Back Strength Training

Back Exercises For Lower Back Pain

The back consists of the upper back and the lower back and the back muscles are the third largest in the body. There are three main muscle groups in the upper back, the trapezius, latissimus dorsi (lats), and erector spinae. The trapezius is responsible for pulling the shoulders upward and backward, the latissimus dorsi pulls the arms backward and downward, and the erector spinae act to straighten up the spine from a bent position.

The trapezius is worked during any exercise which involves lifting the shoulders, including shrugs, upright rows, and certain presses.The latissimus dorsi (lats) are strengethened by cable pulldowns or chins.

The lower back, which contains the muscles on either side of the spine (erector spinae) is strengthened with dead lifts, bent over rows and hyperextensions. Lower back muscles work together with the oblique abdominal muscles and the quadratus to support the spine and give greater range of motion. The muscles of the lower back function differently than many other muscles in the body; they are mainly stabilizers, giving the body support and stability.

Start slow and build on your progress. Listed below are a number of exercises which can be used to strengthen the back. They are labeled by levels of difficulty (easy, intermediate, advanced). Your workout should be challenging but pain-free -if it hurts, stop.

Below are some good examples of Back Strength Training exercises.

REMINDER: Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. If pain develops, stop immediately and notify your physician.

Easy Back Exercises

Pelvic Tilt

Lay flat on your back with your legs bent and your hands at your sides. You will keep your hands, feet, and upper back on the ground while raising your butt and pelvic area into the air.

Supermen

Lay flat on your stomach with arms fully extended above your head. You will simultaneously raise your arms and legs into the air with your stomach and pelvic region still touching the ground.

Alternating Supermen

Laying flat on your stomach with your arms extended above your head, raise your left arm and right leg at the same time. Alternate and do the same for the other side.

Twists

It is best to do these seated. Grab a broom handle or light bar and place it behind your head. Sit up straight with your chest out and shoulders back and twist to your right as far as you can comfortably go and then proceed to your left. It is a similar motion to checking your blind spot when driving.

Side Bends

Grab onto something light like a dumbbell or a purse. Place it into your right hand. Place your left hand on your head. Stand straight up with chest out and shoulders back and drag the weight down towards your right knee and then stand back to the start. It is important not to lean forward when doing this.

Intermediate Back Exercises

Stiff Leg Dead Lift

This is done similar to the double toe touch except you will have a lightweight in your hands. Hold the weight and proceed down as far as you can comfortably go and proceed back up to the standing position. It is important to keep the weight very close to your body throughout the entire range of motion. Keep your chest out and shoulders back. You do not have to go all the way down to your toes with this exercise.

Hammer Low Row

Sit down on the seat with your legs straddling the seat. Place stomach and chest firmly against the seat. If you are doing this alone then you may have to grab one handle then grab the other one. Individuals with short arms will not be able to grab both at the same time. It is best to have someone lift them to you if possible. Once you have the handles in both hands you should sit straight up with your chest sticking out. Then you will pull the handles in towards your stomach and chest. Slowly lower the weight down to the starting position and repeat. When you are finished you can lower each handle down or you can just drop them. Most of these machines have thick rubber pads that allow you to drop the weight with out damaging anything.

Hammer High Row

Sit down on the seat with your legs straddling the seat. Place stomach and chest firmly against the seat. If you are doing this alone then you may have to grab one handle then grab the other one. Individuals with short arms will not be able to grab both at the same time. Once you have the handles in both hands you should now sit straight up with your chest sticking out. Pull the handles in towards your chest. Slowly lower the weight up to the starting position and repeat. When you are finished you can raise each handle up or you can just drop them. Most of these machines have thick rubber pads that allow you to drop the weight without damaging anything.

Row

Place feet on the designated footpads with a good deal of bends in the legs. You will pull back with your legs while keeping your chest out, back flat and arms straight. Straighten your legs until they are almost straight. This is the starting position. Keep your stomach tight the entire time you perform this exercise. Pull the handle in towards your stomach, imagining you are elbowing the wall behind you. When you get the handle to your stomach, contract your upper back muscles, hold for a second and slowly lower down to the starting position. Individuals that have any serious lower back pain or have had any severe lower back pain within about 3-4 months should not do this exercise.

Lat Pull Down

Grab the bar about shoulder width apart and sit down so that your upper legs are firmly under the supportive roller pads. You should have your arms straight and you should leaning back slightly. This is the starting position. Pull the bar towards your chest touching it at your chest or collarbone area. When you get it close to your chest pull your elbows back towards the wall behind you. You do not want to have your elbows in front of you when you are finished. If you are not flexible enough to get the bar to your chest then pull it about chin level.

Reverse Hyperextension on a Ball

This exercise may be a little awkward to do because it requires you to balance yourself while performing this strengthening exercise. Lay flat on the ball with your belly button in the center of the ball. Place your hands behind your head and raise your upper body towards the ceiling pivoting at your waist. Go back to the start position and repeat. Having someone hold your feet or placing them under something firm will help with the balancing in this exercise.

Advanced Back Exercises

Good Mornings

Stand straight up with your legs about shoulder-width apart. Place a light bar or broom handle on your back behind your head keeping both hands on the bar. You are going to bend over at the waist keeping your legs straight but with a slight bend at the knee. Your body will end up close to a 90-degree angle. Make sure to keep your chest out and shoulders back when performing this exercise. Always keep your head up and try not to look down.

Spider Good Mornings

Almost the same as a Good Morning except now you are cradling something in your arms to add some resistance. The same rules apply to this as they do with the Good Morning. Remember to keep the weight close to your body.