The Best Back Strengthening Exercises: From Beginners To Advanced

Picking up something from the ground or bending is such a common activity in everybody’s life. But, imagine you have to think twice before you bend. The discomfort, pain and constant stiffness get on the nerves and daily activities also seem like a difficult task.

So is it that you have to live with that pain for your whole life? Do we have any solution for this? Have you ever wondered why this happens? This happens because of inflammation in the back muscles and weak spine. The best solution for this is to strengthen your spine and back muscles. Let us discuss the ideal exercises to strengthen your back and get rid of the intense pain.

A] The 8 Best Back Strengthening Exercises

1. Pull Ups

Pull-ups are one of the oldest and best muscle-strengthening training exercises. For performing pull-ups, one needs to pull the whole of his weight and not lose balance or injure the self. You need a pull-up bar having an overhead grip. Place it above the head and hold it keeping your hands wider than the shoulder width. Keep the legs aligned with the hips and pull the whole body towards the rod, folding the elbows facing towards the floor. Pull yourself till your chin crosses the rod and then you can lower yourself and repeat the exercise. If you find this difficult you can stand on the small table or take somebody’s help to perform the exercise.

2. Dumbbell Rows

Dumbbell rows help to strengthen the shoulder, shoulder blade and muscles that connect to the lower back. For best results, you can use weights. Kneel yourself on all fours with knees folded hip-width apart at a right angle. Pick a dumbbell in one of your hands and use the other hand as support. Do not bend the other hand. Lift the hand holding the dumbbell till the elbow crosses above the back and then relax the hand. Repeat on the other side. If you cannot bend and kneel, you can use a bench where you can rest one leg and take support using the other leg.

3. Cable Rows

Cable rows are the best back exercises. For this exercise, you need to sit on the ground with your back straight and legs spread in front of you, hip-width apart. There is a rod attached to the cable that you need to hold and pull towards your chest. Keep the hands wider than your shoulders and arms relaxed. Keep your core tight, pull the cable towards the upper chest and let your elbows go behind your body. Keep your elbows flared for better results. Now relax and repeat.

4. Lat Pulldown

Lateral pulldown, as the word suggests, is pulling a cable bar laterally. There is a cable attached to a pulley that you need to hold, keeping your hand wider than your shoulders. The constant tension on the cable helps to build the muscles and strengthen them. This can be a small replacement for the beginners for a pull-up. Sit holding the cable bar, legs under the pads for support and pull the cable to your chest and release. Gradually you can increase the reps.

5. Deadlifts

Deadlifts are compound exercises that help to strengthen and increase muscle mass. It not only tones your back but also tones your arms and legs. Maintain your posture, legs shoulder width apart, bend a little forward with hips slightly out and back flat. Bend your knees slightly to avoid any lower back injury. Bend a little forward, push your chest upward, keep the back muscles tight, and maintain a grip on your hands. Lift the weight bar while pushing the weight on your legs, sparing your lower back. Keep your body as relaxed as possible to avoid any injuries.

6. Farmer’s Carry

Farmer’s carry looks very simple and easy, but it is one of the exercises that helps to build muscle. For this exercise, you need an open space where you can take a few steps in a straight line. You need to hold a pair of weights in both of your hands, keeping your hands relaxed but firm. It can be a dumbbell, kettlebell, weight bar, some bag or a bottle. Holding these weights you need to take small consistent steps, maintaining the posture. Make sure your steps are in a straight line.

7. Reverse fly

Reverse fly helps strengthen your upper back, tone your core and strengthen the shoulder blade. You need to stand putting equal weight on both feet, bend downwards at 45 degrees and bend the elbow near your body. Hold weights in both hands and extend your arms outwards, pressing your shoulder blades towards each other. Beginners can start with less weight and gradually increase the weight.

8. Back Hyperextension

Back hyperextensions are advanced back work for lower back and core strengthening. You need a hyperextension machine where you place yourself on it with your body facing the ground. Firmly take support of the ankle pads on the machine and make sure your body is on the machine from the waist down. Cross your hands in front of your chest and dip downward rolling your shoulders inward, curving your back. While coming up roll back your shoulder in a normal position and repeat the exercise.

Conclusion

A strong back is necessary for the overall fitness of the body. It also maintains normal body posture. Regular back-strengthening exercise is required to build the muscles and keep the spine strong. Beginners can start with fewer reps and gradually increase as they reach the advanced stage. Beginners are advised to train with a professional for better understanding and to prevent injury. You can easily achieve your goal under the guidance of one of the best personal fitness trainers in Mumbai.