Even if you are not 85 years old, your 28-year-old back may say otherwise. The reality is that the vast majority of people are sedentary, regardless of age, which contributes to back problems. An even bigger reality is that back pain is a leading cause of work limitations, with chronic back problems affecting nearly 8% of American adults. Health care costs due to back pain exceed $12 billion per year!

When people think of back pain, the first image that comes to mind is an older adult hunched over. Perhaps they move slowly and have to sit down very carefully to avoid worsening the pain. Although the risk of lower back pain increases with age, it doesn’t sentence a person to a life without exercise. In fact, there are many types of physical activity that are beneficial for people with lower back pain, even if modifications are necessary. 

The 4 Best Exercises For Low Back Pain

A recent study found that certain workouts can alleviate lower back pain. The review study, which was published in Front Public Health, found tai chi, yoga, Pilates, and sling exercises to be the most beneficial at reducing low back pain. The review looked at 75 randomized controlled trials with more than 5,250 participants. That provided study review authors with a significant amount of data to consider. 

Study authors noted yoga and tai chi to be the most effective for pain management. You and core stabilization exercises yielded better improvement in physical functions compared to standard rehabilitation methods. The theme across the four different modes of exercise is mobility and flexibility. There is no need to focus on intense muscle gains and lifting heavy weights. On the contrary, those types of workouts can increase the pain or worsen the injury, especially if form is incorrect. Tai chi, believe it or not, can improve muscle strength, balance, and endurance without putting too much pressure on the lower back. 

Sling exercises, or bungee workouts, were of particular interest to study authors. The reason for that is because they are underrated for incorporating more movement into an older person’s lifestyle. They are usually more fun than cardio- or weight-based workouts, too! Sling exercises also activate the core muscle groups, which help improve balance and the ability to control the neuromuscular system. That ultimately enhances the stability of the lumbar spine (low back), while simultaneously improving its function. 

Summary

This study was very large, considering that it is quite niche. That said, researchers believe more large-scale studies on this matter will help people make better, more educated decisions about exercising with lower back pain. Knowing which exercises are the best if you have back pain is quite useful, especially if you don’t want to worsen the pain or injury. 

The exercises you choose to do will depend on the severity of the pain and overall mobility of the spine. How did your pain start and are there other concerns you have about exercising with that pain? Depending on the severity of the pain, you may require physical rehabilitation in conjunction with the exercises mentioned in this article. It’s not always about choosing one or the other, but rather incorporating different modalities to recovery as quickly as possible. 

Back pain, much like many things in life, is unique. The best exercise plan will depend on various factors, so it may be wise to consult your physician or physical therapist before adopting a specific routine. Lastly, your muscles and joints change with age, but there are ways to support strength in the long term. These exercises are a great stepping stone to help you get to pain-free movement.

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Several surveys revealed that the average American spends about 7.7 hours of their day sitting. With cubicle and work-from-home jobs in full-swing, sitting is just a part of modern day work. Some people try to counteract hours in the chair by purchasing a standing desk. Others try to sit on exercise balls or kneeling chairs to better correct posture. Nevertheless, all of that sitting can create tension in the hip flexors and lower back. 

After a long day of sitting, most people continue to sit on the couch or in the dining room, either watching TV or hunching over their phone. Even self-care hobbies like journaling or meditation involve sitting! Although long periods of sitting may be inevitable, you can engage in a few simple techniques to mitigate the negative effects of sitting. In this article, we will go over a few strategies that may help reduce pain and improve posture. 

The Health Risks Of Sitting For Long Periods

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Contrarily, those who sit less report fewer instances of these chronic health conditions. They also experience better mood and sleep quality, in addition to an overall enhancement of daily functioning. 

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that lower back pain impacted 619 million people worldwide. Health experts estimate that this number will reach 843 million by 2050. Lower back pain usually begins with stiffness, particularly in the hips and along the spine. It is the leading cause of disability globally and affects people across all ages and genders. 

Pain is complex, and there are limited solutions to the way people process it. Since standing all day is not an option for everyone and can also lead to pain, we hope the following strategies help ease stiffness and reduce lower back pain from sitting.

Strengthen Your Core

Not only does a stronger core contribute to better balance, but it also helps support your torso while seated. Increasing core strength supports the spine and reduces strain on joints and intervertebral discs. One study monitored 30 participants with lower back pain who engaged in a five-week core strengthening program. At the end of the study, everyone reported a significant reduction in pain and muscle fatigue after performing seated tasks. 

