Whatever your fitness goals may be, getting injured isn’t one of them. That’s the message Belltown Spine & Wellness Center, a chiropractic clinic in Seattle, is trying to get across with its list of the top five potentially damaging back exercises.
First up on the clinic’s list is running. Although it’s one of the most affordable ways to get fit (all you need is a good pair of sneakers and a trail), no two runners have the same gait. Even seasoned marathoners may be unknowingly doing more harm than good to their body, which is why Belltown Spine & Wellness Center stresses honing your stride and running in moderation, particularly for beginners.
Also making the list are yoga and pilates. Both exercises are designed to improve flexibility and condition your body, but both are also potentially damaging to your back. (The New York Times also did a controversial piece on the negative side effects of yoga.) The clinic’s advice, always perform yoga and pilates exercises with the help of an instructor.
Rounding out the top five list are kettlebell and CrossFit workouts. The former is a Russian invention that involves lots of lifting and swinging, movements that can easily lead to back strain. Meanwhile, Belltown Spine & Wellness Center suggests CrossFit workouts are too advanced for beginners and recommends performing these workouts at affiliated gyms only.
Fortunately, a lot of these injuries can be avoided using plain common sense. If there’s an exercise you’ve never performed or a movement that doesn’t feel right, you’re better off asking for help than spraining a muscle.
[5 Popular Fitness Activities That Can Surprisingly Do More Harm To Your Back than Good]