Exercise Information

Lower Back Extension Exercise


This is an excellent exercise for the lower back that is very simple to perform. This exercise requires no equipment and it can be performed almost anywhere, even at your office. Many people neglect to do exercises that focus on your lower back. Your lower back, Erector Spinae, supports your upper body and affects almost every sport and every day activity that you do. It is important that you exercise this part of the body. The lower back extension is probably the best exercise for strengthening your lower back as well as eliminating or preventing lower back pain.

If you sit on a chair all day, you may be experiencing tight or sore back muscles. To eliminate these nagging minor pains, perform this exercise 2-3 times per week consisting of 2 sets of 15 repetitions. This is an exercise also recommended by chiropractors and doctors. I've also seen variations of this exercise done in Pilates and Yoga. If you do constantly have back pains, it is advisable that you consult with your doctor before attempting this exercise.

Method of Performance

Lie down on a mat or carpet with your stomach to the floor, keep your arms and hands flat at your sides and legs extended like in a standing position, but lying down. Slowly raise yourself up from your torso as far as you can go but do not over-extend. Just to the point where you feel comfortable and you are receiving the maximum benefit. Remember to tighten your buttocks when lifting yourself from the ground and concentrate on working the lower back. Now slowly lower yourself back to the floor. Don't forget to breathe. Do about 2 sets slowly consisting of 12-15 reps, 2 to 3 times per week.

Variations

This exercise can also be done on vertical benches or holding onto extra free weights. The exercise done on a vertical bench is much more difficult. Personally, I do not feel that it is necessary to perform this exercise on a vertical bench since doing it on the floor is just as effective and safer. Using a vertical bench may also put undue strain on your back.

For more exercises and video exercise demonstrations, visit PopularFitness.com

About the author:
Peter Kudlacz is the owner of PopularFitness.com where you can find online fitness and golf programs, exercise instruction guides, articles, resources and tips.


MORE RESOURCES:

TPMCafé

US must exercise leverage on Israel
Danbury News Times, CT - 1 hour ago
We will not exercise the leverage on Israel necessary to achieve peace; we will continue to alienate Arabs in the street; we have bankrupted ourselves as an ...
Video: Notebook: Gaza CBS
Diplomats Converge on Israel in Push for Truce Washington Post
All in self-defence? Varsity
Ynetnews - San Francisco Chronicle
all 20,372 news articles


FLIR Systems Announces Exercise of Option Under $13.5 Million ...
CNNMoney.com - 13 hours ago
FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced today that it has received notification from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) of its intent to exercise a ...
Market Report -- In Play (FLIR) MSN Money
all 19 news articles


Consumer Reports: Big Promises of Some Infomercial Exercise ...
PR Newswire (press release), NY - 1 hour ago
Infomercials make a lot of big promises about the exercise machines they hawk on TV and the Web. But do they deliver? To find out, Consumer Reports ...
Informercial Excercisers: Which Really Work? WCPO
all 6 news articles


Local exercise programs anything but routine
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 2 hours ago
Each exercise is scaled to each individual, so newbies, veterans and everyone in between fits into the workout scene. 20s to their mid-60s. ...


Oregon could set standards for diet and exercise at day cares
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - 17 hours ago
When parents call Desiree Newberry of Knappa looking for day care, they ask about her hours. But they never, ever ask about the food. ...


In plank exercise, keep spine straight
Los Angeles Times, CA - 17 hours ago
A common mistake when performing this exercise, referred to as a plank, is to drop the hips too low and sag in the lower back area. ...


Exercise Improves Old Brains
LiveScience.com, NY - 9 hours ago
Exercise improves blood flow to the brain and may help build new brain cells, recent studies show. Image credit: Dreamstime The moment of truth has arrived, ...


Resolve to exercise caution, thrift
San Diego Union Tribune, CA - Jan 4, 2009
If you're like most Americans, your list of New Year's resolutions might be something like this: Lose weight. Spend more time with family and friends. ...


Los Angeles Times

Turn the world into your gym
Los Angeles Times, CA - 17 hours ago
Hike local trails, scale buildings, exercise on the beach. It's inexpensive -- and scenic. By Jeannine Stein Gym memberships are something of a luxury these ...
For an added burn, try exercising on the sand Los Angeles Times
all 2 news articles


Design of FitFor2 study: the effects of an exercise program on ...
7thSpace Interactive (press release), NY - 4 hours ago
Pregnancy is a period in the life of women that is often associated with decreased daily physical activity and/or exercise. However, maintaining adequate ...

Exercise - Google News

home | site map
© 2006