Optimize Your Desk Setup

Ideally, your chair should support your back and you should be able to rest your feet flat on the floor. Your knees should be in line or slightly lower than your hips. Reduce strain on the neck by having your screen be at eye level and an arm’s length away. Consider investing in lumbar supporters, footrests, or monitor stands if you spend a lot of time at your desk. A standing desk can also be beneficial so that you can change positions throughout the day. 

Stay Active

You don’t have to jog in place while checking emails; rather, counteract your sitting by moving your body. Health experts suggest 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week. You can supplement this time with resistance training and mobility workouts to counteract all the sitting you do. It can be highly beneficial to flow through a series of yoga poses, engage in water aerobics, or take part in Zumba classes. A little movement goes a long way, with a short walk on your lunch break providing great benefits.

Take Movement Breaks

According to research, two hours of continuous sitting can trigger immediate lower back pain or general discomfort. Your ability to solve problems may be impacted by this sitting! Get out of your chair every 30 minutes to help prevent some of these issues. Engage in some squats, a full-body stretch, or even pace while on a phone call. Consider a few hip stretches or some foam rolling to reduce pain in your hip flexors. 

Be Mindful Of Your Sitting Habits

While you are seated at work, take note of your posture. Are your shoulders slouched? Are your legs crossed? Are you leaning to one side to compensate for pain on the other? These observations may indicate that you need to improve your work set up to reduce pain. You may even require an ergonomic assessment or visit to your health care provider to prevent back pain, especially sciatica. Early intervention is essential, so tackle the issue before it becomes a serious problem.

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There are two types of people in this world: people with tight hips and liars. Most people have hip pain and don’t even know it, or worse, they don’t admit it. Due to the sedentary lifestyles that many people lead, hip pain is very common. All that sitting at your desk doesn’t do your hips or lower back any favors. 

Sitting isn’t the only reason for your tight hips. One cause is lack of internal and external range of motion, which prevents the hip joint from moving properly. Another cause is lack of strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings, or both. If you want better hip mobility and improved range of motion, you have to engage in various planes of movement. The following exercises are low-impact and aim to take your hips through a variety of movements. Doing so can help improve hip mobility, while simultaneously strengthening and lengthening the surrounding muscles. 

Lying Hamstring Stretch

Sit on the edge of a couch with your legs bent and feet planted flat on the floor. Make sure you have enough room to lean back before you lean your torso back to have your back flat on the couch. While leaning back, bring your right knee up toward your chest, but keep your left foot on the floor. Extend your right foot toward the sky and reach behind your thigh to pull your leg toward you. Hold for two to three seconds, bend your knee, and then straighten it again for two to three seconds. Continue to do this 10 times before you switch sides. 

Three-Way Hip Stretch

Begin on your mat or carpet in a half-kneeling position by stepping your left foot forward and bending your left knee at a 90-degree angle. Your right knee should be on the ground and toes tucked behind you. Place a cushion under your right knee if necessary. Lean forward as much as you can so that your knee is directly over your toes. Lean back and repeat a total of 10 times. Next, move your left foot to the left so it makes a 45-degree angle to your body. Repeat the same leaning back and forth movement 10 times before stepping your left foot out to the side to make a 90-degree angle to your body. Repeat the same leaning back and forth movement 10 times and then switch to the right leg. 

90/90 Hip Switch

Sit down on the ground with your left knee bent in front of you at a 90-degree angle and the other knee bent behind you at a 90-degree angle. Your left foot should be touching your right thigh just above the knee. Lift both knees up at the same time and turn to face your right leg behind you. Keep the heels planted on the ground and fully drop your knees to now make your right leg the front leg. Continue alternating back and forth a total of 10-20 times. You can place your hands on the ground behind you for support. 

The Figure Four

Sit on the edge of a couch with your legs bent and feet planted flat on the floor. Make sure you have enough room to lean back onto the couch. Cross your left ankle over your right knee and then lift your right foot off the floor, drawing your knee to your chest. Reach behind your hamstring to pull it closer until you feel a stretch in the outer left hip and glute. Keep your lower back on the couch as you do this and hold the position for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other leg. 

Half-Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

Begin in a half-kneeling position by stepping your left foot forward and bending your knee at a 90-degree angle. Keep your right knee bent and on the ground with your toes tucked behind you. Raise your right arm overhead, take a deep breath in, and bend your torso to the left. You should feel a stretch along the front of your hip and in your oblique. Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side. 

