According to past research and studies, nearly 80%
of all Americans will experience some type of back
pain in their lives. The American Academy of
Orthopedic Surgeons believes this as well, as they
say 80% of us out there will encounter some type of
problem with our back before we die.

Traditionally, the treatment for lower back pain is
increasing core strength to increase flexibility on
muscles that are tight, which will provide better
stabilization of the spine and exercises to correct
the imbalances of the muscles. The muscles that
surround the spine will provide stability and support
of the spinal column.

Every muscle between the hips and shoulders are
included as well, as these muscles are referred to
as the core muscles. Back pain can be a result of
muscle imbalances caused by any of these core
muscles. If the back of your thighs are weaker than
the front of your thighs, there will be an uneven
pull on the front of your spinal column.

There are some effective ways that you can integrate
core strength training exercises into all of the
exercises you perform, rather than doing just the
traditional crunches and sit-ups. One such way
is by breathing effectively. Deep breathing will
utilize your diaphragm muscles which will help
support the spinal column and lengthen the spine,
which is great for your lower back and supporting
you when you walk or run.

The tummy tuck and bridge lift can also help you
to reduce back pain and strengthen the core
muscles as well. The tummy tuck exercise is a
simple pelvic tilt that draws the abdominal muscles
away from the floor. Do perform a tummy tuck,
simply lie face down on the floor and squeeze
your glutes to strengthen your spine.

Instead of pressing into your thighs, you should
instead reach your tailbone down towards your
heels. Perform 15 reps of each exercise and
alternate them until you have completed a couple
of sets.

For the bridge, place your feet on a bench or
on the floor and scoop your pelvis upward, as your
rib cage should stay low to reduce any irritation
to your spinal muscles. The bridge will help to
relieve stress on your back and focus the muscle
contractions into the glutes and the hamstrings.

Other exercises for lower back pain are the lumbar
side stretch, hip flexor stretch, and calf
stretches, as all three can help to alleviate
pull on your spinal column.

Hip flexor stretch
When doing a hip flexor stretch, bring one foot
forward in a bent knee, 90 degree angle, while your
other leg is on the floor behind you with your
foot pointed upwards toward the ceiling. The
hip flexor stretch will help to open up the
muscles of your back on the side of the spine near
your hips. You can also squeeze your glutes as
well to deepen the stretch with each breath you
exhale. You should begin to feel a stretch in your
back leg, in the thigh front and the hamstrings
on your front leg.

Lumbar side stretch
This stretch will bring your legs wide with your
knees bent while you sit or stand. Simply bring
one hand down towards your foot on the inside of
the thighs and your other hand behind your head.

The last stretch will open up your Achilles tendon,
which is the most distant pull on the spine. For
this, place an object under your foot and lean the
weight of your body forwards. Maintain a fluid
breath while you hold stretches for 30 seconds or
so. After a while, you should begin to feel a
stretch behind your knee and shin.

If you suffer from asthma, you probably think that you
can’t exercise properly or safely. Contrary to what
many think of this subject, there are ways that you
can get in shape and exercise, even if you suffer
from asthma.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is marked by
characteristics such as coughing, wheezing, shortness
of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma tends to occur
with people who are genetically or environmentally
presdisposed to the condition.

Some of the triggers that may start or make an attack
worse include exposure to allergens, viral respiratory
infections, airway irritants, exercise, and exposure
to things such as dust mites or cockroaches.

You can prevent asthma attacks by doing the following:
1. Bathe your pets weekly.
2. Don’t smoke or permit smoking in your
home.
3. When mold or pollent counts are high,
you should stay inside with air conditioning.
4. Wash your bedding and any stuffed toys
at least once per week in hot water.
5. Wash your hands every chance you get.
6. Get a flu shot.
7. Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose in
the winter months.
8. Be proactive and know your triggers and
how you should avoid them.

Now that you know what you know about asthma, you
may be wondering where exercise fits in. As most
doctors will tell you, you shouldn’t give up on
sports or exercise at all. You just have to be
smart about how you play and take special pre
cautions to avoid attacks.

Almost all doctors agree that the best way to
prevent attacks during exercise is to keep your
inhaler and medication close by. You should never
use the inhaler more than 3 times during a game
or exercise session. If you are up the previous
night with coughing and wheezing, it’s always best
to go light with your exercise the next day.

For something known as IEA (Exercise Induced Asthma),
the symptoms are somewhat different, in the fact
that they appear after 6 – 10 minutes of exercise
and will often be worse in cold or dry air.

If you have IEA, there are several activities that
you can enjoy such as swimming, walking, biking,
downhill skiing, and team based sports. There are
many activities for you to choose from, to ensure
you get the exercise you need as well.

Keep in mind that the condition of asthma isn’t
“all in your head”, it is a real physiological
medical treatment that will require treatment to
prevent and treat. Even though your doctor will
be your best friend in treating asthma, you are
the one who can prevent your symptoms.

Always be smart, take your medication, and be
proactive. Don’t let it put you in a life of
misery – as you can enjoy exercise just like
everyone else.