Back Exercises

One of the problems that people face as they get older is back pain. Back exercises can strengthen the muscles in the back and help to alleviate or eliminate back pain. A strong abdominal (or core) will also combat back pain. These exercises will also help build up your core muscles.

Torso Toner

Begin this stomach exercise on all fours, knees and hands on the floor. Keep your stomach pulled in and extend your left arm out in front of you. Keep this arm outstretched as you extend your right leg out behind you. Switch arms and legs, and repeat for an entire set. Take particular care not to let your pelvis sway out of position.

Back Extension

For the reader familiar with the crunchless crunch, this move will seem similar but backwards. For this exercise, you will need to start by lying on your stomach with your forehead on the floor. You may use a mat or towel to cushion your pelvis and head. Position your arms by your sides, palms up. Contract your back muscles to lift your torso off the floor. Hold the contraction briefly, then release and slowly lower your torso back down to the floor. Repeat.

Superman

This back extension begins in the same position as above. Lie on your stomach and extend your arms out above your head (picture a superhero flying through the air). Now lift your legs off the floor simultaneously while keeping your head and arms held in place. Try to imagine your legs growing longer as you are lifting them up. Hold your legs up briefly, then slowly lower them back to the floor.

Doing these exercises will help you strengthen your back and correct your posture, which are great first steps to losing an unwanted belly. You will also want to continue working on your other core muscles by doing lower ab exercises. Stomach exercises that work the core will help you straighten up your posture, lose belly fat, and gain muscle tone in both your back and tummy. As with any workout routine, be sure to consult a professional before beginning and always warm up properly to avoid injury.