Frog Pose To Child’s Pose

To enter frog pose, begin in a tabletop position on your hands and knees, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. Slowly move your knees out away from each other. When you feel that stretch in the inner thighs, stop in this potion to allow your muscles time to relax. Don’t move your knees outward if you feel pain. Turn your feet out to the sides so that the inner edges of your feet, ankles, and knees are touching the ground. Stretch your arms forward, keeping your palms on the ground. Learn forward to lift your feet off the ground and close together. Rest the tops of your feet on the ground to enter child’s pose. Alternate between these two poses slowly 10 times. 

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Yoga is a relaxing exercise that helps form a better connection between the mind and body. Although a lot of people categorize yoga as a restorative practice, which it can most certainly be, many of the poses require a significant amount of strength and balance. Do you ever notice that experienced yogis can hold inverted poses and then transition to push-ups with ease? Until you take your first yoga class, you don’t realize how much strength the practice actually requires. 

Yoga helps to enhance strength in the form of bodyweight training. Studies have shown that bodyweight training can be just as effective as weight training for gaining muscle mass. Developing more strength in your yoga practices will depend on the level of class you take. For this reason, be mindful of your strength training goals when choosing your classes. That said, if you truly want to develop bulky muscles, consider weight lifting to achieve that goal. Regardless of your goals, yoga is a beneficial exercise to incorporate into your routine because it helps hone your balance, improve flexibility, and meditation efforts. 

Introducing your body to a variety of movements and tasks is how to keep it limber and ready for anything. As always with yoga, do what makes your body happy and don’t push it to the point of pain. Consider the following yoga poses to help build strength. 

Chair Pose

This pose doesn’t seem that difficult at first, but you start to feel the burn in your quads the longer you hold it. The stronger you get, the longer you’ll be able to hold it. Begin by standing upright with your feet together and arms by your sides. Balance your weight onto the heels as you sink your butt back as if you were about to sit in a chair. As you do this, keep your back straight and extend your arms overhead so that they are in line with your back. Keep the hips even and breathe deeply for four long breaths before returning to the starting position. 

Warrior II

As a great foundational pose, warrior II can help strengthen your lower body. It’s not as difficult as the high lunge, but it can help deepen your high lunge and increase strength the longer you practice it. Begin in a wide stance with your feet past your hips facing forward. Make sure that you feel balanced in this position before you turn your left toes inward and right toes outward toward the front of your mat. Hold in your lower abdomen and lengthen your spine. Bring your arms up so that they are parallel with the floor and in line with your body. Bend your right knee slowly, but make sure your knee doesn’t extend past your toes. Hold this pose for five deep breaths before you switch sides. 

Goddess Squat

Sometimes referred to as horse pose, goddess squat is a great pose to develop better glute muscles and open up your hips. The deeper you squat, the more it works your inner thighs! Begin by standing straight up with your feet hip-distance apart. Widen your stance and face your toes outward as you tuck your pelvis and sink into a squat. The goal of this pose is to squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Don’t roll your knees in and keep your back straight. You can rest your hands on your thighs for support, or extend them up overhead while keeping your shoulders dropped. Hold this pose for five deep breaths, aiming to sink deeper with each exhale. 

Boat Pose

This pose challenges your core in the best way possible! Practicing this pose will help you hold other poses for longer periods with a lot less effort. Begin in a seated position with your legs extended out in front of you. Bend one knee at a time and keep your feet flat on the floor. Lean back slowly and lift your feet off the ground; you should start to feel your core engage. Raise your feet so that your shins are parallel to the ground and extend your arms toward your feet to help balance. Remain here for 10-20 seconds, increasing the time as you get stronger. 

Superman Pose

If you suffer from poor posture and want to correct it or reduce upper back pain, this is a great pose to practice. Begin by lying face down on the ground and extend your arms out in front of you. Take a deep breath in and, as you exhale, engage your back muscles, glutes, and upper back to lift as much of your body off the ground as possible. You basically want to balance on your upper thighs and abdominals. Stretch from your fingertips to your toes, being conscious to drop your shoulders away from your ears. Hold this pose for three to five breaths and then return to the starting position. 

Forearm Plank

This takes the regular plank up a notch, but many people find this plank variation easier because it takes more pressure off your wrists. That said, this pose forces you to engage your core more than regular plank because you are closer to the ground. Begin on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. Lower yourself down to your forearms and then step your feet back one at a time. Engage your core and lift through your belly button to maintain a flat back. Hold for 20-30 seconds to start and increase the time as you get stronger. 

