Exercise Information
Site Map | Privacy Policy

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:

Nevada Exploration Inc. ("NGE") announces extension of Series B ...
Canada NewsWire (press release), Canada - 1 hour ago
Each Series B warrant can be exercised to purchase one common share of NGE for an exercise price of $0.60. Wade Hodges, President and CEO, explains that ...


Diet and exercise help the mind and the body
ElmLeaves, IL - 8 hours ago
By Reed Engel, MA, FAWHP There's no mistaking that diet and exercise play an important role in keeping our bodies in shape and our health in optimal ...


Fire/Rescue to hold training exercise today
Great Falls Tribune, MT - 6 hours ago
By Tribune Staff • August 28, 2008 Great Falls Fire/Rescue and the Montana Refining Company are planning a joint training exercise at about 8:30 this ...


Peter Chianca: We need exercise, no butts about it
Daily News Tribune, MA - 2 hours ago
Apparently, some type of physical exercise is also necessary. I believe there are medical studies that will back me up on this. Unfortunately, in my case ...


Caffeine, exercise help students through day
The Olympian, WA - 1 hour ago
By LINDSAY CASON | Anchorage Daily News • Published August 28, 2008 Due to the negative connotations of the word "addiction," we --- as a society --- often ...


Curlin barn still mourns death of exercise rider Parker Buckley III
New York Daily News, NY - 10 hours ago
BY JERRY BOSSERT Trainer Steve Asmussen's barn continues to try to move forward after last week's accidental death of exercise rider Parker Buckley III. ...


Facial Exercise: The Solution For A Younger Looking Face
Emediawire (press release), WA - 9 hours ago
Cynthia Rowland, facial fitness expert and successful aging coach, announces a re-release of her special report: "Facial Exercise: The Evidence Does Not ...


Baby Boot Camp gives mom a workout with baby
Arizona Republic, AZ - 2 hours ago
She said she likes to keep her classes smaller so she can do more one-on-one personal training to modify the exercise according to each mom. ...


SearchHelp Extends Expiration Date of Its Class "A" Warrant
CNNMoney.com - 53 minutes ago
On December 27, 2007, the Company reduced the exercise price of the Class "A" Warrant (SHLPW) from $0.75 to $0.17 per share. In addition, the Company ...


Arroyo warns vs ‘irresponsible’ exercise of press freedom
Inquirer.net, Philippines - 6 hours ago
... to maintaining our strong democracy," President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo warned against those who exercise press freedom without responsibility. ...
An Open Letter To Gloria Arroyo On Press Freedom Mindanao Examiner
all 3 news articles

Exercise - Google News

© 2005-2006