Added: 03 June 2024
1. Strengthens Core Muscles
Resistance training helps in strengthening the muscles of the core, including the abdominals, obliques, and the muscles surrounding the spine. A strong core provides better support for the lower back, reducing the strain and alleviating pain.
2. Improves Posture
Poor posture is a common contributor to lower back pain. Resistance exercises, especially those targeting the back, shoulders, and abdomen, can help improve overall posture. Better posture minimises the stress on the lower back during daily activities.
3. Enhances Flexibility and Range of Motion
Certain resistance training exercises improve flexibility and the range of motion of the spine and hip joints. Increased flexibility reduces stiffness and enhances mobility, which can significantly reduce discomfort and pain in the lower back.
4. Promotes Weight Loss
Excess body weight, particularly around the abdomen, can increase the load on the lower back making the pain worse. Resistance training helps in building muscle mass, which increases metabolism and aids in weight loss. Maintaining a healthy weight relieves pressure on the lower back.
5. Reduces Inflammation
Engaging in regular resistance training can help reduce inflammation in the muscles and joints. This is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic lower back pain, as inflammation often contributes to pain and discomfort.
6. Enhances Blood Flow and Nutrient Delivery
Resistance training increases blood flow to the muscles and tissues surrounding the lower back. Improved circulation ensures that essential nutrients and oxygen are delivered to these areas, promoting healing and reducing pain.
7. Mental Health Benefits
Chronic lower back pain can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Resistance training releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Regular exercise can thus improve mental well-being, providing a holistic approach to managing back pain.
8. Builds Bone Density
Resistance training helps in increasing bone density, which is crucial for individuals with conditions like osteoporosis that can cause or exacerbate lower back pain. Stronger bones are less prone to fractures and other injuries that might contribute to pain.
9. Prevents Future Injuries
By strengthening the muscles and improving flexibility, resistance training helps in creating a more resilient body that is less susceptible to injuries. This proactive approach is essential in preventing future episodes of lower back pain.
10. Customisable and Gradual Progression
Resistance training programs can be tailored to individual needs and pain levels. Starting with low resistance and gradually increasing intensity allows for safe and effective management of lower back pain without overexertion.
Incorporating resistance training into a programme, under the guidance of a suitably qualified professional can provide significant relief from lower back pain long term and improve overall quality of life.
Image by kjpargeter on Freepik
Modern lifestyles have made prolonged sitting a daily norm, from long office hours to unwinding on the couch..
When people want to lose weight fast, the first instinct is often to drastically cut calories, believing that eating less will lead to quick fat loss..
As we age, maintaining our physical health becomes increasingly important, yet many people still believe that getting stronger is something reserved for younger years..
It combines power, precision, and control in a single fluid action..
Let's bust some myths and flex those facts.
With the Wimbledon tennis tournament upon us, fans across the UK are gearing up for a beloved tradition: enjoying strawberries and cream while watching the matches..
What exactly makes protein so essential, and how can you ensure you're getting the healthiest sources?.
When it comes to achieving optimal fitness and performance, the concept of periodised training has long been a cornerstone in the world of athletics..
Different forms of exercise, from aerobic activities to resistance training and HIIT, offer unique benefits in improving insulin sensitivity and overall health..
Incorporating physical activity into your routine can contribute to a brighter, more resilient mental state..
Numerous scientific studies have shown that static stretching before exercise can actually have a negative impact on performance..
Resistance and weight training have long been associated with building muscle and improving strength in adults. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that these forms of exercise can also be highly beneficial for children and adolescents..
Menopause is a significant phase in a woman's life, marked by hormonal changes that can bring various physical and emotional challenges..
In the realm of fitness, the search for the ultimate workout tool is endless. When it comes to efficiency, versatility, and effectiveness, I think it could be the kettlebell..
As the years go by, it is commonly believed that our bodies inevitably lose muscle mass, bone density decreases, and overall strength declines. However, scientific evidence suggests otherwise..
The nights getting darker and temperature dropping signal a time for cozy evenings and warm comfort foods. With this change in season also comes a tendency to slow down, exercise less, and indulge in calorie-rich treats..
If you’re currently suffering from hypertension or pre-hypertension then perhaps carrying out some form of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) might be able to help reduce it..