Chaturanga

This pose proves difficult because it requires you to hover your entire body just above the ground. Your arms may shake more than usual when you first start, but that will fade as you get stronger. Begin on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. Come into a high plank position by stepping your feet back. Hug your elbows close to your sides as you lower down so that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle. Hover a few inches above the ground and engage your chest and core. Hold for three to five deep breaths and then release. 

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If you follow a lot of gym, fitness, or workout influencers, you have probably come across mobility exercises. More and more people realize that strength training and cardio is not everything, which is a great thing. Various mobility exercises work to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall range of motion within the body, most notably within joints. 

Mobility is a necessity for the body’s daily movements. If you want to live pain-free and reduce your risk of injury, then you have to enhance your mobility. With better mobility, you can squat deeper, run faster, train harder, pick up children with ease, and do so many other daily movements. Additional benefits of mobility include:

• Increased strength via muscle activation
• Better posture
• Reduced physical pain and tightness
• Decreased risk of physical injury via strengthening the joints and enhancing body awareness
• Better understanding of your body
• Less tension built-up within the body

Why Is Mobility Important?

Think of mobility like the foundation for physical health and the key to unlocking easier movements. If your mobility is limited, then your joint cannot move through its full range of motion during activation. Not only can that lead to uneven distribution of pressure, but also wear and tear on other areas compensating to carry out the movement. Additionally, poor mobility can lead to general joint pain and knots in the muscles that surround the joints. 

You probably know that most people are very sedentary. Sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day, five days a week, can shorten and tighten connective tissues, or fascia. Think of fascia like plastic wrap for the internal body. It is thin, reactive, and mostly made up of collagen, encasing muscles and organs. Insufficient fascia mobility can trigger pain, leave a person feeling stiff, or even interfere with proper organ function. 

Mobility vs. Flexibility

It is not uncommon for people (and professionals) to regularly interchange mobility and flexibility. They are not synonymous, so that can be a little misleading. Flexibility is the ability to lengthen muscles, for example, melting into a stretch with ease. Mobility is the ability of a joint to actively move through its full range of motion. You need some flexibility in order to have great mobility, but mobility also requires strength and balance. Passive stretching focuses on flexibility, whereas dynamic stretching helps to improve mobility. 

Without strength, flexibility may do more harm than good. It is not the gold standard, despite what popular yoga influencers say on the Gram. Over-stretching without incorporating strength training can actually stretch ligaments and joints without preparing tissue fibers. Fascia and connective tissues may not recoil and regenerate properly if they are constantly in stretch. If you constantly pull a rubber band, it becomes loose and can snap. You don’t want that!

Mobility Is Necessary For Injury Prevention

Without full mobility in certain joints, you may not activate the right muscles or muscle groups during a specific movement. That can overwork other muscles, increasing the risk of injury and pain. Although accidents happen, you can avoid serious injury when you learn to tap into bodily cues. Mobility training can reduce the risk of injuries by conditioning your joints. That helps you keep the body supple and makes it easier to understand the body’s movements.

How To Train For Better Mobility

The great thing about mobility training is that you don’t need a gym to engage in various movements. Remember that you need not overexert yourself because the whole point of mobility training is to reduce the risk of injury. There are many online resources offering full-body mobility plans and targeted mobility workouts. A lot of people hold tightness in the hips, which can increase low back pain. Start with hip-opening mobility movements, which you can learn more about by clicking here. 

You have the ability to perform optimally, but you have to engage in the proper mobility training to do so. As you progress through your mobility workouts, you may notice that you feel stronger, experience less pain, and have greater range of motion. Mobility movements may unlock pain-free movement for you!

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If you sit at a desk all day, your posture could probably use a boost. Most people with desk jobs tend to complain about upper back, neck, or lower back pain because of the sedentary position. Sitting creates tension in areas, which don’t get stretched during or at the end of a workday. Fortunately, the moves in this article aim to improve posture, range of motion, core strength, and flexibility. 

Your posture and core strength will not magically get better out of the blue. You need to work to improve both of these things, which can help you live a more mobile, pain-free life. For the following moves, do them back-to-back. You’ll notice that each exercise has a complementary stretch, so engage in the stretch directly after the exercise. If you do this routine five days a week, you’ll experience a more flexible body and stronger core.

