How to Develop a Strong Back

One of the key reasons we need to do core conditioning and develop back health is that good posture is essential for an active lifestyle. Yes, good posture is the result of a healthy back and a healthy back comes from core conditioning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Train your posture. Remember Mom always nagging you to stand up straight? She was right. Actually it has been shown that people whose mothers nagged at them about their posture tend to have fewer back problems. So remind yourself to sit up straight, shoulders down and back, tummy in and butt tucked under.
2. Do core strengthening exercises every day. Cross over sit-ups, reverse curls, planks (bridges) and incline planks are all great to keep the abs, back muscles and butt muscles strong. Throw in a push-up or ten for good measure.
3. Walk. Walking is the best exercise for the back, preferably on trails or paths rather than on concrete or pavement.
4. Wear good shoes. Spend the extra few dollars on shoes with some sole and good support. They will pay for themselves if they save you from back pain.
5. Stretch at least once every day. Stretch your thighs, your buttocks, your hamstrings and your chest. If you are at a desk all day, take five minutes out to stretch every hour or two.
6. Keep your weight down, especially if you tend to put it on around the stomach. A beer belly can throw your whole center of gravity off.