, but now it's happening even medicated. My body temp doesn't cool down enough which can be a sign of systemic inflammation, which does give me some concerns about my usage. Looking into cooling pads for better, sweat less sleep.

I love being an athlete vaporist!!!

 

[Blueberryyumyum]

@biohacker: Nice to hear your still working out! Never did any steroids or any other chemical to help me lift weights, i don't like it it's just lame, if you only knew what you can achieve naturally.. And If getting high helps you break through heavy workouts - I guess I'll start training all vaked then!!! Seriously this is BS. I tried lifting weights while high several times, and my strength went down immediately. I mean, if vaping weed was some super-secret way to get stronger, they'd all be high at competitions.. But that's not the case. Because using weed is not going to help you lift more. You risk getting hurt whether you got a safety rack or not. You can lose your balance and end up with severe injuries thought about that? Just stop using before your workout it's done wonders to me. Currently deadlifting 2.5x my bodyweight.. I usually workout after i finished my work around 5pm and eat after that. Once i finished my meal i can start getting vaked. And if you are unable to sleep maybe your workouts are not heavy enough.. Start adding weight slowly and eat more and healthy!

 

[biohacker]

I really had to double think even replying to your post, but i'm trying to be respectful. I totally agree with what you can achieve naturally, and this isn't a thread on roids, but just to let you know that all I did was experiment with a few different anabolics in my early 20's, just like I did with other drugs, and haven't touched them since (so 15+ years ago maybe). If you think it's lame that's your opinion, my opinion is that you are not informed enough (like many with judging cannabis). To each their own.. I now increase my testosterone naturally (via intermitent fasting, compound lifts, JERF diet, and deep sleep).

I never once said that there is any evidence that weed was some super secret way to get stronger. But it WORKS for me, and it works for many of my buddies. Everyone is different man, and maybe it affects me differently that you? Or maybe it's the strain? I have had times after indica where the last thing I wanted to do was workout, but i'm mindful and listen to my body.

I've never hurt myself, but maybe that's because i'm not as medicated as you think. Tolerance can be a wonderful thing

I'm glad your technique works for you. This doesn't equate to it being the way everyone should do it. And workouts that are "too heavy" absolutely destroy my CNS and ability to sleep. Everyone is different, and like many dedicated athletes, overtrain way too damn much.

 

[Blueberryyumyum]

Yeah i do find it lame sorry if i pissed you off for saying that but it's just how i think about it. But let me say this to you i'm sure informed enough and what you are saying about lifting more or being more focused is BS.
I'm actually starting to train quite serious a few months ago and decided to make a stop to my heavy usage so my tolerance was also very high a while ago and so i tried a few times lifting weights back then while being high and it doesn't work for me even with a sativa. The focus is not the same and everything feels much heavier. Like i said cannabis relaxes your muscles and you will also have less strength. I looked up the Wendler's 5/3/1 program you are doing, it seems to be a strength/bodybuilding program with alot of hig rep routines. Just to let you know i don't do any of that i'm following a pure strength training routine each set 5 reps max no high rep bs excercises just keeping it simple. Lower rep and more weight.. And everyone maybe different but i asked several people around me who lift weights and use weed. They all confirmed what I thought - one of them also tried lifting weights while high once, and his strength went down immediately.
I told him i had a discussion with someone claiming he could lift more when high, and he started laughing while rolling his eyes. "That guy has smoked too much" he said. Lol. Not trying to be rude or anything just saying the truth and sharing my opinion. But hey if it works for you and you are sure to not hurt yourself while doing it... And i always say less reading more doing and keep it simple.

 

[AlexisSmith67]

I really enjoy having a bag of vapor from my volcano right before going to the gym. Not so much for endurance training but I find the MJ helps me focus on individual muscle groups when I work out. I can literally do two to three exercises but really go slow and feel the 'burn' (haha) but the next day I'll be just as sore as I am when I do an intense hour long workout

 

[Hippie Dickie]

i waited until i hit 65 to decide to get serious about weight training ... well, i had read that a man can add muscle mass into his 80s, but i'm glad i didn't wait that long. So i started using my Bowflex (xtreme 2, 310lb) a little over a year ago. And pretty religiously, like 4 days on, one day off, or 5 days on, one day off - my body tells me when to take a day off. But, at this stage in my life i don't want to beef-up (although i do like the Beefy-Tees from Hanes) - i don't want to feed a big body nor carry it around. i just want to be sure i get a little stronger as i age, not weaker. i'm shooting for adding a gram a day of muscle - about a pound a year.

