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22 November 2009
Abs Makeover:
The Super Easy Condensed Version
Susan Rodriguez
What are you doing? Yeah, you! Well, I see what you're doing. You're taking some over-the-counter medication? Got a headache? No, you're suffering from lower back pain.
Well, many people do try to alleviate that pain with a pill. But have you actually given any thought to alternative methods of making that pain go away? No, calling in a magician who'll say "abracadabra" and wave a magic wand over it won't make it go away, but after you read the rest of this article, you'll hopefully think twice the next time back pain has you reaching for a pain killer.
Why? Because it could be something as simple as your exercise routine being out of balance. What exactly do I mean?
Did you know that every major muscle group in your body has what some fitness experts call an "opposing" muscle groups. Look at your abs. They too have an "opposing" muscle group. And if you're like most of us these days, you've been concentrating on making them one visible six-pack of muscles.
But I'll give you one guess what the opposing muscle group to your abs are. Absolutely, your lower back muscles. And now do you see where I'm going with this article. If you've been busy making that six-pack look god, you may have in the process inadvertently neglected exercising your lower back.
Training one and not the other leads to a definite imbalance in your body. And it's an imbalance you may not even recognize because your body is so good at adapting to change.
But that's not the only reason to think about giving your back a little more attention. Restoring that balance between the two muscle groups also helps give you better posture. You'll be surprised at how quickly you'll notice your spine straighten when you sit, as you stand and even when you're walking down the straight.
Rebalancing these two muscle groups also helps to prevent what's become a growing and increasingly serious major complaint not only in industrialized countries, but throughout the entire word -- lower back injury.
Now don't think you've got to start searching your books . . . . pouring over videos on the internet . . . or even buying new and better work out equipment to place in your home gym.
Because you don't. You can even do a simple exercise while you're watching television tonight to help strengthen your lower back and restore that balance between those muscles and the ones of the abs.
This may seem a bit simple to you, but give it a try. After all, what do you have to lose . . . except that nagging back pain, of course?
Lie face up on the floor. Flatten your lower back on the floor. If you can't do this, at least attempt to maintain a neutral spine. Try both postures to discover the most comfortable position for you. Choose whichever you prefer and maintain it throughout entire exercise.
Cross your arms over your chest. Keep your hips and knees bent at 90 degree angles. Now at the same time extend one leg straight out and lift your crossed arms overhead. Return to your initial position before switching legs.
Do as many reps as you can -- but don't hurry them -- while maintaining good form for approximately one minute.
In the long run, this is much more effective at alleviating -- and even preventing -- back pain, than any over-the-counter pain medication. And you'll feel much better about yourself. Guaranteed!
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