Back Pain and Core Exercises

[OakLeaf]

There is also what we call the Sprinkler. Do a side plank on your elbow, put the other hand behind your head, then touch that elbow to the floor x 30.
Karen

That's a good one! There's a lot you can do with side planks when you're up on your hand as opposed to your elbow - reach the other arm overhead; down between the other hip and shoulder; across to the supporting hand; hip dips.

I also like regular planks (on hands), then raising the opposite arm and leg.

I'm totally unable to do side planks with my ankles on the small ball, and I SHOULD be able to do that one. It drives me crazy. Anyone have any tricks for getting there?

[EBD]

Thanks for the good suggestions. Maybe I just need to buy a handful of used DVD's and see what works for me!

[lattae]

I had an email from Velo Gear just recently and they are selling a new book called , The Athletes Guide to Yoga by Sage Rountree. I did find this book at my local Borders store. It is great, they show good core training moves, and the author was a triathlete herself. This book is very interesting to me because I have tightness in the hips and shoulder area at times.. gives good info on stretches/yoga poses that affect cyclists and runners..they apparently sell a DVD also which I'm hoping to get for my b-day. I may have to purchase that online though.. they didn't carry it at my local Borders store.. this book apparently just came out recently. Try www.velogear.com

[Tokie]

Hi! I can endorse the book of core exercises by Mark Verstegen - "Core Performance" , and I really like his DVD "Stability Ball total core program". I got the book from Amazon, and the DVD at Target, of all places! I like the DVD alot - it is quick, succinct, and he talks you through coaching points of the exercises. Some of the exercises while building great core strength have also almost eliminated my chronic shoulder pain from my old rotator cuff tear! My cycling coach has me do core strength year round - I am small and not as fast as I would like to be, so I consider my core strength to be my "secret weapon". It has definately helped!My coach and PT both recommend doing lat pull downs too for core strength in cycling, and since doing the ball work for 2 months, I can almost do them again without shoulder pain. Enjoy! I think the ball work is kind of fun! Carol