It’s important to get regular exercise, but we understand that the gym isn’t everybody’s scene. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can strengthen your spine and keep it healthy without lifting a single weight. Below, we share four ways you can strengthen your spine without weightlifting.
1. Running
If heading to the gym isn’t your scene, you may be more apt to lace up your sneakers and go for a run. Even though it may feel like your legs are taking the brunt of the workout, running also requires core strength, and it will get your blood pumping which is good for your spine health. For an even better workout, do some interval running and break up your runs with some planks or crunches.
2. Swimming
Nothing beats a good swim during these hot summer months, but you can also turn the activity into a spine-strengthening session. Swimming laps will work a number of different spinal, core and shoulder muscles, and the natural buoyancy of water means you can also work on expanding your spine’s range of motion. Swimming is one of the best options if you’re trying to restrengthen your spine following an injury because you weigh less in water than your do on land, which helps take pressure off your spine.
3. Yoga
Yoga is another great activity that can help to strengthen the spine and core muscles, and it also helps improve your flexibility and balance. As you get more familiar with yoga, you’ll find that the range of motion in your spine will improve. There are yoga classes all over the Twin Cities, so look online to see if you can find a class near you. Old or young, your spine will thank you for taking on yoga.
4. Simple Home Workout
A final way to strengthen your spine is by developing a 15-minute workout routine that you can do from the comfort of your home without picking up a weight. Some exercises that can help strengthen your spine that you can do without any equipment include:
- Pushups
- Crunches/Sit Ups
- Planks
- Burpees
- Wall Sits
- Supermans
- Bridges
Find a combination of the above exercises that work best for you, and develop a routine that suits your needs. For more information or for even more spinal strengthening tips, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.
