Weight lifting is a good exercise with numerous benefits to physical and mental health. Weight lifting promotes blood circulation, aids metabolism, and leads to healthy and stronger bones.
Weightlifting can cause some soreness which is expected. However, back pain can be prevented through a proper weightlifting routine. Continue reading to learn about the appropriate weight-lifting routine to prevent back pain.
What To Do To Prevent Back Pain During Weightlifting:
1. Stretch Before and After Your Workout
Tight muscles are susceptible to injuries, which can be avoided by warming up. A 5 to 10-minute walk on the treadmill or riding a stationary bike will relax the tight muscles and improve blood flow.
The more relaxed the body muscle, the more you can get out of weightlifting and the lesser the risk of injuries. Post-workout stretching reduces soreness, aids recovery, and maintains good posture.
2. Be Aware of Your Posture
One of the best ways to avoid back pain is to watch your posture in everything you do. Keep up with the neutral spine no matter how heavy you are lifting. The neutral spine allows your back and neck to be exposed to less stress and strain and engage your core and leg muscles.
Do not slouch your shoulder when lifting weight as it will bend your spine and stress your muscles and backbone. You can enlist the help of others if you can’t monitor your posture during weightlifting.
3. Breath
People often believe that holding their breath when lifting weight will enable them to lift more. Sadly, holding your breath only damages your muscles because it deprives them of the essential element required for survival — Oxygen.
When you hold your breath, your muscles become tensed, strained, and vulnerable to injury. Instead of completely holding your breath, practice this; breathe out (exhale) when lifting the weight and breathe in ( inhale in) as you release the weight.
4. Start With Lightweight
How much weight you can lift and for how long depends entirely on your spine. The stronger your spine, the more you lift. It is vital to start with a small weight and work your way up. Frequent practice with lightweight will strengthen your spines.
Once you master lightweight and the basics of the neutral spine, you can make a smooth and gradual transition to heavier weight.
5. Don’t Over Push Your Body
Pushing your body beyond a certain point can lead to a severe injury. So, while you lift, learn to listen to your body, stop when it hurts and investigate the cause and source of the pain.
Apply ice to the affected area immediately to reduce swelling and capitalize the healing process when in pain. However, if the pain persists, talk to a professional.
6. Wear a Belt
Wearing a belt while lifting weight is advisable, as the belt supports your spine and protects you from a back injury. It also saves you from a back injury, strengthens your core, increases intra-abdominal pressure, and maximizes body energy.
7. Rest
Over-exerting your muscles will deprive your muscles and bones of the necessary healing period. Weightlifting causes a tiny tear in the muscles; these tears are necessary for the growth and adaptation of the muscles. Which needed time to heal.
To avoid pains and over-exerting your muscles and spine, you can switch to exercises like aerobics, and yoga. If pains persist though, you may want to check out osteo Warinma for a long-lasting solution.
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