The Weekly Reset: Back Attack!
Your back core muscles are designed to stabilize your spine where it's meant to be: neutral.
While most of us equate "core" with six pack abs and are busy working the muscles that live on the front of our trunk, our back core muscles are neglected. Not only that, they're overstretched and sore thanks to all the sitting and slouching forward we do, which further hinders them from being able to do their job of supporting our spine. Weak back core is, literally, a pain in your back!
Next time you want to work your core, get after your "back pack" with this quick, functional strengthener. It's a great way to wake up your core pre-workout...
Photo: Claire Pepper
Half Forward Fold
Stand with your feet wide apart and parallel.
Maintaining a long, neutral spine, tilt your torso forward so that it's parallel to the floor.
Keep your knees bent a little, and stick your butt out behind you rather than rounding your low back.
Engage your core to lift your low belly and draw your front ribs toward each other.
Draw your shoulder blades toward each other and reach your arms forward, palms facing each other.
Focus on maintaining a long, neutral spine and feel the muscles along your spine working as you hold for 5+ deep breaths.
Keep up your back reset with our 5 Minute Back Reset video!