Back exercises in 15 minutes a day (2024)

Back exercises in 15 minutes a day

Back pain is a common problem that many people deal with every day. Exercise often helps to ease back pain and prevent further discomfort. The following exercises stretch and strengthen the back and the muscles that support it.

When you first start, repeat each exercise a few times. Then increase the number of times you do an exercise as it gets easier for you. If you're beginning an exercise program due to ongoing back pain or after a back injury, talk to a physical therapist or another member of your health care team about activities that are safe for you.

Knee-to-chest stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor (A). Using both hands, pull up one knee and press it toward your chest (B). Tighten the muscles in your belly and press your spine to the floor. Hold for five seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg (C). Go back to the starting position. Then repeat with both legs at the same time (D). Repeat each stretch 2 to 3 times. Do the full routine once in the morning and once in the evening if possible.

Back exercises in 15 minutes a day (1)

Lower back rotational stretch

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor (A). Keep your shoulders firmly on the floor, and slowly roll your bent knees to one side (B). Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Slowly go back to the starting position (C). Repeat on the other side (D). Repeat each stretch 2 to 3 times. Do the full routine once in the morning and once in the evening if possible.

Back exercises in 15 minutes a day (2)

Lower back flexibility exercise

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor (A). Tighten the muscles in your belly so that your lower back pulls up, away from the floor (B). Hold for five seconds and then relax. Flatten your back, pulling your bellybutton toward the floor (C). Hold for five seconds and then relax. Repeat. Start with five repetitions a day and slowly work up to 30.

Back exercises in 15 minutes a day (3)

Bridge exercise

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor (A). Keep your shoulders and head relaxed on the floor and tighten the muscles in your belly and buttocks. Then raise your hips to form a straight line from your knees to your shoulders (B). Try to stay that way long enough to take three deep breaths. Go back to where you started and repeat. Begin by doing five repetitions a day and slowly work up to 30.

Back exercises in 15 minutes a day (4)

Cat stretch

Kneel on your knees and hands (A). Slowly arch your back, as if you're pulling your belly up toward the ceiling as you bring your head down (B). Then slowly let your back and belly sag toward the floor as you bring your head up (C). Go back to where you started (A). Repeat 3 to 5 times twice a day.

Back exercises in 15 minutes a day (5)

Seated lower back rotational stretch

Sit on an armless chair or on a stool. Cross your right leg over your left leg. Bracing your left elbow against the outside of your right knee, twist and stretch to the side (A). Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side (B). Do this stretch 3 to 5 times on each side twice a day.

Back exercises in 15 minutes a day (6)

Shoulder blade squeeze

Sit on an armless chair or on a stool (A). While sitting up straight, pull your shoulder blades together (B). Hold for five seconds and then relax. Do this 3 to 5 times twice a day.

Back exercises in 15 minutes a day (7)

Aug. 15, 2023

  1. Hartigan C. Exercise-based therapy for low back pain. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 19, 2023.
  2. Spine conditioning program. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/spine-conditioning-program/. Accessed April 19, 2023.
  3. Bydon M. Physical therapy. In: Back and Neck Health. Mayo Clinic Press; 2021.
  4. Dutton M. Lumbar spine. In: Dutton's Orthopaedic Examination, Evaluation, and Intervention. 6th ed. McGraw Hill; 2022. https://accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com. Accessed April 24, 2023.

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Back exercises in 15 minutes a day (2024)

FAQs

How many times a day should I do back exercises? ›

Your healthcare provider may recommend that you do back exercises 10 to 30 minutes each day. He or she may also recommend that you do exercises 1 to 3 times each day. Ask your healthcare provider which exercises are best for you and how often to do them.

What happens if I workout my back everyday? ›

Doing these back-strengthening exercises daily will ease lower back pain and prevent future episodes by strengthening your abdominal, hip, and back muscles. This stretch is an easy way to warm up for your workout. Step 1: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.

