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Chicago Health Coach Mike Ockrim is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialst (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a Certified Personal Trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) that will engage you in functional movement training programs, nutrition and cooking education, and sleep improvement plans to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Exercises to Strengthen the Lower Back

Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy lower back and preventing injury. The lower back muscles play a vital role in supporting the spine, facilitating movement and bearing the weight of the upper body. Weakness in these muscles can lead to pain, discomfort and a higher risk of injury. Here are some effective exercises that can help to strengthen the lower back:

  1. Bridging exercise (Reference: McGill, S. (2002). Low back disorders: Evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation. Human Kinetics.) Bridging is a simple exercise that targets the muscles of the lower back, hips, and glutes. To perform the exercise, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Then, lift your hips and hold the position for a few seconds before lowering back to the starting position. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 repetitions.

  2. Cat-cow stretch (Reference: Bhatia, S., & Bhatia, N. (2010). A guide to the standard EMG Biofeedback protocols. Springer Science & Business Media.) The cat-cow stretch is a gentle exercise that can help to improve the mobility of the lower back. To perform the exercise, start on your hands and knees, with your wrists under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Then, alternate between arching your back and rounding your back, moving slowly and smoothly. Repeat the exercise for 10 repetitions.

  3. Superman exercise (Reference: Sant Rockwell, P. (2010). Therapeutic Exercise for Spinal Stabilization: Scientific Basis and Clinical Approach. Elsevier Health Sciences.) The superman exercise targets the muscles of the lower back and glutes. To perform the exercise, lie face down on the floor with your arms and legs extended. Then, lift your arms, legs, and chest off the floor and hold the position for a few seconds before lowering back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise for 10-15 repetitions.

  4. Plank (Reference: Bird, S. P., & Taylor, I. F. (2007). Clinical biochemistry: An illustrated colour text. Elsevier Health Sciences.) The plank exercise is an excellent way to build core strength and stability, including the muscles of the lower back. To perform the plank, start in a push-up position, but instead of lowering yourself to the floor, hold the position with your body straight and your core engaged. Hold the position for 30-60 seconds, and repeat for 2-3 sets.

In conclusion, these exercises can help to strengthen the lower back and reduce the risk of injury. It is important to perform these exercises under the guidance of a trained professional and to start with lighter weights and fewer repetitions. Gradually increasing the difficulty level as the muscles become stronger is essential for avoiding injury and achieving optimal results.