after a year and at this rate i'm still at the sculpting stage, which is quite motivating. plus i feel like my body is working more efficiently, better - hormones and cholesterol in balance. more testosterone, good libido.

the anchor of my daily routine is aerobics, and has been for more than 30 years ... also cleaned up my diet - just can't eat crap and do the aerobics. 30 minutes of NordicTrack, followed by 30 minute recovery and vape session, followed by the Bowflex for 10 minutes - max weight doing one set of 20 reps, 6 exercises - one day standing, the next day sitting - and then about 10 minutes of calisthenics (in the sun for some vitamin D) for flexibility and to relax the muscles after the weight training.

i can do the NT while high, but time passes 3x slower. nice for when i want to just slow the world down, but that isn't often. seems like i'm always in a hurry these days ... many projects to do and the clock is ticking down.

 

[biohacker]

Yeah i do find it lame sorry if i pissed you off for saying that but it's just how i think about it. But let me say this to you i'm sure informed enough and what you are saying about lifting more or being more focused is BS.
I'm actually starting to train quite serious a few months ago and decided to make a stop to my heavy usage so my tolerance was also very high a while ago and so i tried a few times lifting weights back then while being high and it doesn't work for me even with a sativa. The focus is not the same and everything feels much heavier. Like i said cannabis relaxes your muscles and you will also have less strength. I looked up the Wendler's 5/3/1 program you are doing, it seems to be a strength/bodybuilding program with alot of hig rep routines. Just to let you know i don't do any of that i'm following a pure strength training routine each set 5 reps max no high rep bs excercises just keeping it simple. Lower rep and more weight.. And everyone maybe different but i asked several people around me who lift weights and use weed. They all confirmed what I thought - one of them also tried lifting weights while high once, and his strength went down immediately.
I told him i had a discussion with someone claiming he could lift more when high, and he started laughing while rolling his eyes. "That guy has smoked too much" he said. Lol. Not trying to be rude or anything just saying the truth and sharing my opinion. But hey if it works for you and you are sure to not hurt yourself while doing it... And i always say less reading more doing and keep it simple.

You are absolutely insulting me and I believe breaking the rules by constantly calling what I say "bullshit". Now, can we not be a little bit more mature and civil? You're calling Jim Wendler BS? lol Anyways, i'm finished before I get myself in trouble. I just had one of the best training sessions of the year, and ofcourse medicated on some C99XG Haze!

Oh, and nice pot shot "That guy has smoked too much"....in fact I haven't "smoked" anything in a decade, and yeah "This guy has vaped too much" INDEED! You could stop generalizing your experiences as reality, when it is the furthest thing from it.

Take it easy man...keep on vapin and lifting, well...ummm, I guess in your case lifting and vapin!

I really enjoy having a bag of vapor from my volcano right before going to the gym. Not so much for endurance training but I find the MJ helps me focus on individual muscle groups when I work out. I can literally do two to three exercises but really go slow and feel the 'burn' (haha) but the next day I'll be just as sore as I am when I do an intense hour long workout

Oh thank god some sanity and maturity....I feel the same way.

 

[momofthegoons]

@Blueberryyumyum Stating opinion as fact doesn't cut it here and unless you can provide scientific fact to back what you are saying, calling someone out on their way of focusing for exercise and calling their opinion lame and BS is not going to fly. You are treading pretty heavily on our "Be Nice" rules.

 

[Blueberryyumyum]

@momofthegoons getting pm's of him insulting me and saying i have delusional thoughts but ok...

@biohacker you need to learn to read. I didn't call Jim Wendler program BS; i said that high rep excercises are bs.

Whatever you are the one who's using weed before your workout not me ! I knew i pissed you off but i didn't know i pissed you off on this level. And i never said i knew everything that's your conclusion. Don't have to blast me like that in PM.

Congratz to you for still lifting after all these years. However i can't take that serious because your high when your working out... And i didn't really learn something from you like you stated in your pm, i hoped you learned something from me.
But since you are calling other people having delusional thoughts i don't think you even realise or understand what i'm saying. Ive been helping people out with lifting for almost 8 years now. And for me its not about how much weight you gain or how big your arms are.. It's about how much you lift... Not losing motivation.. And being consistent showing up everytime for years.. When i started lifting after only 6months i pulled 2.5x my bodyweight on the deadlift and squatting 2x my bodyweight. I don't see alot of bodybuilders doing that in the gym.. Captain upperbody's all juicing up and doing BS curls high rep isolation because they suck at squatting they can barely squat their own weight.