Swimming

Targeting your back, shoulders, and glutes, this exercise aims to improve range of motion and posture. To begin, lie face down with your arms and legs opened into an “X” shape on the ground. Engage your core to lift your chest, thighs, and arms off the ground. Direct your gaze in front of you and lift your left arm and right leg slightly higher. Quickly switch sides to complete one rep, and then continue alternating until you complete 20 reps. Keep it controlled, but aim to flutter your arms and legs quickly as you complete your reps.

Bow Pose

Open up the entire front of your body and the muscles that easily tighten at your desk all day. Lie facedown on your mat with your arms by your sides. Lift your arms and legs off the ground by engaging your glutes and lower back muscles. Bend your right leg toward your right hand and grab the outside of your shin. Do the same with your left hand and leg. Lift your chest and arch up like a bow. Try to remain in this position for 20-30 seconds, breathing deeply throughout.

Seated Hover

Requiring a bit more strength, seated hover is definitely a challenge for your core muscles. Sit down in a cross-legged position with your hands on the ground just outside your hips. Press your palms into the floor, tilt your pelvis up, engage your abdomen and chest muscles, and lift your butt and legs off the flower. Hover above the floor for 30 seconds and then sit back down. Repeat one more time, but cross the opposite leg in front. 

Hip Opener

This stretch aims to relax your lower back and open up your hips, as the name suggests. Remain in the same cross-legged position as the previous seated hover exercise. Keep your back straight as you hinge at the hips, leaning your torso over your legs. Reach your arms in front of you until you feel a stretch in your glutes and hips. Make sure that you don’t round your back, and hold the stretch for up to 30 seconds. 

Kneeling Hinge

Think of the Matrix when you do this pose because you have to engage your thighs and abs to lean back. Begin in a kneeling position with the tops of your feet flat on your mat and legs hip-distance apart. Do not sit back onto your heels; rather, kneel so that your body is straight and only your feet, shins, and knees remain on the ground. Engage your lower abdomen and start to hinge as far back as you can without straining the body. Return to the starting position and that is one rep. Complete a total of 10 reps, placing a towel or mat under your knees for extra support. 

Camel Pose

This is potentially one of the greatest yoga poses for sore neck and upper back. From the starting position of the kneeling hinge, engage your glutes to press your hips forward. Arch your back and reach your hands down and back toward your heels. You can make the move a little easier by tucking your toes under to bring your heels closer to your hands. Hold for 30 seconds, breathing deeply throughout. 

Bird Dog

This is a move that is more challenging than it appears, so do not approach it lightly. Begin in a tabletop position with your hands on the ground beneath your shoulders and knees directly beneath your hips. Extend your right arm out in front of you while extending and lifting the left leg backwards. Engage your core to maintain your center of balance. Repeat on the other side and complete 20 alternating reps. 

Balancing Quad Stretch

This is the final pose of the sequence that works your core muscles, all the while stretching your quads and hip flexors. From the same tabletop position as bird dog, extend your right leg back and left arm in front. Bend your right knee and reach back with your left hand to grab hold of your foot. Pull your foot toward your body and lift your leg as high as you can. You should feel as stretch along the front of your hip. Hold for 30 seconds, return to the starting position, and then complete on the other side.

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What do people focus on when they hit the gym? Legs, back, chest, arms, shoulders, and cardio, which is often an afterthought. What shouldn’t feel like a chore or an afterthought is working on your core strength. Maintaining a strong core is essential for most of the movements you do with your body. Without a strong core, you become more prone to falls, back pain, and your range of motion decreases. And you have to work on all of your major back muscles, pelvic floor, glutes, and abs to strengthen your entire core. 

Your core accounts for a lot of muscles that you may not consider to be core muscles. The abdominal, hips, back, butt, and legs are all core muscle groups. Working all of these muscles will help strengthen your entire core. Your core can help stabilize your pelvis and spine, so a weak core makes you more prone to back injuries, general back pain, and pelvis misalignment issues. If you have difficulty doing core stability moves, including planks, glute bridges, or dead bugs, then you know your core is weak. Check out the following beginner-friendly exercises to strengthen your core muscles. 

Stir The Pot

This is a dynamic variation of the plank and it works more core muscles in a shorter amount of time. It activates the same core muscles as a plank, only it incorporates movement, so you pass the workload to various core muscle groups. You will need an exercise ball for this exercise. Begin in an elbow plank by placing your forearms on the ball and feet extended behind you. Keep your core strong and don’t let your hips sag. Use your arms to roll the ball in small, controlled circles. Do five clockwise and five counterclockwise to complete one set, rest, and then complete two more sets to fulfill three. 

