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Back Exercise Analysis

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Back Exercises

The following exercises strengthen the muscles that help support the back. They also help keep the lower back flexible. Doing these exercises can help prevent back pain or improve existing pain.
EXERCISES

If you have back pain or discomfort, try doing these exercises 2–3 times each day or as directed by your health care provider. When the pain goes away, do them once a day but increase the number of repetitions. If you do not have back pain or discomfort, do these exercises once a day or as directed.

Single Knee to Chest

Lie on your back on a firm bed or floor with your legs extended.

Bring one knee to your chest, and hold it in place by grabbing your thigh or knee. The extended leg should remain in contact with …show more content…

Bend your knees so they are pointed toward the ceiling and your feet are flat on the floor.

Tighten your lower abdominal muscles to press your lower back against the floor. This motion will rotate your pelvis so that your tailbone scoops toward the ceiling instead of pointing at your feet or into the floor.

With gentle tension and even breathing, hold this position for 5–10 seconds.

Repeat this exercise 5–10 times.

Cat–Cow

Assume a hands-and-knees position on a firm surface. Keep your hands under your shoulders, and keep your knees under your hips. You may place padding under your knees for comfort.

Drop your head and point your tailbone toward the floor so that your lower back becomes rounded like the back of a cat. Hold this position for 5 seconds.

Slowly lift your head and point your tailbone toward the ceiling so your back arches like the back of a cow.

Hold this position for 5 seconds.

Repeat this exercise until your lower back becomes more flexible.

Press-Ups

Lie on your abdomen on the floor. Place your palms at the height of your head, about shoulder-width …show more content…

You should feel the muscles in your buttocks and the back of your thighs working. If you do not feel these muscles, slide your feet 1–2 inches farther away from your buttocks.

Hold this position for 3–5 seconds.

Slowly lower your hips to the starting position, and allow your buttocks muscles to relax completely.

Repeat this exercise 10 times. If this exercise is too easy, try doing this exercises with your arms crossed over your chest.

Abdominal Crunches

Lie on your back on a firm bed or floor with your legs extended.

Bend your knees so they point toward the ceiling and your feet are flat on the floor.

Cross your arms over your chest.

Tip your chin slightly toward your chest without bending your neck.

Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly raise your torso high enough to just lift your shoulder blades a tiny bit off of the floor. Raising your torso higher can put too much stress on your low back and does not help strengthen your abdominal muscles.

Slowly return to your starting position.

Repeat this exercise 5–10 times.

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