That you will not be able to lift more on weed is just a FACT! Whether it's sativa or indica.. If you say you lift more on weed that's just broscience and for me it's necessary to say to other people this is just BS!
Also imagine people start lifting heavy weights on this forum because they read from you that you lift more when high and maybe get killed by trying to do the same. Think about it man. I'm not here to break you off...

 

[lwien]

Here's a couple of FACTS for some of you guys above. First off, all of us react a bit differently when vaping bud. What may be a tool to help focus an effort for one person may have the exact opposite affect on another. It's ludicrous to state that one is WRONG to vape bud before a workout just as it is wrong to state that it is the right thing to do. Some people LOVE to run while vaped. For me, when I'm vaped, running is the LAST thing I want to do. No right or wrong here. Just different.

Secondly, there's a whole range of goals as to why one works out and because you have a specific routine that helps you reach YOUR goal does NOT automatically mean that your routine OR your goals are the correct ones for someone else, so the way I see it, the heated debates above hold very little, if any merit whatsoever.

 

[Sativape]

Here's a couple of FACTS for some of you guys above. First off, all of us react a bit differently when vaping bud. What may be a tool to help focus an effort for one person may have the exact opposite affect on another. It's ludicrous to state that one is WRONG to vape bud before a workout just as it is wrong to state that it is the right thing to do. Some people LOVE to run while vaped. For me, when I'm vaped, running is the LAST thing I want to do. No right or wrong here. Just different.

Secondly, there's a whole range of goals as to why one works out and because you have a specific routine that helps you reach YOUR goal does NOT automatically mean that your routine OR your goals are the correct ones for someone else, so the way I see it, the heated debates above hold very little, if any merit whatsoever.

@lwien,

You're completely right.
Bud effects everyone differently.
Different stains have different effects.

I did find working out slightly vaked enjoyable.

For weight training.
I did go as hard as I would if I didn't vape it up before hand.
I found myself being in this zone too, where I started closing my eyes during certain reps.

I really enjoyed my dumbbell compound routine too while vaked.
Bent over row -> Dead lift -> Bicep curl -> Shoulder press -> Upright row -> Squat -> Lunge.
That's 1 set.

It definitely helps with zoning out to music while on the treadmill or elliptical too.

One or 2 pulls off of my Pinnacle Pro... then snack time!!!

I'd like to share my ultimate after workout snack with you guys
Cottage cheese
Hemp hearts
Chia seeds
Ground flax seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Mix it all up... and enjoy!
I've been enjoying this with a glass of unsweetened almond milk too.

I truly feel that the most beneficial thing about vaping and exercise is this.

For me (I know we're all different)

Even if I don't vape before or right after a workout, as long as I vape before I go to bed is the most beneficial.
It seems to allow for me to get into "deep" or "REM" sleep, undisturbed sleep feeling very refreshed.

For example, yesterday afternoon I did not vape:

I did my back with consisted of:
3 sets of Pull ups until failure
3 sets of Chin ups until failure
3 sets of Aussie pull ups until failure
3 sets single DB row
3 sets bent of row
3 sets bent over flies

Finished off with 30 mins of HIIT on the elliptical.

Had my snack.

Showered.

Nice dinner.

Quinoa
Chicken
Mixed veggies

Before bed, I hit the PNP... slept like a baby.

If I didn't hit the PNP, then I would be staring at the ceiling for 2 hours trying to get to bed from being too pumped up from the workout.

I used to smoke blunts before I bought my Solo.

During my blunt days... my cardio/endurance was horrible: max of 5 mins of skipping.

Since I've been vaping I can kill a nice 20 min skipping session!

EDIT: I forgot to mention the most important thing:
Since I'm getting much better, longer, deeper sleep, I am finding my gains are increasing since my body is getting very good rest (when the body is repairing itself).

Thank you PNP and Solo for bringing a better quality of life!

 

[Blueberryyumyum]

When your high, your mind or body is in a more relaxed state, your muscles included. So this will affect your 1 RM for sure!
I will NEVER try to lift my max weight when i'm high! I tried on the benchpress a few times with 220lbs and the weight felt heavier.
Like @Sativape said "I found myself being in this zone too, where I started closing my eyes during certain reps." i also experienced this.
So hence i could never imagine myself deadlifting the same weight compared to when i'm sober... even squatting lol i would be scared with such a serious weight.
I could do it though, but probably with less weight or less repetitions that's for sure!
And which means my progress wouldn't be the same anymore. And i would never break a personal record.
I also find that if i vaporize after my workout i can stay motivated , my lungs are more open, and it helps you to get more relaxed.
When i vaporize before my workout i'm not really that motivated and don't feel the need to do a full workout..
Some people say weightlifting and marijuana don't go together.. Well i say just learn how to use it.. It's also great for recovery and appetite..

