Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic Exercise for Relieving Chronic Back Pain

Ben Parr — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:10:00 -0800

A physician answers patient questions about managing chronic back pain.

Guidelines for Buying Home Exercise Equipment

Ben Parr — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 08:17:45 -0700

This article describes several types of home exercise equipment that are gentle on the lower back and spine, provide a good cardiovascular workout, and could be incorporated into a home exercise routine. Selecting and investing in the right equipment is made easier if the following factors are considered:

Pain Relief and Aerobic Benefits of an Exercise Bike

Ben Parr — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:26:47 -0700

While riding exercise bikes doesn’t specifically target the abs and back muscles, these muscle groups help keep the body in the proper position by aligning the pelvis and preventing hyperextension of the back.

Maintaining good control of the abdominal and back muscles is especially important when using an upright exercise bike (as opposed to a recumbent model). To work the abdominal muscles even more, patients can focus on tightening them as they ride.

Exercise Bike Guidelines and Considerations

Ben Parr — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:08:20 -0700

Ideally, this form of exercise should be done at least three days a week for at least 20 minutes each time. If the patient is not used to regular exercise, it may be necessary to start more slowly and work up to this level of exercise. Typically, the patient’s pulse should be raised to 60 to 85 percent of his or her maximum heart rate.

Fibromyalgia: Aerobic Fitness for Fibromyalgia

spine-health — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:52:38 -0800

Aerobic exercise is considered an essential component of a comprehensive management program for fibromyalgia. In a review of fibromyalgia patients, it was found that more than 80% of the patients were physically "unfit" based on maximal oxygen uptake and the American Heart Association guidelines ⁴⁷.

Physical Therapy Benefits For Back Pain

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:36 -0800

Benefits of back pain exercise and physical therapy

After an episode of low back pain has lasted between two and six weeks, or if there are frequent recurrences of low back pain, it is reasonable to consider back pain exercises and physical therapy for back treatment.

Weight Loss and Exercise for Patients

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:09:00 -0800

Once a patient has worked with a doctor to determine whether or not he or she is in need of weight loss, the patient is ready to develop an exercise and diet program to achieve the desired level of weight loss. Several practical guidelines that comprise a sustainable diet and exercise program are outlined below.

Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

Along with specific back exercises, aerobic exercise that increases the heart rate for a sustained period is very beneficial for helping back problems. Aerobic exercise increases the flow of blood and nutrients to back structures which supports healing, and can decrease the stiffness in the back and joints that lead to back pain. While many patients with back pain are able to participate in vigorous exercise like running or step aerobics, others find it easier to engage in low-impact exercise, which does not jar the spine.

Exercise Bikes for a Low Stress Work Out

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

An exercise bike is gentle on the low back

Many people with low back pain have trouble finding the right form of exercise that provides a good aerobic workout and is still gentle enough for their back. Aerobic exercise helps to condition and strengthen the muscles and keep the spinal structures healthy, which in turn helps to reduce back pain.

Exercise Bike Setup and Precautions

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

The resistance on the exercise bike can be adjusted to vary the intensity of the workout. Some patients may be more comfortable pedaling slower but at a higher resistance while others may prefer to pedal faster at a lower resistance (commonly referred to as Spinning, a type of aerobic class offered at many health clubs and gyms).

Adding variety to the workout through interval training (alternating periods of higher and lower intensity) can help riders stay comfortable while still achieving a good aerobic workout.

Home Exercise Equipment for Low Impact Aerobic Exercise

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

Low impact exercise for the back

Cardiovascular exercise can play a critical role in maintaining spine health and ensuring progress in recovery from back pain or surgery. Balancing aerobic (or cardiovascular) exercise, which works the heart, with anaerobic strengthening exercises and stretching can deliver both physical and mental benefits for back pain patients, allowing them to: