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We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

5 Daily Habits Secretly Ruining Your Lower Back, According to a Physical Therapist

Simple fixes to stop sabotaging your recovery today.

Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackApr 22, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Dr Jared Beckstrand Tone and Tighten
I'm a PT and These 8 Moves Are Perfect For Inflexible People
Copyright Tone and Tighten/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackApr 22, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Fitness & Workouts

Back pain is one of the most common complaints physical therapists hear, affecting millions of people daily. Dr. Jared Beckstrand, a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation and athletic performance, has seen this pattern repeatedly in his practice. As the creator of the Tone and Tighten YouTube channel, Dr. Beckstrand shares expert advice on alleviating various types of pain. "Most patients make good progress until suddenly they report a major setback," Dr. Beckstrand says in his post. "Almost always, it's due to one of these five common habits." Read on to discover what might be sabotaging your recovery and the simple solutions that could provide immediate relief.

Mistake #1: Poor Sitting Habits

Sitting for extended periods is the number one culprit behind back pain flare-ups. "Whether at your desk, in your car, or relaxing on the couch, prolonged sitting puts tremendous pressure on your spine," Dr. Beckstrand explains. Most people don't maintain proper posture while sitting, creating a rounded C-shape in the lower back. This position increases pressure on the front of the vertebrae, causing discs to bulge backward where nerve structures like the sciatic nerve are located.

Solution #1: Take Standing Breaks

Man standing with anterior pelvic tilt posture. This man has visible tilting forward of his upper pelvis and visible lumbar lordosis.Shutterstock

Take regular standing breaks throughout your day. Dr. Beckstrand recommends standing for about five minutes every hour, even gently bending backward to relieve pressure. If you must sit, support your lower back with a small towel to maintain a neutral spine position rather than that harmful C-shape. "Simply standing up, maybe bending over backwards a little bit is going to be crucial in helping you to feel better and in taking breaks just throughout your day," says Dr. Beckstrand.

Mistake #2: Harmful Stretching Routines

Worker Stretch Exercise At Stand Desk In OfficeShutterstock

Many people instinctively stretch when feeling back tightness, but certain stretches actually worsen bulging disc problems. "The most common culprit that I see are any stretches that promote this flexion or this forward rounding activity," Dr. Beckstrand warns. Common culprits include hamstring stretches or yoga's child's pose – anything that rounds your back forward by bringing your chest toward your knees places significant stress on discs.

Solution #2: Extension-Based Movements

Young athletic woman in cobra pose practicing Yoga with her dog at home.Shutterstock

Focus on extension-based activities instead of forward-bending stretches. "This is probably my favorite is going to be the cobra pose," Dr. Beckstrand recommends. Start by lying on your stomach with elbows beneath your shoulders, holding for 10 seconds, then resting for 10 seconds. Repeat this about 10 times. "Eventually we want to get up even into this full cobra position where my elbows are actually locked out. That's a really good stretch for my lower back," explains Dr. Beckstrand. This puts pressure on the back of the disc, helping to relocate it properly and alleviating sciatic symptoms.

Mistake #3: Doing the Wrong Core Exercises

Abs workout - fitness woman working out on beach doing russian twists abs exercises with raised legs for stomach weight loss toning. Fit body oblique muscles training Asian girl.​Target Side Core MusclesShutterstock

Core weakness is frequently blamed for back pain, but many people choose exercises that worsen their condition. "The number three thing to avoid are the wrong core exercises, specifically anything where you're folding forward," says Dr. Beckstrand. He specifically points out that "sit-ups or exercises like a Russian twist" are probably the two most common culprits that aggravate lower back pain.

Solution #3: Focus on Posterior Chain Strength

Attractive blonde woman in sports beige leggings and tank top, practicing yoga, doing Glute bridge exercise, dvi pada pithasana pose, home workout.​5. Glute BridgesShutterstock

Focus on strengthening your posterior chain (back side) before aggressively working your abs. "My favorite exercise for that is the bridges," Dr. Beckstrand suggests. "What you're going to do is lay down on your back with your knees bent. I'm going to squeeze my glutes, contract my glute muscles, and raise my hips up towards the ceiling." Hold for three seconds before slowly lowering back down. This engages your core muscles without the harmful flexion that increases pressure on your lumbar spine.

Mistake #4: Compression-Heavy Exercises

Athletic young sporty woman doing squat exercise in the smith machine. Smith rack machine in modern fitness center.​Space and Means Haves: Squat Rack, Smith Machine ComboShutterstock

Certain strength training exercises can significantly worsen bulging disc problems by increasing spinal compression. "Anything that's going to increase compression in your spine should probably be avoided," Dr. Beckstrand cautions. "I'd say that barbell squats are the number one culprit for this, but I also like to recommend people avoid exercises where they're bending over and picking up a load. So this is going to be your deadlifts, your bent over rows, exercises like that."

