Efua Baker’s exercise programme: how to strengthen your lower back and improve posture

STEP 1

Start lying flat on your front with arms at your side. Gently push hips into the floor as your raise your upper body off the floor. Pull shoulder blades down and towards each other and keep chin down so your neck is in line with your spine. Hold for 3 seconds, lower to start position. Repeat six-12 times.

STEP 2

Start lying flat on your front with legs slightly apart, arms at your sides. Gently push hips into floor as you raise your upper body and legs. Pull shoulder blades down and towards each other and keep chin down so neck is in line with spine. Repeat six-12 times.

STEP 3

Start lying flat on your front with knees bent in a frog-like position, arms at your sides. Gently push hips into floor as you raise your upper body and legs off the floor. Pull shoulder blades down and towards each other and your chin down so neck is in line with spine. Repeat 6-12 times.

EXERCISE NOTES

1. Maintaining good posture (tummy pulled in, back straight, shoulders and neck relaxed) and form (performing the exercise in a controlled and correct way) is always more important than number of repetitions – 20 sit ups done correctly is worth more than 100 done badly.

2. Always work at your own pace and build up gradually as you increase your strength and fitness levels. Listen to your body, some days you will be able to do more and work harder than others.

3. Doing SOMETHING is always better than doing NOTHING.

DISCLAIMER

Consult your doctor or a health professional before taking up any exercise, especially if you have not exercised before. Always stop exercising if you feel unwell. Do not exercise if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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