What are the top 3 exercises for back pain? ›

Exercises like glute bridging, clamshells, quadruped, and squats are key components of a good low back exercise routine.

Does walking strengthen back muscles? ›

Walking is one of the best exercises for your entire body, and that's also true for your back. In fact, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends walking as part of a recovery plan from back surgery. Walking: Strengthens the trunk, core, and lumbar muscles (all of which support your spine)

Is 5 exercises enough for back day? ›

Depending on what back exercises you choose, 5-7 exercises may be enough for back day.

How often should I do back exercises for back pain? ›

Try to focus on doing sets of exercises. For example, do 2 to 3 sets of stretches. Aim to do this 2 to 3 times a day. As you do more stretching you should feel your range of movement improve and you'll be able to stretch further.

Do back exercises burn back fat? ›

It's a myth that you can target just one area of your body to lose weight. But by doing exercises that focus on your back, along with eating a healthy diet and cutting calories, you can tone up that portion of your body. Consistency is key. It's also helpful to have a support system.

What happens if you train back too much? ›

Overexercising can have significant effects on mood and energy levels. According to NASM, the fatigue and low energy associated with overexercising can cause irritation, anger, problems with sleep, problems with school or work, and lack of enjoyment of your typical interests and hobbies.

Is it OK to stretch back every day? ›

If you only stretch occasionally, you can't fully experience the effects. Our chiropractor in Setauket recommends a daily stretching regimen, but you can still improve your flexibility if you stretch at least two times a week.

What is the number one best back exercise? ›

The best exercise for back muscle development is the classic Barbell Deadlift. It hits the traps, lats and lower back all in one exercise, and it can be overloaded to boost back development.

What is the number 1 back pain relief? ›

Best for fast back pain relief: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is an NSAID. NSAIDs work by decreasing pain and inflammation.

What are the big three back exercises? ›

Here are McGill's “Big Three” exercises for improving your low back endurance:
  • The McGill Curl Up. Lie down on your back. ...
  • The Side Bridge. Lie on your side, with your forearm on the floor and elbow underneath your shoulder. ...
  • The Bird Dog. Assume a hands-and-knees position on the floor.

Can too much walking be bad for your back? ›

Prolonged walking or standing can tire or strain the muscles in the lower back and legs, which can lead to aches and pains. This pain or discomfort usually gets better with sitting or lying down to rest the back. People who are overweight may be more at risk for muscle fatigue when standing or walking.

How can I strengthen my back muscles at home? ›

Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor (A). Tighten the muscles in your belly so that your lower back pulls up, away from the floor (B). Hold for five seconds and then relax. Flatten your back, pulling your bellybutton toward the floor (C).

Is walking in water good for your back? ›

Water therapy for back exercise can be a short-term exercise option if back pain or a back injury makes land-based exercise too difficult. Or it can be adopted as part of an ongoing exercise program if land-based methods worsen symptoms or if the person prefers water exercises.

Can I workout back twice a day? ›

Leave at least 48 hours between back training sessions; you get results when your muscle fibers have a chance to recover and repair. You might do two to three exercises for the back as part of a total-body training session that also includes your chest, arms, legs, abs and shoulders.

How many back exercises should I do on pull day? ›

For a typical pull day, we recommend starting with six total exercises, e.g. three compound exercises and one isolation movement for the muscles of the back, and two additional isolation exercises for the biceps.

How many back sets per day? ›

Recommended Sets Per Week for Each Muscle Group
Muscle GroupSets
Back12-16
Shoulders9-12
Triceps8-10
Biceps6-9
6 more rows

Is 3 sets of 10 enough to build muscle? ›

Do 3 sets of 10 reps 2 or 3 times per week. The benefit of this approach is you are working the muscles more frequently, increasing the stress on the muscle to cause muscle burn and stimulate growth. This is not a conventional approach to muscle growth, but we have found it does work.

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