Wednesday, February 8, 2012

The Most Effective Back Pain Exercises

By Tammy Ling


It is important that you learn how to do back pain exercises that can help with your condition and do them in moderation with sensibility. Before doing any exercises, you might want to consult your physician as many exercise routines can put stress on the already afflicted area which can cause it to become worse than before. As long as you are doing the right type of exercise, your back will experience some benefits as you will soon see.

An exercise system that has been available since the 1920s is Pilates. Unfortunately, not a lot of people know much about Pilates. Pilates exercises are basically low-impact and utilize a lot of muscle stretching. It focuses on enhancing your core (trunk) strength, which is integral to protecting your spine. Pilates uses a variety of devices that can be found at centers, but you can also do many of the exercises at home on a mat. You can begin your Pilates training at whatever level of fitness you are currently at. As you progress through the gentle exercises, you will become stronger and have more endurance and can move up to more advanced exercises. You can look for a Pilates center in your area, or find a workout video that can help you get started. Back pain can be prevented if you undertake a Pilates regimen of gentle exercise. It will also increase your general health and well-being.

When you are unable to do strenuous exercise, you can take up walking. It's great for the back and, in fact, your whole body. Walking is an exercise you can do at your own pace, and you can gradually increase your speed and the distance you cover. Where you walk isn't important. You can walk around a local track, on the beach, or in a park. If walking outdoors or at the mall doesn't appeal to you, use the treadmill at the local gym. Wherever you walk, you might want to buy an inexpensive pedometer so you can keep track of your speed and distance. Walking is much better for your joints and spine than jogging or running. It's low-impact and won't jar or injure your body.

One of the best exercise machines you can use at the gym that's gentle on your back is an elliptical trainer. Go to the store and get one if you would prefer using it at home. Due to its low impact nature, you will definitely get a thorough workout without overstraining. Unlike a treadmill or exercise bike, the motion you make is more circular and much smoother, which puts a lot less pressure on your back, as well as your knees. Your upper body, and lower body, both receive a workout. If possible, you should also try to use a step machine. These are low impact as well. Instead of using these machines, you could try aerobics. The only drawback is that aerobic workouts are high impact which could cause additional pain or injury. Elliptical and step machines are your best bet for safe and effective workouts that are gentle on your back.

You are now aware of many different stretching exercises for all sorts of body areas and you should be well on your way to a hale and hearty spine. You should never force any stretching that causes discomfort to you and if you have had medical problems with your back in the past, you need to see your doctor for advice. After taking the time to design the right stretching program for your body; a healthy spine with less chance of recurring pain will be more apt to be the outcome.




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