#10 But my back doesn’t hurt that much…
Doing daily core and back exercises provide health benefits that are difficult to quantify because it helps to avoid future problems. I have heard many people express that they have discomfort in their back or down their leg. It may not keep them from doing what they like to do, but they notice it enough to talk about it. When told to do exercises, a common response is “it isn’t that bad”, or “it doesn’t hurt all the time”. Unfortunately, these types of aches and pains usually get stronger with age unless we do exercises to strengthen the core muscles.
In some ways, doing daily core exercises is like flossing our teeth. We hear from the dentist that we should floss every day, and we are told that if we do, we can avoid problems in the future. But it is so easy to forget. And each day that we forget doesn’t seem to make that much of a difference. But over time, dental trouble brews. Often times those with the greatest dental problems are the most diligent about their daily flossing.
Doing daily exercises seems tedious and annoying and may not seem “fun”. But it is amazing how good one feels after doing them regularly AND the back pain lessens. No one knows the problems that we may avoid in the future by developing strong core muscles. It is often from observing the travails of friends or family that we truly understand the relationship between a strong core and good back health and how important back health is to a good quality of life.
Our muscles weaken with age if we don’t use them. As we approach middle age, even those who have always been very fit may find themselves with subtle back aches and related pains if they haven’t been doing deliberate exercises to strengthen their core. Even if you are diligent about daily aerobic exercise, incorporating daily core exercise is critical if you are middle aged or older.
This is obviously a big subject as there is so much written on it and from many different perspectives including logistics, physical practice, and the psychological aspect of exercise. I could give you some tips such a establishing a regular time, committing yourself to doing exercise so that you take the daily decision-making out of the process, or maintain variety in your exercise to keep your exercise routine and life interesting. While each of these is important and helpful, I think it is also helpful to be able to share your exercise practice with someone else who has similar objectives. An exercise companion can inspire you when your own motivation is lacking. Ideally, you could do some of your practice with your companion, but it may be that you each have your own practice and talk about it with each other, providing new ideas and helping each other to overcome obstacles. Perhaps a regular brisk walk with a companion with provide both the opportunity to get exercise and a regular time to discuss your exercise routine -- where your are, your goals, what you can do to reach your goals, your challenges, etc. An exercise companion is not always so easy to come by. The B2Y forum provides an opportunity to ask questions and get new ideas. Please feel free to post more questions and comments. Your ideas and questions may inspire others, too.
Hi Laura,
Just wanted to let you know that I so much agree with your latest post. I have been exercising on and off over the years and whenever I was 'off' my body eventually remind me to get back and exercise.
However, keeping a routine is SO difficult. Do you have any tips to maintain a routine for life?
Thanks!
Brian