“Fitness Minutes” Low Back Exercise Video

Hello again,

Hope you and your loved ones are all doing well. This week's edition of "Fitness Minutes" will focus on the low back. As I describe in the video, when we sit for prolonged periods of time our hips get tight and our core muscles can become weak. The video exercises will address stretching the low back to reduce symptoms but will also focus on improving motion in the thoracic spine and hips to reduce compression forces at the low back.

While performing these exercises (or any of my other video exercises), please make sure you start with success - move through a comfortable distance. It is normal to feel end-range stretch discomfort that loosens up with more repetitions. However, if you have pain that is intensifying you will need to reduce your range until it feels comfortable. Usually, your body will open up and give you more range as you repeat the exercise.

I am also sending along an excellent article written by Mark Hyman, MD, regarding how to eat to boost your immune function during the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Hyman is a world-famous doctor, internationally recognized leader in the field of functional medicine and bestselling author on health and well-being. He is the founder and director of The UltraWellness Center in Lenox, MA. Dr. Hyman specifically states, "Cut the sugar and starch (think of them as the same thing). Data is clear, sugar suppresses immunity and worsens viral infections." Now is the time more than ever before to make positive changes in your life that bolster your immune system.

Have a great week and stay tuned for next week's video on the hip.

Warmly,
Lisa Baumgart, MPT, FAFS, IFNCP

View the video below for this week’s “Fitness Minutes” all about the low back!
Provided by Lisa J. Baumgart, MPT, FAFS, IFNCP, owner of Greylock Physical Therapy.