Clamshell

The clamshell aims to strengthen your hip muscles and pelvic floor by engaging the inner and outer thighs. This is a great move for runners because a lot of ankle and knee alignment comes from a stabilized pelvis and hips. Lie on your left side, stacking your right leg on top of your left. Bend your knees so that they are at a 45-degree angle and keep your feet in line with your hips. Rest your head on your left hand, which you prop up by resting your left elbow on the ground. Engage your lower abdomen by drawing your belly button in toward your spine. Raise your right knee as high as you can, but don’t shift your hips or pelvis and keep your left leg on the ground. Hold for one second and then return to the starting position. Complete a total of 10 reps and then switch sides. Complete a total of three sets of 10 reps per leg. 

Dead Bug Crunch

This is a slow-paced core exercise that calls for your constant engagement throughout. It activates both the transverse abdominis and builds spinal stability. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle stacked right over your hips. Make sure your shins are parallel to the floor and extend your arms toward the ceiling. Reach your right arm next to your ear, hovering it above the floor, as you extend your left leg out and down toward the floor, stopping about six inches above the ground. Engage your lower abdomen and glue your lower back to the floor. Return to the starting position and then alternate. Continue alternating for 30 seconds, rest for a minute, and then complete two more sets.

Bear Hold

Think of this like a traditional plank pose, only the pressure is much less on your lower back. A lot of HIIT and barre class instructors incorporate this into their workouts because it activates stabilizers that support the lower back. Begin in a tabletop position on your hands and knees, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. Keep your spine neutral and core engaged as you lift yourself off the ground in a controlled manner. Only your hands and toes should be on the ground. Engage your abdomen, chest, and glutes, holding the pose for 15-30 seconds. Try to work your way up to a minute as you get stronger. 

V-Ups

The V-up is a simple movement, but challenging to pull off. It works your entire rectus abdominis, the core muscles that go from your pubic bone to your sternum. Lie flat on your back with your arms and legs extended and resting on the floor. In a fluid motion, reach your arms up and bring your toes to meet your hands in a “V” shape. Return to the starting position and immediately repeat, continuing until you complete 10-12 reps. Complete a total of three sets. 

The Farmer’s Carry

A lot of people only focus on planks to increase core strength, but the core is so much more than your abdominal muscles. Some of the best core exercises are often the simplest, which is the case for the farmer’s carry. You will need two kettlebells, dumbbells, or weights for this exercise. Begin in a standing position with your feet hip-distance apart and the weights on either side of you. Keep your back straight as you squat down to pick up the weights and then stand back up, engaging your glutes and hamstrings to do so. Make sure that you feel balanced and that the weights are not too heavy. Hold the weights by your sides (about a few inches from your legs) and start walking. As you walk, maintain a neutral spine and drop your shoulders to lift your chest. Try to walk for 20 steps and then turn around to walk back. Repeat for a set number of steps or time limit and then stop to rest before repeating a couple more times.

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Low back pain is one of the most commonly treated conditions by physical therapists and chiropractors. Because of sedentary lifestyles, back and neck pain is more common than ever. Being in a seated position does not activate your core, and people don’t put in the work to strengthen their core. Not only does that contribute to weak balance and limited mobility, but it also reduces overall strength. 

Maintaining a strong core can allow for pain-free movement and everyday functional movements. A strong core may also improve posture, aid stability, and make you less prone to back pain. Most exercises or movements engage core muscles, so strengthening them can help you perform those exercises with the right form. Plus, having a strong core makes you less prone to injury doing all sorts of movements, from reaching to grab something on a high shelf or swinging a baseball bat. The following workout aims to keep your core strong, and you don’t need a gym to do them!

Plank

According to research, planking activates more of the abdominal muscles than most ab or core exercises do. Most people plank incorrectly, though, and you can read more about plank mistakes by clicking here. To begin, get on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. Lower down to your elbows to place your forearms on the floor and step your feet back, maintaining a straight line from your head to your heels. Don’t let your hips sag and remain in this position for 30-45 seconds. Rest for one minute and complete two more rounds.

Side Plank

A lot of people do crunches, V-ups, or leg lifts to target their abs, but you also need to exercise the oblique muscles to maintain a strong core. Lie on your right side, stacking your left leg on top of your right. Place your elbow and forearm on the ground under your shoulder so that it is perpendicular to your body. Prop yourself up on your elbow and lift your hips off the ground by engaging your right oblique. You should still engage your entire core, though. Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side. Complete a total of three times per side. 

