Personal Trainer Tips on Reducing Back Pain
Throughout my 12 years of personal training in Orange County, almost everyone I work with has some sort of tightness in their legs, hips and lower back.
It may not always be pain, but as they start to exercise or move, they will be acutely aware of the stiffness they feel.
We usually don't experience this kind of pain when we are young, so what gives? As we grow up, we spend more and more time sitting - sitting at school, sitting in a car, sitting at a desk in front of a computer, sitting front of a tv.
Much of our lives are spent simply sitting.
Unless we do something to counteract all this sitting, it is inevitable that our bodies will adjust, negatively, to our lack of movement, and tighten up.
This stiffness will in turn lead to impaired movement, which causes joint immobility and ultimately, pain.
Remember the saying "Use it or lose it"? Most people don't "use it", they sit on it.
Sit on it long enough and after a few years of sitting behind a desk or in front of the tv, your legs, hips and back simply don't work like they used to.
Here are my 5 steps to follow to help combat back pain, help you stretch out and gain a better range of motion to prevent pain or injury.
Step 1: Warm Up: You're not as young as you once were.
You have to take some time before your workout to warm up the engine.
Step 2: Really Warm Up! You're probably stubborn like me, but you need to take 5-10 minutes to get your body moving and allow blood and oxygen to flow.
It will prevent injury, improve performance and help you in the long run.
Step 3: Move - Daily! I don't expect everyone to workout hard 5 days a week, but you do need to move.
Go for a walk, hike, or swim.
Ride a bike, go play volleyball or basketball - anything! Just get up and move.
Step 4: Stretch: You especially need to stretch if you spend a great deal of time in the car, on the computer or on the couch.
You need to regain that range of motion you are losing the longer you sit.
Herniated discs, sciatic nerves and pulled muscles will results if you skip this important step.
Plus, stretching at the end of a workout is a great way to regroup, relax and cool down.
Step 5: Drink Water: Most people are chronically dehydrated.
This affects every muscle in your body and even discs in your back.
Often times increasing your water intake will reduce back pain.
So drop the energy drink and pick up the water.
You'll find that your energy level will skyrocket - and your back will thank you too.
It may not always be pain, but as they start to exercise or move, they will be acutely aware of the stiffness they feel.
We usually don't experience this kind of pain when we are young, so what gives? As we grow up, we spend more and more time sitting - sitting at school, sitting in a car, sitting at a desk in front of a computer, sitting front of a tv.
Much of our lives are spent simply sitting.
Unless we do something to counteract all this sitting, it is inevitable that our bodies will adjust, negatively, to our lack of movement, and tighten up.
This stiffness will in turn lead to impaired movement, which causes joint immobility and ultimately, pain.
Remember the saying "Use it or lose it"? Most people don't "use it", they sit on it.
Sit on it long enough and after a few years of sitting behind a desk or in front of the tv, your legs, hips and back simply don't work like they used to.
Here are my 5 steps to follow to help combat back pain, help you stretch out and gain a better range of motion to prevent pain or injury.
Step 1: Warm Up: You're not as young as you once were.
You have to take some time before your workout to warm up the engine.
Step 2: Really Warm Up! You're probably stubborn like me, but you need to take 5-10 minutes to get your body moving and allow blood and oxygen to flow.
It will prevent injury, improve performance and help you in the long run.
Step 3: Move - Daily! I don't expect everyone to workout hard 5 days a week, but you do need to move.
Go for a walk, hike, or swim.
Ride a bike, go play volleyball or basketball - anything! Just get up and move.
Step 4: Stretch: You especially need to stretch if you spend a great deal of time in the car, on the computer or on the couch.
You need to regain that range of motion you are losing the longer you sit.
Herniated discs, sciatic nerves and pulled muscles will results if you skip this important step.
Plus, stretching at the end of a workout is a great way to regroup, relax and cool down.
Step 5: Drink Water: Most people are chronically dehydrated.
This affects every muscle in your body and even discs in your back.
Often times increasing your water intake will reduce back pain.
So drop the energy drink and pick up the water.
You'll find that your energy level will skyrocket - and your back will thank you too.
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