Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Best Tips for Lower Back Strengthening?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

Some of the best tips for lower back strengthening include sitting with proper posture, which forces the muscles to work correctly, and performing strengthening exercises. Exercises such as the opposite arm and leg lift are effective at strengthening the lower back but should always be performed without pain. While strengthening the lower back is important, it also is essential to strengthen the core and gluteal muscles to increase stability.

Strengthening the lower back is vital for a number of reasons, including injury prevention and reducing pain. In today’s society, most people spend a lot of time sitting at a desk. This often leads to weak back muscles that aren’t effective at maintaining good posture. One of the best tips for lower back strengthening is to perform exercises that simulate the movements and positions required of the back in everyday life. This not only helps to strengthen the muscle but also trains it to deal with normal situations.

The human body, with the area primarily affected by lower back pain shown in red.
The human body, with the area primarily affected by lower back pain shown in red.

An easy and effective method for lower back strengthening is to sit and stand with correct posture. For proper posture, a person should stand up straight with the abdominals contracted. This provides a stable base for the rest of the body to use in working more effectively. Sitting with the correct posture also forces the lower back muscles to work properly, resulting in stronger and more efficient muscles and a reduced chance of injury or pain.

Toning the arm muscles helps to strengthen the back.
Toning the arm muscles helps to strengthen the back.

There are a number of exercises for lower back strengthening. A good example is the opposite arm and leg lift, in which the person starts on all fours then slowly raises the right leg and left arm before returning to the start position and repeating the move on the other side. While lower back exercises can be useful, it’s important to perform them without pain. If a person can’t perform a specific exercise without pain, then he or she should lower the number of repetitions or switch to an easier exercise.

Proper posture is one of the best ways to strengthen the lower back.
Proper posture is one of the best ways to strengthen the lower back.

If a person is performing lower back strengthening exercises to reduce back pain, then it’s important also to strengthen the muscles of the core. These include the abdominal muscles, which can be strengthened using exercises such as the plank or crunches, and the gluteal muscles. The gluteal muscles make up a large part of the buttocks and are essential for stabilizing the spine and allowing the lower back to work effectively. Exercises such as the gluteal bridge are effective at strengthening these muscles.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • The human body, with the area primarily affected by lower back pain shown in red.
      By: julien tromeur
      The human body, with the area primarily affected by lower back pain shown in red.
    • Toning the arm muscles helps to strengthen the back.
      By: Tijana
      Toning the arm muscles helps to strengthen the back.
    • Proper posture is one of the best ways to strengthen the lower back.
      By: olly
      Proper posture is one of the best ways to strengthen the lower back.
    • Strengthening the lower back can help prevent injury and reduce pain.
      By: Shakzu
      Strengthening the lower back can help prevent injury and reduce pain.
    • Leg lifts are effective at strengthening the lower back.
      By: Gabriel Blaj
      Leg lifts are effective at strengthening the lower back.
    • Sit-ups and crunches can be effective in engaging the body's abdominal and lower back muscles.
      By: Dirima
      Sit-ups and crunches can be effective in engaging the body's abdominal and lower back muscles.