Hip Bridges 

This is a great at-home exercise that targets your back, but, and core muscles. It is necessary for functional strength, and helps to tone your booty as well. Lie flat on your back and bend your knees, planting your feet flat on the floor about six inches from your butt. Keep your arms by your sides, palms facing down. Engage your glutes and lower back muscles to lift your hips toward the ceiling, so that only your shoulders, head, arms, and feet remain grounded. Make sure to drop your shoulders away from your ears. Hold for one or two seconds at the top and then lower back down slowly. Complete three sets of 10 reps. 

Hip Abduction

Some people think of 1980s workout videos when they think of this exercise. Should you want to don the spandex and headband, please do so. Just make sure to do this exercise in a controlled way so that you don’t injure your hips or back. Lie flat on your right side and support your head with your right arm. Alternatively, you can rest on your elbow if that is more comfortable. Start with your left leg on top of your right and then lift your left leg up towards the ceiling. Ideally, bring your leg as high as you can, but don’t cause a spasm if it is too painful. Complete three sets of 10 reps on each leg. 

Bird Dogs

This exercise is all about core strength and stability. Many people find this exercise surprisingly difficult, so don’t approach it with the mentality that it will be a breeze. You should feel a few droplets of sweat by the time you finish the reps. To begin, get on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and hips over your knees. Keep your back straight and slowly extend your right arm out in front of you, while simultaneously extending your left leg behind you. Maintain a straight line from right finger tip to left foot, holding this position for a second before alternating to the other side. Continue alternative until you complete 10 reps per side, completing a total of three sets of 20.

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A February 2023 report found that a staggering 23% of people live with chronic lower back pain. On top of that, about 84% of adults have experienced general back pain at some point during their lives. Whether you have general soreness in the back or chronic lower back pain that impairs daily activities, yoga poses may benefit your situation.

The Benefits Of Yoga For Back Pain

Does yoga actually help prevent or relieve back pain? Back pain tends to stem from a weak core or tight hip muscles. A healthy back is dependent on a strong core, and good posture can take pressure off the spine. If back pain is the result of tight hip muscles, stretching those muscles and improving their flexibility may relieve pain. Not only does yoga work to strengthen your core, but it also releases tension, helps improve posture, and contributes to greater mobility. 

According to a 12-week study, doing yoga just once a week was just as effective at treating moderate to severe chronic lower back pain as physical therapy. If pain exists and it affects the entire body and mind, practicing yoga may help both ease the mind and ease the pain. In regards to which type of yoga works best for back pain relief, there are certain postures that contribute to better spinal alignment. Proper alignment and flexibility are two things that can help prevent or relieve pain. Before we explain how to do the poses that are beneficial for people with back pain, keep in mind that twist poses and deep backbends may only increase pain. Gentle poses go a long way towards helping your recovery. 

Happy Baby Pose

Working to decompress the lower back, happy baby pose realigns the spine and opens the hips, inner thighs, and groin. To begin, lie flat on your back and bend your knees, bringing them toward your belly. Reach to grab the outsides of your feet and gently pull your knees down toward your armpits. Make sure that your lower back remains on the ground and aim to have the soles of your feet facing the ceiling. You should feel a mild stretch in the hips, not pain. You can rock from side to side in this pose if you want. 

Bridge Pose

Bridge pose helps to strengthen the back and legs, and may help to relieve back pain and headaches. To do this pose, lie flat on your back with your arms resting by your sides. Bend your knees and plant your feet on the floor, just far enough away from your butt that you can touch your heels with your fingertips. Glue your shoulders to the floor and keep a neutral spine as you engage your glutes to press your hips up. Keep your thighs parallel to each other and hold the pose at the top. Lower back down to the ground in a controlled, gentle motion. Complete about 10-15 reps, or hold the position for 20 seconds, and then rest. 

Child’s Pose

This is a great resting pose in any yoga routine. It helps to stretch the spine, hips, and thighs, and works to relieve stress. Begin by kneeling down with your knees hip-distance apart. Tuck your feet and sit your hips back onto your heels. Inhale and elongate your spine as you fold over your knees to rest your forehead on the mat. Widen your knees out to the sides of your mat and stretch all the way through your fingertips. Remain here for as long as you like, but make sure to listen to your body and do what feels right. 

