How to Reduce or Prevent Low Back Pain

One of the primary sources of low back pain is tight hamstrings.  I have often found that people will workout so hard at the gym, especially, yet leave without stretching.  You are doing your body or muscles a huge disservice by not stretching after a workout.  Most people will stretch prior to exercise, and that is fine in moderation, but you can’t stretch a “cold muscle”!  What do I mean by this?  Imagine what will happen if you stretch a cold rubber band.  It is likely to break.  Similarly, your muscles are like elastic bands.  Warming them up with cardio prior to working out or stretching is far better.  After a tough weight training workout, it is even more vitally important for you to stretch out the muscles you have trained. 

One great way to stretch out the hamstrings is with a yoga belt:

• Start by lying on your back, legs stretched out on the floor and your chin tucked in.
• Place the strap around the ball of one foot.
• Inhale and slowly raise the leg up towards the sky or ceiling.
• Keep the opposite leg on the floor. Don’t let the thigh or knee come off the floor.
• Hold the strap with both hands and raise your leg till you feel the initial stretch in your hamstring.
• Pull your toes toward your body flexing your foot and contract your quads keeping your knee straight.
• Hold stretch for 15-20 seconds and perform 3-4 repetitions on each leg.

This stretch can increase the flexibility of the hamstrings and calves, prevent varicose veins, increase blood circulation, and relieve lower back pain.   Go ahead.  I challenge you to give it 21 days and see how great your legs and body will feel.