back

For your back, don't do that, do this.

You may have seen other gym-goers performing Bent Over Rows, either with a barbell or with dumbbells, to develop their back muscles. It looks something like this.

Over time, the bent over row will reek havoc with your lower back.

Over time, the bent over row will reek havoc with your lower back.

By bending over at the waist, a lot of stress is placed on the lower back as the vertebrae compress. Over time, you’ll feel increasing pain in your lower back. 

Here's a way to strengthen your back without risking injury to your lower back: Incline Bench Rows with Dumbbells.

Incline Bench Dumbbell Rows works out your back while protecting your lower back.

Incline Bench Dumbbell Rows works out your back while protecting your lower back.

  1. Lean into an incline bench.

  2. Take a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other), beginning with the arms straight. This will be your starting position.

  3. Retract the shoulder blades and flex the elbows to row the dumbbells to your side.

  4. At the top of the motion, squeeze the shoulder blades together, then return to the starting position.

Give the Incline Bench Dumbbell Row a try. Your lower back will thank you.