Back exercises - good & bad?

tladame
tladame Posts: 465 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
In a few of my workout videos, they do the "superman" stretch (lying on stomach w/ arms extended, raising arms & legs). Now I'm reading online that this exercise might be bad for your back, putting a lot of pressure on it. Since there is so much conflicting info out on the interwebs, can anyone confirm / debunk this? If superman is bad, is a cobra stretch (arms at sides, raising upper body) also bad?

If it IS bad for your back, what are some alternative back exercises?

Thanks guys. :)

Replies

  • ChrisLindsay9
    ChrisLindsay9 Posts: 837 Member
    Now I'm reading online that this exercise might be bad for your back, putting a lot of pressure on it.
    I have found that just about every exercise and every equipment has its naysayers. So be sure you're getting your information from really established sites (not blogs or forums or whatever). The superman is pretty much a staple in most fitness programs. It's possible to overdo it (holding too long or whatever), but I wouldn't be shy away from it. The key is to do your full range of motion that's challenging, but not injurious.

    I have some lower back maladies, so a couple of other lower back exercises that I do are back hyperextensions and deadlifts. After any back work, I make sure to stretch it pretty well - usually in the shower afterwards with hot water sprayed right on the back area. Doing a lot of ab and oblique work helps strengthen the back as well.

    I hope this is of some help!
  • ValerieMomof2
    ValerieMomof2 Posts: 530 Member
    If you have an injury/condition where back extension aggravates it, then yes, those are not for you. Otherwise, they are fine
  • GetSoda
    GetSoda Posts: 1,267 Member
    "superman" stretch is one that my physical therapist suggested for my low back issue.
  • ValerieMomof2
    ValerieMomof2 Posts: 530 Member
    "superman" stretch is one that my physical therapist suggested for my low back issue.

    It's a very good low back strengthening exercise and will be recommended for most low back issues. There are just a few conditions where back extensions are contraindicated and it increases pain
  • tladame
    tladame Posts: 465 Member
    Thanks all, that's pretty much what I figured. I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

Categories