EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE AND LOW BACK

Saratoga Springs Chiropractor-Back Exercises

1. CAT – CAMEL

Begin by rounding your back upward until you feel a gentle stretch in the mid and low back. Pause for 3-5 seconds then relax and let your stomach fall downward as you gently arch your back. Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions to warm up prior to strengthening exercises.

2. BIRD DOG

Begin by gently tightening your stomach muscles to activate your core. Raise one arm to shoulder level as the opposite leg lifts simultaneously off the floor extending to hip level. Hold for 4 seconds and return to the start position and alternate sides. Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

3. MCGILL CURL UP

Begin lying on your back with one knee bent and one leg straightwith both hands placed underneath low back. Lift yourshoulders off floor trying not to round your low back. Let your elbows assist you if needed. Hold for 2-4 seconds before slowly return to starting position. Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

4. HIP BRIDGE

Begin lying down with both knees bent. Gently tighten your stomach muscles to activate your core. Squeeze your glutes and lift the hips off the floor to until knees, hips and shoulders are in alignment. Hold for 2-4 seconds before slowly returning to start position. Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

5. PLANK

Begin lying face down with elbows under shoulders and legs extended. Gently tighten your stomach muscles to activate your core. Lift knees and hips off the floor so that forearms and toes are supporting your body weight. Hold for 20 – 30 sec. Repeat 2 times.

6. SIDE PLANK

Begin lying on your side with your elbow underneath your shoulder and knees bent. Gently tighten your stomach muscles to activate your core. Lift hips off the floor so thatknees and elbow are supporting your body weight. Hold for 20 – 30 sec. Repeat 2 times and repeat on opposite side.