Is it your goal to lose weight; get fitter or just spend less time in front of the telly? But when you start to exercise your body lets you down; your new level of motivation is quickly dashed by back pain. Well you are not alone, 80% of the population will suffer with back pain at some stage of their life.
A large proportion of back pain is due to what is known as musculoskeletal disorders, those that affect joints, muscles and ligaments. Modern day recommendations are to keep moving and exercise for these types of conditions. Movement helps to promote healing and keeps supportive musculature strong. Bed rest is rarely advised any more.
First it’s important to identify the cause of the back pain, to make sure you’re not doing more harm than good by exercising and that you do the right type of exercises. This is done with a consultation, thorough examination and further tests such as x-rays or scans if necessary. Once the cause is recognised, chiropractors are well placed to treat such conditions and get you back functioning again, allowing you exercise and reach your goals.
Once your back on your feet its important to maintain a regular exercise routine. We believe exercise classes are a great motivational way to achieve this. Here are some we would recommend.
ZUMBA
Are you ready to party yourself into shape? That’s exactly what Zumba is all about. It’s exhilarating, effective, easy to follow, calorie burning and most important great fun! Zumba is an excellent way to improve coordination and proprioception (your awareness of where your body is in space). There is particular attention paid to hips and abdominals in Latin dances and therefore, Zumba is perfect for their toning.
PILATES
Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps build flexibility, strength and endurance in the legs, abdominals, arms, hips, and back. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment. It develops a strong core or center (tones abdominals while strengthening the back), and it improves coordination and balance. Intensity can be increased over time as the body adapts to the exercises. No muscle group is under or over trained. It is suitable for people of all ages and never too late to start!
AQUA AEROBICS
In addition to the standard benefits of any exercise, the use of water in water aerobics supports the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint injury. Exercising in the water puts less stress on the joints when stretching and can allow a greater range of motion. Another benefit is that you do not even have to be a strong swimmer to participate in water aerobics.
From water aerobic exercises to water walking exercises, working out in the pool is an excellent non-impact way to build strength, reduce body fat, and increase flexibility.
SPINNING
Spinning is a great exercise because it is a low-impact cardiovascular exercise, which means there is less strain on your joints especially your knees and ankles. The workout will focus on the core muscles, as well as the buttocks and thighs. While you pedal, you will work your thighs and calves. If you maintain the correct posture on the bike, you will also work on your abdominal muscles. As with any type of exercise spinning is known to relieve stress.
YOGA
Many people think that yoga is just stretching. But while stretching is certainly involved, yoga is really about creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. Yoga brings together mental and physical disciplines to achieve peacefulness of body and mind, helping you relax and manage stress and anxiety. It is also believed that the yoga positions help improve blood circulation by the stimulation or massage of body organs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with back pain, contact us at Clane Chiropractic to find out if one of our Chiropractors can help you!