Aerobic Exercise

A regular program of exercise is critical to back health and fitness. Strong, flexible muscles support your spine and allow movement. Weak, flabby muscles are susceptible to strains, sprains and stress. To strengthen your back muscles and prevent strains and injuries, develop an exercise program for fitness and strength. A primary element of your program should be some form of aerobic exercise.

Aerobic Means "With Oxygen"

Aerobic exercise stimulates your entire body. It makes you breathe deeply, bringing oxygen into your system where your body uses it to make energy. Aerobic benefits include overall conditioning and cardiovascular fitness.

Aerobic exercises are great stress-busters. They also stimulate your body's production of endorphins, your natural pain relievers -a natural way to beat the backaches caused by daily stress and poor body mechanics.

What You Should Know

To get the maximum benefit, you should participate in at least 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week. Every other day is ideal.

Warm-ups are the most important part of any exercise program, and aerobics are not exception. Gentle stretching exercises relax and prepare your muscles, while simple calisthenics such as jumping jacks or jogging in place prepare your heart and lungs for you workout. If your body is warmed up, you perform better and reduce your risk of injury.

Aerobic Choices

In addition to aerobic dance or exercise classes, you can participate in other activities such as running, cross-country skiing, swimming, brisk walking and bicycling. In general you should try to perform activities that involve rhythmic, continuous contraction of large muscles. Try to select activities you enjoy; you're more likely to stick with it.

And One And Two

Once it's part of your life, aerobic exercise is a hard habit to break. You'll feel better, look better and have more energy. Keep stress and pain off your back - add aerobics to your day.

This information is not intended as a substitute for proper health care. If you are being treated for a back problem, exercise under the direction of your health care provider.

FYH - For Your Health

ADD EXERCISE TO YOUR LIFE

If you think you can't find time to exercise, take a look at your daily routines. See if you can make choices that will improve your fitness and your health.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Most people know that going up the stairs is good for you, but don't realize that going down the stairs also plays an important role in fitness. (and it's easier to do!) Walking down stairs is more work for your muscles because your body weight must be controlled as it's lowered from one step to the next.

Don't waste time looking for the closest parking space.

Whether you're going to the office or the mall, don't spend your time driving around the parking lot looking for the closest parking space. Park your car some distance from the entrance and use the time to walk to the door.

Take a walk.

Spend 15 minutes walking during lunch hour or break. Next week, make it 30 minutes.