 

[Sativape]

When your high, your mind or body is in a more relaxed state, your muscles included. So this will affect your 1 RM for sure!
I will NEVER try to lift my max weight when i'm high! I tried on the benchpress a few times with 220lbs and the weight felt heavier.
Like @Sativape said "I found myself being in this zone too, where I started closing my eyes during certain reps." i also experienced this.
So hence i could never imagine myself deadlifting the same weight compared to when i'm sober... even squatting lol i would be scared with such a serious weight.
I could do it though, but probably with less weight or less repetitions that's for sure!
And which means my progress wouldn't be the same anymore. And i would never break a personal record.
I also find that if i vaporize after my workout i can stay motivated , my lungs are more open, and it helps you to get more relaxed.
When i vaporize before my workout i'm not really that motivated and don't feel the need to do a full workout..

Some people say weightlifting and marijuana don't go together.. Well i say just learn how to use it.. It's also great for recovery and appetite..

@Blueberryyumyum,

Awesome points!

Also, vaping after the workout is a well deserved treat for a super relaxed state.
I'm strictly a recreational user so I can be patient for after the workout.
My goals for working out is putting on lots of lean muscle and shredding as much fat as possible.

I do have a friend who vapes pure sativas pre-workout in order to get the jumpstart to initiate the workout session, and it also helps with their joint pains.
His goal for working out is to stay active.
He only does 2 x supersets for 3 different exercise per body part per week.
After I helped cleaned up his diet, he also put on a good 10-15 lbs lean muscle and also dropped around 20 lbs of fat.
He vapes his sativa before the workout, and then his indica for after.
He has arthritis so needs to medicate before working out.
But he definitely stays well below his 1RM for all his exercises.
On average, he's going at %60-65 his 1RM for his exercises.
And I've seen him stumble a few times when he was really high too.

Sometimes when I workout, I do 3 x 90%1RM x 4 reps.
And @Blueberryyumyum, you're 100% right, I would only do this when I'm completely sober and actually had a nice snack + some coffee to get my pumped up enough for the high weight.

Stay healthy and as active a possible everyone!

 

[HillaryClinton]

I am so out of shape, I should work out...I mean I am 5'11 and 140lbs so I am not fat but my body is a mess, I should start lifting or something, might help my back and leg issues....

Not sure why I am procrastinating about it....always lol.

 

[biohacker]

Here's a couple of FACTS for some of you guys above. First off, all of us react a bit differently when vaping bud. What may be a tool to help focus an effort for one person may have the exact opposite affect on another. It's ludicrous to state that one is WRONG to vape bud before a workout just as it is wrong to state that it is the right thing to do. Some people LOVE to run while vaped. For me, when I'm vaped, running is the LAST thing I want to do. No right or wrong here. Just different.

Secondly, there's a whole range of goals as to why one works out and because you have a specific routine that helps you reach YOUR goal does NOT automatically mean that your routine OR your goals are the correct ones for someone else, so the way I see it, the heated debates above hold very little, if any merit whatsoever.

Completely agree lwien, although I hope you are not referring to me stating that it is the right thing to do - it is the right thing to do for ME. I can't even believe what I read sometimes, IMO it's like debating if it's "right or BS" to drink a coffee before your workout. What's ludicrous is to call other experience's BS. Just like the "high rep BS". Although I personally don't use high reps in my training very often (unless it's a super set), it doesn't mean it's "BS", it serves a purpose and it depends on your goals. Just a quick google search can show the merits of it too.

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/light_weights_for_big_gains

 

[Sativape]

I am so out of shape, I should work out...I mean I am 5'11 and 140lbs so I am not fat but my body is a mess, I should start lifting or something, might help my back and leg issues....

Not sure why I am procrastinating about it....always lol.

@HillaryClinton,

If you used to work out in the past, then your body will get back into it.
If you've never trained before than you need to take things slow.
Proper form is the key.
As @biohacker stated above, the high rep workouts have benefits.

If you combine, lower weight, with high rep, and incorporate that with compound movements:
- you will get both muscle building anaerobic and aerobic qualities out of the workout
- low weight will be safer for you and allow you to keep proper form

I too have had back and leg (knee) issues in the past.
The root cause was lack of mobility and flexibility in my hips and IT band.
I completely neglected stretching my hips.
I was always good with stretching the rest of my body.
After daily stretching routine focusing on the hip, hip flexors, IT band and thoracic spine (using a foam roller) my back and knee problems went away.

To maintain flexibility, I do full body active stretching every other day.

I do indulge in vaping before stretching... it feels really good and allows you to really feel the stretches.