Need a way to exercise my back
I got a job as a dishwasher which requires me to stand in one place for a long period of time. I have a comfortable pair of shoes, and have only worked there a week now, but I am starting to get back pains. I've never really exercised my back, other than push ups, but I need a better way to workout and keep my back in shape. Unfortunately I do not have a weight set, nor any money for gym membership, so any exercise that could be done without weightlifting would be helpful.
I used to have a yoga ball instead of a chair (but the ball got a flat), and boy did I feel it in my core! I spend a few hours in front of the computer every day, and those core muscles got their workout, let me tell you, Now, I'm not capable to just sit still on a ball like that, I was constantly 'rolling around' on a small scale, a few cm this way, a few cm that way and I guess that helped a lot too. Still, I think you could get one of those balls for 5-10 bucks at wahlmart or something, it might be worth the investment. There are a multitude of youtube vids available for free that will teach you various back-strenghtening excercises too.
Other than that, anything that works your core will help.
Also, try to move around a little at your station instead of standing stock-still (shift your weight between your feet, take a babystep toward/away from your station, shimmey your hips, whatever, just keep your circulation going), and take frequent, short breaks (maybe even just 15-30sec or so) to strech out your back every 10-20 min, and start doing that from the moment you start your shift, not when you are starting to feel the strain.
Oh, and make sure that your shoes are not only comfortable, but gives you the best type of support and cushioning thet you need. In my country you can go to certain sports stores and they will liik ar your feet and gait and stuff like that and they can help you. Of course if you already know you don't have 'perfect feet', go see an orthopedic person who can help you.
squats and crunches, and make sure you don't stay rigid in one place for too long.
If you are washing dishes you can still swivel your hips which should help prevent you from locking up.
I do 100 crunches every other day, and do 300 squats each weekend along with 40 laps swimming.
This have helped reduce my incidences of back pain, and also improved my recovery time when I do get back pain.
The simple things are the best, as you're more likely to do it if you don't have to go to the gym or get any fancy equipment.
PrncssAlay
Deinonychus
Joined: 17 Apr 2013
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Posts: 321
Location: Midwest, Southwest, Northwest, California
The biggest problem is the "slightly leaning forward" angle which you probably need to stand in, for your work. If you could occasionally (maybe every half hour) spend a minute or two doing this back-extension exercise, that might help refresh some of those aching muscles.
Back trouble often requires core strengthening before improving.
Try these:
1. Glute Bridge With Marching
Why: This exercise will improve hip strength and increase pelvic and lumbar stability.
How To:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slightly brace your abs and lift your hips off the ground. Squeeze your butt to form a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. Without moving your body, lift one foot off the ground. Return it to the ground and switch legs. Alternate sides for 60 seconds and repeat for three sets
2. Offset Reverse Lunge
Why: This exercise will increase lower body strength and improve balance, coordination and pelvic and core stability.
How to:
Hold a weight in your right hand and stand with your feet hip width apart. Take a large step backward with your right leg. Go into a lunge. Return to the starting position by stepping forward and upward with your left leg. Perform 8-12 repetitions and switch sides. Perform 2-3 sets
Google core strengthening exercises and back strengthening exercises. lots there that only require some time. (15 mis or so each day.)
_________________
http://lovebybonnie.blogspot.com
Bonnie, The Boxer, ~2005/2006 - October 26th 2013
We love you always Bonnie. Bless God as you have blessed us.
I had problems with my back to, specially with muscles that are rsponsible for pushing back your shoulders and moving the backside of the shoulder bones. Sadly training them is a bit hard, because with normal gymnastics you hardly can find any exercises training them. I went into gym, but couldnt stand the "vibrations" there. A cool and really cheap solution I have found is a "Theraband", a type of elastic cord, I bought second hand on the internet. It really helps you training that muscles easily, as example by stepping on that bend and lifting it from behind with straight arms, or you fix the band somewhere in shoulderhigh behind you, grab the ends and then move your arms forward and so on. Second hand theraband costed me less then 10 EUR, so much cheaper then the gym, and much less weird people. ^^
Thera bands are really good for rehabbing a weak back and loosening up muscles and tendons. When I was rehabbing a messed up back I was given a two page sheet of exercises to do for my back with the thera bands. The Thera band site has some good exercises to try out and if you google thera band exercises for the back, or something like that, you should be able to find even more exercises. After awhile I was told I can ease into weight training with free weights to get stronger.
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Don't you mind people grinnin' in your face
O.T. (my apologies)
Pondering, I like your avatar.
_________________
http://lovebybonnie.blogspot.com
Bonnie, The Boxer, ~2005/2006 - October 26th 2013
We love you always Bonnie. Bless God as you have blessed us.
Thanks. If you ever get bored, you could check out the movie Electroma on Youtube, that is where the picture is from. If WP had a abstract movie that shows how it can feel to have Autism, this one could be a nominee for sure.
Pondering, I like your avatar.
_________________
Don't you mind people grinnin' in your face
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