3 Tips for a Strong Back

You can lower your risk of back problems. Here's how.

By Ted Spiker

From Reader's Digest

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Prevent the pain of back problems with moves that strengthen and support.

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Prevent the pain of back problems with moves that strengthen and support.

1. Master the plank. Get in the "up" push-up position, with your forearms on the floor instead of your hands. Keep your back straight; hold as long as you can.

2. Do yoga. Most yoga poses work the core muscles in the center of your body to keep you balanced.

3. Add cardio. People with good conditioning have the lowest risk of back problems. "Cardiovascular exercise probably helps by providing nutrition to fatigued muscles," says Ohio State's Marras.

From Reader's Digest - September 2008

• Exercise
• • Back Pain

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• 7 Back Pain Breakthroughs
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• A Simple Secret to Preventing and Treating Pain
• Are you one of the more than 50 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain? We can help!
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• Oh, My Aching Back
• Back pain may be common, but that doesn't make it any less bothersome. Find out how to deal with it -- or prevent it in the first place.
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