Cobra Pose

If you have pain in the shoulders, abdomen, chest, or upper back, cobra pose can help to gently stretch those areas. Lie flat on your stomach with your legs extended behind you. Bend your arms and plant your hands on the floor so that they are in line with your rib cage. Hug your elbows close to your chest and press the tops of your feet into the floor. Engage your chest and abdominal muscles and press your upper back off the floor. Press your lower abdominals and tops of your feet into the floor to support the lift. Keep your arms bent at about a 45-degree angle and drop your shoulders. Lift and lengthen through your upper back and neck, breathe deeply, and hold this pose for 15-30 seconds. 

Knee To Chest Pose

This pose works to improve flexibility in the back and spine, while simultaneously massaging the abdominal organs. Lie flat on your back with both legs extended out in front of you and arms relaxed by your sides. Bend your left knee and draw it into your chest, grabbing just below the knee to bring it closer to your chest. Keep your back flat on the floor and hold this position for about 20 seconds before switching legs. 

Reclined Pigeon Pose

Reclined pigeon pose helps to open the hips and release tension from the lower back. It may also increase flexibility in the hamstrings. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and heels flat on the ground about six inches from your glutes. Bend your right knee and place your right ankle on your left thigh just above the knee. If you already feel a deep stretch, remain in this position. To achieve a deeper stretch, draw your left knee in toward your chest, interlacing your fingers behind your left hamstring to pull towards you. Try to hold for up to a minute and then repeat on the other side.

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Doesn’t getting a massage once a week sound like the best plan ever? What a beautiful luxury to be able to afford! You don’t need the financial ability to get weekly massages when you can loosen up all your tight muscles with a series of beneficial stretches. Many physical therapists agree that regular stretching can make you feel as good as you do after a relaxing massage. 

When people stretch, they typically target the hamstrings, quadriceps, and areas of the back. Seldom do people actually perform stretches correctly, though. Without proper form, you will not target the right muscle groups. Moving your body in subtle ways can do more than you realize. The following stretches help you stretch the various nooks and crannies in the body that need the most attention. Stretch regularly with the right form and you won’t feel sore all the time. 

Side Neck Stretch

Stand up straight with your arms by your sides and feet hip-distance apart. Let your right ear fall to your right shoulder and take a deep breath. Bend your right arm and take your right index finger to push your chin back until you have a double chin. Lean into the stretch until it feels good, allowing the stretch to deepen for 30-60 seconds. Switch sides and repeat. 

Back Of The Neck Stretch

Remain in the same standing position as the previous stretch, or you can sit down if that is more comfortable. Let your head fall forward, bringing your chin to your chest. Interlace your fingers behind your neck and pull down gently while simultaneously lifting your head. Do these for 20 seconds and then let go. Your neck should feel longer after this stretch.

Back Of Shoulder Stretch

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and interlace your fingers at your lower back, facing your palms back. Pull your elbows toward the front of your body and round your spine. You can lean forward slightly until you feel a good stretch along the backs of your shoulders. Don’t force too much and remain in a comfortable stretch for 30 seconds before releasing.

Chest Stretch

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and lift your arms up and out to the sides. You should be in the form of a “T.” Face your palms facing forward and reach your arms behind you. Don’t reach so far that you strain anything; rather, reach until you feel your chest open and then remain in this position for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply throughout. 

Wide-Legged Spinal Rotation

Start standing straight up and step your right foot out to create a wide stance. Hinge at the hips to bend forward and then place your hands on the ground. Place your right hand behind your head and, leading with your elbow, rotate your chest out to the right and toward the ceiling. Ideally, open up so that your elbow is pointing straight up. Rotate back to the starting position, aiming to touch your left arm with your right elbow. Complete 10 reps and then switch sides. 

Reclining Figure Four

Lie flat on your back and bend your knees to plant your feet flat on the ground. Place the outside of your right ankle just above your left knee, pressing your right knee out to the side. Grab behind your left hamstring and draw it closer to your chest. You should feel a stretch along your right glute and outside of your hip. Hold for 30-60 seconds, allowing the stretch to deepen naturally, and then repeat on the other side. 

Squat To Hamstring Stretch

Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your feet flat on the floor and squat down until your butt almost touches the ground. Make sure to keep your back straight in this position. Grab your feet and pause for three seconds before slowly straightening your legs as much as possible, feeling a stretch in your hamstrings. Aim to keep your back straight during this process. Hold for 10 seconds and then return back to the squat. Complete three reps.

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