When your lower-back muscles are weak, you are more likely to suffer from nagging pain, bad posture or below-par running. To keep this critical ‘core’ area strong, you need to strengthen and stretch the erector spinae muscle group. The following

possible lower-back strain. Stretches your hamstrings, calves, shoulders, chest and arms.Back to main stretching article

with your GP to determine the cause of your particular ache before you embark on any exercise programme.Strong back tactics1. A strong back depends on strong abdominals, so exercises such as crunches and half-crunches are valuable. If you have a lower-back

leg just below your knee and ensure that you’re close enough to the wall for your lower back to be off the floor. As gravity gently brings your lower back towards the floor, you’ll feel a stretch in the muscles around the side of your buttocks. Adjust

lean back to increase the stretch in the front of your thigh. Take care if you have ankle problems, and stay tall in your upper body to avoid compressing your lower back. 2. Bent-leg standing hamstrings stretchBe thoroughly warmed up before you attempt

of people claim that they simply can’t do press-ups. Here’s an easier version. Place your hands on the floor, shoulder-width apart. Keep your back straight and rest on your knees. Simply lower your upper torso slowly towards the ground. Don’t look up; keep

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side to side, massaging the whole length of your spine. Don’t rock so far you need to use muscle control to stop tipping over – and keep breathing! 7. When you’re ready, start to make small circles with your knees to massage your lower back

resistance - performing well in a steady drizzle. There is a toggle-pull pocket on the lower back for food/a drinks bottle and the semi-fitted cut is comfortable without being restrictive.How It Rated Weight 8 | Weatherproofing 6 | Breathability 8 | Comfort

.newbalance.co.uk This pack was above average in most categories but outstanding in none. It is a lightweight pack, and the ‘Y’ design distributes the weight of the water cleverly to give greater support to the lower back. A couple of well-placed pockets allow for access