Back exercises are important to keep a strong core. Doing abdominal exercises alone does not fully strengthen the back.
So you need to include some strengthening and stretching exercises to keep your back strong.
Our backs are used everyday with normal activities. As you reach or bend for an item, you are using your back muscles.
If not properly conditioned, you could potential strain your back. This can cause back pain and/or injuries.
While lower back pain is the most common, you want to ensure you condition all of the back. Strengthening the lower, middle and upper back can minimize risk of pain and injuries.
The primary muscles you will be targeting with these exercises for the back include the Erector Spinae, Latissimus Dorsi and the Trapezius muscle.
Other muscles that will be strengthened and stretched with these exercises include the Infraspinatus, Teres Major and Teres Minor muscles.
Each group is a series of six or more different exercises complete with instructions and videos. You can start each group at the beginning, or select a specific back exercise by clicking on the links.
Below is a more detailed, and a bit scientific, explanation of the various back muscles.
Trapezius Muscle
This muscle is a flat, triangular shaped muscle that covers the back of the neck, shoulders and thorax. It is one of the primary upper back muscles.
The Trapezius is used to tilt and turn the head and neck as well as shrug and steady the shoulders. It is also used the twist the arms. It elevates, depresses, rotates, and retracts the scapula.
Latissimus Dorsi
The Latin translation of this muscle means broadest (latissimus) back (dorsum). So this is the broadest of the back muscles. This is more commonly referred to as the "lats" when talking about exercising. This muscle helps with the internal rotation of the shoulder joint and other shoulder movements.
Erector Spinae
This is a muscle group that extends the vertebral column. It is also known as sacrospinalis in older texts and in more modern terms it's called the extensor spinae. This is not just one muscle but rather a group of muscles and tendons. It is paired and basically runs vertically.
The erector spinae provides movements and postures. It straightens the back and provides the rotation from side to side.
Benefits of Stretching
Often people will skip the step to warm up or cool down and stretch. However, these are important parts of any workout.
Find out more about the benefits of stretching.
Abdominal Exercises
When talking about core muscles, these include the back and abdominal muscles (plus a couple more).
So don't forget to do some abdominal strengthening exercises in your routines.
Eating After Exercise
Refuel your body after your workouts. Read this article to learn more.
Back Pain Exercises
Here's an article from Everyday Health on back pain and proper back exercises.