Back Exercises

For a fully developed physique, back exercises are a must. Not only will they help you to look your best, but they will also protect this most crucial area from the damage that results from our everyday lives.

Sitting in chairs, driving, lifting heavy objects, all these put tremendous strain on us - back exercises are the best way to prevent a range of painful conditions including:

• Herniated discs
• Muscle strains and spasms
• Sciatica

Back exercises must target two different areas, your upper and lower back. Lower back exercises are a part of any good core workout program and include movements such as hyper-extensions on a Swiss ball, and dead-lifts.

Options for the upper area include lat pull-downs, rowing movements (using either dumb bells, barbell, or machines), pull-ups, and those that target the trapezius, such as close grip upright rows.

As with all resistance training, these need to be performed with good form, using an appropriate weight - working these areas with too much weight can be counter-productive and can lead to injury.

The other part of low back health is working the abdominals - balanced strength throughout the core is the best way of avoiding the types of injuries listed above. If these become a regular part of your workouts, you should soon reap the benefits, not only in improved appearance, but also a reduction in aches and pains.