Our backs suffer a lot—just ask those
who spend hours in front of the PC
without any physical exercises!
Sedentary lifestyle, bad posture, injuries
—all lead to the debilitating backache.
To prevent this problem, you need to
strengthen your back. But, how do you
strengthen your back? If that is what you
are worried about, you need to try back
extension exercises. Strengthening your
back, these exercises will keep aches
and pains far away
case, you’ve experienced some kind
of injury, ensure to speak to your doctor
before starting these exercises. It is
possible that you might find a couple of
these exercises challenging. But there is
nothing to worry about. You can start off
in an inclined position till you think that
you are comfortable enough to handle it.
If you find these movements easy, then
you can move to a declined position.
You should perform these exercises 2 to
3 times a week. But, if your back still
feels sore, speak to your doctor or
physician about it.
Will You Require?
To carry out back extension exercises,
you require a mat, a bench and a bottle
of water. Wear your usual workout
clothes. Remember that comfort is the
key here. Keep in mind that there are
several variations to these workouts.
You also require a vertical bench and a
few free weights. However, it is not a
necessity.
Top 5 Back Extension
Exercises:
Now, let’s look at some of the top back
extension exercises that you can do at
home. Ensure to follow each step
carefully. There is no need to hurry
while learning. Be patient. Some of the
moves are not going to work out on the
very first day. Give it some time to see a
change soon.
1. Dart Move:
Image: Shutterstock
The Dart Move is one of the best among
all Pilates extension exercises. They are
great for your abdominals. These
exercises help strengthen the spine.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Place your mat in front of you and
lie on your stomach. Keep your
arms by your side. Make sure they
are straight.
2. Now as you inhale, gently bring
your abdominal muscles up.
3. As you keep your muscles tight
and pulled in, exhale. Your upper
body should not be on the ground
this time. It should be slightly off.
4. Bring your arms behind you as the
shoulder blades slide down. It’s
time for you to anchor your bone.
Do not strain yourself.
5. You should be looking down. Make
sure your eyes are not wondering
here and there.
6. Inhale and pause.
7. As you exhale, start lowering your
upper body to the ground.
8. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
2. Swimming Pose:
Image: Shutterstock
The Swimming Pose is an effective
stretching exercise and has been
designed for all those who would like to
learn how to balance themselves. In
order to do it the right way, use the
following steps:
1. Place your mat in front of you and
lie down on your stomach again.
Keep your legs together. Don’t
bend them.
2. Don’t bring your shoulders near
your ears. Keep the blades in your
back. Your arms should be over
your head now. Stretch for a few
seconds.
3. Make sure your abs are tight.
Bring your navel above the ground.
4. Now stretch out your arms, legs
and spine as far as possible. But
this should be in opposite
directions. Make sure your face is
down.
5. Now, alternate your hands and
legs and pulse for a couple of
seconds.
6. Breathe in and hold for 5 seconds.
7. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
[ Read: Stretching Exercises To Relieve
Back Pain ]
3. Cow Pose:
Image: Shutterstock
The Cow Pose is best for increasing the
coordination, stretching the hips and
abdomen and calming the mind. Follow
the steps to perform it:
1. Get down on the mat in an all
fours position. Your body should
be straight and shoulders relaxed.
Keep the abs lifted as well.
2. Keep your head up and make sure
you don’t let it fall back. Your
neck should be an extension of
your spine.
3. Now it’s time for you to imagine a
bit. Think that both your head and
tail are moving far away from you.
Don’t force yourself too much.
After reaching a particular point,
start to curve up.
4. Breathe out and come back to the
first position.
4. Plank Pose:
Image: Shutterstock
The Plank Pose provides strength to
several sections of your body, including
shoulders, biceps and neck. They also
work your thighs, buttocks and calves at
the same time.Follow the steps to
perform it:
1. The first thing you need to do is
come to a plank position. This is
pretty simple to do. Come to your
knees and keep your hands in
front of you. Your fingers should
be straight. Keep your hands and
elbows straight.
2. Now it’s time for you to lengthen
your spine. Make sure the energy
in your body spreads from head to
the tailbone. Extend your body till
you feel that stretch.
3. Now lean a little forward and
allow your weight to rest on your
hands.
4. Keep your legs behind you and
extend them. Don’t separate them.
Instead, allow the energy to
spread far through the heels.
Allow some of your weight to be
on the balls of your feet.
5. Imagine you are pulling your sit
bones at the same time. Take a
couple of deep breaths.
6. Now as you breathe, let it expand
into your ribs as well as the abs.
7. Keep yourself in that position for
about 5 breaths.
8. Give yourself a break and repeat.
9. If you are a beginner, 5 times
should be enough.
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