Exercises that are Easy on Your Back
By Sara Butler
Are you itching to get outside and get active? It’s great to stay active and get healthy, especially if the weather has been keeping you inside for a few months. But you don’t want to risk overdoing it by being overzealous once you can get out and enjoy the sunshine. Take baby steps to help avoid injury and get your body back in shape. Here are a few exercises that are gentle on your spine but still allow you to get outside and enjoy the warming weather.
Walking
Walking is one of the best exercises you can do -- and you’re already doing it each day! Shape Up America reports that walking 10,000 steps per day helps to support a healthy body. Research has also found that walking can help to alleviate lower back pain while doing it as little as 60 minutes a week. So, lace up those walking shoes and get moving.
Cycling
You don’t have to train for the Tour de France in order for bicycling to be beneficial to your health. Grab your bike and go for a ride around your neighborhood. It’s something the whole family can get involved in as you bike around and look at the changing landscape around you as one season flows into the next -- plus, it’s good for your back! You may even want to try riding a bike to your next adjustment with the chiropractor!
When It Rains
Rain happens, so when you’re stuck inside you need to find a new way to work in some exercise for your back. You can still be active indoors by doing a few low-impact exercises that are gentle on your back. You can use an elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike, or even go to your local gym or fitness center. Just as long as you work in some exercise, it’s healthy for your back as well as your overall level of health.
If you have questions about the low-impact exercises you can do outside, then your chiropractor is a great resource. Plus, they are familiar with your personal medical history, so they know which kinds of exercise are good for you and which may make any existing conditions worse. Exercise in conjunction with regular chiropractic adjustments is a great way to ensure great spinal health as summer fast approaches!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.