Category: Spine | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
A strong spine is supported by a well-developed set of core muscles. Your core helps to stabilize your spinal column, and if you’re dealing with spinal instability or posture-related problems, oftentimes you should turn your attention to your core strength to address the issue. Developing your core isn’t always fun, but there are some activities you can pursue that will strengthen your core muscles without feeling like another boring exercise routine. With that in mind, we want to spotlight five outdoor summer activities that can be surprisingly good for your core and your back.
Summer Activities That Strengthen Your Core Muscles
If you’re looking for an enjoyable summer activity that can get you outdoors and also improve your core, here’s what we recommend:
- Paddleboarding – Paddleboarding can be a great way to cruise around one of Minnesota’s many lakes, and while some people make it look easy, their core will be working as they paddle and stay upright on the board. Your core will be engaged throughout your paddleboarding experience, and while it may be a little noticeable while you’re on the board, there’s a good chance you’ll feel it in your abdomen the day after your paddleboarding trip.
- Swimming – Swimming is a fun way to stay cool during the summer, but it will also ask a lot of your core. Water is naturally resistant, meaning that you’ll be engaging muscles and your core whenever you’re moving in the water. You may also find that it’s easier to be more flexible in the water because you’re not as exposed to gravity as you are when you’re standing on land, meaning you can get more out of a water-based physical therapy program or water yoga session. Doing an exercise program or swimming laps in the water can do wonders for your core.
- Nature Hike – While a nature hike won’t engage your core as much as some other activities on this list, it’s a great whole-body activity that will still test your core strength. A nature hike that takes you up a hill or a mountain will test your endurance and your core strength as you work to support your spine during your ascent. Even a short walk on a flat nature trail will boost your circulation and help you maintain an ideal weight, which will keep stress off your spine.
- Kayaking/Canoeing – If you want to spend some time on the lake but don’t want to be on a stand-up paddleboard, a kayak or canoe may be right for you. You’ll need to engage your core and your arms every time you want to paddle and move your vessel, so you’ll feel it in your core when you’re done paddling for the day.
- Outdoor Yoga – Finally, join an outdoor yoga group or simply take your yoga mat outside for the day. Yoga is great for your spine and your core strength, but your body can also benefit from the fresh air and the Vitamin D supplied by the sun. Instead of slogging through your yoga routine indoors on a beautiful day, take your exercises outside and work your core in the comfort of the sun!
Contact a Twin Cities Spine Surgeon
Get outside and enjoy the fleeting summer weather, and you may be able to strengthen your core without needing to pursue targeted core exercises. And as always, if you need help overcoming a new or persistent spinal issue, we hope you’ll connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute. Give our team a call today for more information at (651) 430-3800.
Related
