The back supports the weight of the upper body and has to be strong to carry out its work unhindered. People focus on strengthening their lower back, but upper back muscles too need toning up. A well toned back looks good and helps in maintaining correct posture. Upper back exercises are a good way of strengthening the upper back. Some effective upper back exercises are mentioned below.

Upper Back Exercises

Women would rather have a well-toned upper body, whereas men prefer a muscular back. Dumbbell pullovers and dumbbell rows are effective upper back exercises.

Dumbbell Pullover

You will need a narrow workout bench. Lie with the workbench supporting the upper back and neck, and your head leaning over one end. Place one leg each on either side of the bench with feet firmly placed on the ground. Lift the dumbbell over your face with arms stretched out. Slowly lower the dumbbell over your head in an arc; hold, and bring it back to original position. Initially do five repetitions and gradually raise the count to fifteen.

Another variation of this upper back exercise is to hold the dumbbell with bent arms. With elbows bent, slowly lower the dumbbell over your head in an arc; hold, and then gently pull back the dumbbell to original position. Initially do five repetitions and gradually raise the count to fifteen.

Dumbbell Row

Place the dumbbell on the right side of the bench, and your left leg on the bench with the right foot firmly placed on the floor. Leaning forward, place the left hand on the bench in front of the body. Your back should be in horizontal position. Pick up the dumbbell and raise your arm slowly upwards until your upper arm is in level with your upper body; hold, and take back your arm to the original position. Initially do five repetitions and gradually raise the count to fifteen. Now, repeat the exercise with the left arm.

These upper back exercises are a great way to build a strong upper back that add to the V shape of the body.

Back exercise stretches the lower back muscles to help bring relief to back pain caused by over-stressed back muscles. Spine rehabilitation too is done through back exercise. People suffering from back pain are put through an exercise regimen, as exercise stretches the back and promotes better blood circulation in the area.

You will hear many people complain of back pain occasionally. About 75 to 85 of the people experience back pain at some point of time in their life. The most common area of back pain is the lumbar region of the spine. This is the region that bears most of the body weight. Sudden twisting and bending can cause injury to the back. Back pain also occurs when the muscles get stiff because of poor posture. Back exercise stretches the stiff muscles to provide relief.

Back Exercise Stretches For Back Pain Relief

Back exercise stretches need to be performed softly. You should treat your back gently and not subject it jerky and violent movement. The exercise routine that you follow should start gently, and gradually build over a period of a few weeks. You could cause more harm than good, if you do not follow expert advice in matters of back exercise.

Warm up your body before you embark on the stretching routine. Exercise stretches the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the area surrounding the back. The muscles and tendons associated with the spine are designed for movement. Hence, they need to be stretched everyday to perform optimally. The hamstring muscles are an important factor in back pain problems. Most people with back pain have stiff hamstring muscles.

Stand comfortably with your feet shoulder width apart. Now slowly bend forward and try to touch your toes with your hands without bending your knees. Your action should be smooth and not jerky. Be careful not to overdo the stretching part. Stop when you feel pain. This exercise stretches your hamstring muscles. Your back pain will improve gradually, as you continue with the exercise. The exercise can also be performed while lying down.

Weight training or resistance training is one of the most common means to improve one’s health and physique. People who lift weights aim to lose unwanted pounds and gain muscle mass. Weight training also develops strength, endurance, nerve-to-muscle coordination, and helps prevent osteoporosis. During weight training, the body burns calories while toning and firming a person’s muscles.
Weight lifting can also be used as a therapy for stress and anxiety. Research shows that when people undergo strenuous activity, the body excretes a substance called endorphin. These endorphins, short for endogenous morphins, are the body’s natural pain killers. Endorphins are released when the body is engaged in activities of moderate to high levels of intensity. The substance makes a person experience moments of relaxation interspersed with elation, which some health experts call the runner’s high. Endorphins make people ‘high’ and happy. Research also shows that people who exercise regularly have more energy and better self-esteem.
Doctors, however, warn that weight-lifting and other physical activities should be done properly to avoid unwanted effects. Improper weight training, over-stressing the back muscles, or failure to perform warm-ups may cause lower back pain that may lead to serious back injuries. A recent study led by Dr. Geraldo Magela Vieira of Brazil revealed that weightlifting may increase the risk of glucoma, an eyesight-threatening condition. Vieira and his team of researchers found out that lifting heavy weights was linked to a brief increase in pressure within the eye. This takes place when a weightlifter holds his or her breath when performing bench presses and lifting too much weights. Health experts advise weight lifters to perform sets using light weights and do many repetitions instead of heavy sets with few repetitions. Many individuals think that lifting more weight is the key to attain a finely shaped body. But experts claim that lifting light weights properly using proper techniques may play a big role in improving one’s physique.
Health specialists also add that weightlifting and other strenuous activities should be done in moderation. Men who over-train experience fatigue which temporarily reduces sperm count and quality. This happens because the body literally kills itself during training. The resting period according to health experts is as important as the training period because the body needs to recuperate to attain normal cell development. Fatigue may reduce the level of hormones in the bloodstream that affects sperm production. Training properly and devising a proper training program may help develop muscles and avoid over-training.
There are many reasons why people undergo weight-training. From weight-loss, to toning, improving posture, and building bulk. People who exercise and lift weights regularly have a more positive outlook and are happier overall compared to their inactive counterparts. However, regardless of how and why people perform exercises, exercise should not only improve physical health, but also mental health. Utilizing the physical and psychological benefits weight lifting and exercise may help enhance one’s quality of life.