Solution #4: Try Spinal Decompression

,,Muscular,Girl,,Pull,ups,Exercise,Gym,fitness,exerciseShutterstock

Instead of compression-heavy exercises, try decompression techniques. "I tell people to swap out that barbell for a pull-up bar and do some decompression to your spine," Dr. Beckstrand recommends. Hang from a pull-up bar with your toes lightly touching the floor, allowing your spine to elongate while you relax your back muscles. "What we're doing there is we're actually taking the pressure off of that disc, offering it a little bit of some relief as well," explains Dr. Beckstrand.

Mistake #5: Poor Sleep Positioning

Exhaustion relax dreaming sleep concept. Tired girl sleeping. Young lady resting in fetal position recovering in bed.Shutterstock

Your sleeping position can dramatically impact how you feel when you wake up. "The most common culprit that I see on this one is those who sleep on their side with their knees tucked up into their chest," Dr. Beckstrand explains. "Again, we're putting the spine in this flexed position, puts a lot of pressure on the nerve in the back, and then we're staying there for a prolonged period of time."

Solution #5: Support Your Spine During Sleep

Leg cushion for sleeping for knee pain. Orthopedic pillow between the legs of a lying woman in pajamas.Shutterstock

For side sleepers, Dr. Beckstrand recommends: "If you do sleep on your side, what I want you to do is put a pillow in between your knees. That's going to help to keep your spine and pelvis in a more neutral alignment." Keep just a soft bend in your hips and knees rather than tucking them tight to your chest. "The other thing that you can do, if you can switch positions, I like back sleeping or sleeping on your back for this problem with a couple of pillows under your knees," advises Dr. Beckstrand. This position provides optimal spine support, unlocks tight hip flexors, and decreases pressure throughout your back.

Take Control of Your Recovery Today

young blonde woman in eyeglasses happy with raised hands, happy, celebrate, celebration, office, fitness5 Exercises You Can Do Without Leaving Your DeskShutterstock

Back pain doesn't have to dictate your life. By implementing these expert-recommended adjustments, you can take active steps toward recovery. "So the number one thing to avoid sitting with poor posture for long periods of time, stand up and take regular breaks or improve your posture with support," Dr. Beckstrand notes. Start with the modification that seems most relevant to your situation, then gradually incorporate the others. Small improvements compound over time, eventually leading to significant pain reduction and increased function. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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Fitness & Workouts

5 Daily Habits Secretly Ruining Your Lower Back, According to a Physical Therapist

Dr Jared Beckstrand Tone and Tighten
I'm a PT and These 8 Moves Are Perfect For Inflexible People
Copyright Tone and Tighten/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackApr 22, 2025
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Back pain is one of the most common complaints physical therapists hear, affecting millions of people daily. Dr. Jared Beckstrand, a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation and athletic performance, has seen this pattern repeatedly in his practice. As the creator of the Tone and Tighten YouTube channel, Dr. Beckstrand shares expert advice on alleviating various types of pain. "Most patients make good progress until suddenly they report a major setback," Dr. Beckstrand says in his post. "Almost always, it's due to one of these five common habits." Read on to discover what might be sabotaging your recovery and the simple solutions that could provide immediate relief.

Mistake #1: Poor Sitting Habits

Sitting for extended periods is the number one culprit behind back pain flare-ups. "Whether at your desk, in your car, or relaxing on the couch, prolonged sitting puts tremendous pressure on your spine," Dr. Beckstrand explains. Most people don't maintain proper posture while sitting, creating a rounded C-shape in the lower back. This position increases pressure on the front of the vertebrae, causing discs to bulge backward where nerve structures like the sciatic nerve are located.

Solution #1: Take Standing Breaks

Man standing with anterior pelvic tilt posture. This man has visible tilting forward of his upper pelvis and visible lumbar lordosis.Shutterstock

Take regular standing breaks throughout your day. Dr. Beckstrand recommends standing for about five minutes every hour, even gently bending backward to relieve pressure. If you must sit, support your lower back with a small towel to maintain a neutral spine position rather than that harmful C-shape. "Simply standing up, maybe bending over backwards a little bit is going to be crucial in helping you to feel better and in taking breaks just throughout your day," says Dr. Beckstrand.

Mistake #2: Harmful Stretching Routines

Worker Stretch Exercise At Stand Desk In OfficeShutterstock

Many people instinctively stretch when feeling back tightness, but certain stretches actually worsen bulging disc problems. "The most common culprit that I see are any stretches that promote this flexion or this forward rounding activity," Dr. Beckstrand warns. Common culprits include hamstring stretches or yoga's child's pose – anything that rounds your back forward by bringing your chest toward your knees places significant stress on discs.

Solution #2: Extension-Based Movements

Young athletic woman in cobra pose practicing Yoga with her dog at home.Shutterstock

Focus on extension-based activities instead of forward-bending stretches. "This is probably my favorite is going to be the cobra pose," Dr. Beckstrand recommends. Start by lying on your stomach with elbows beneath your shoulders, holding for 10 seconds, then resting for 10 seconds. Repeat this about 10 times. "Eventually we want to get up even into this full cobra position where my elbows are actually locked out. That's a really good stretch for my lower back," explains Dr. Beckstrand. This puts pressure on the back of the disc, helping to relocate it properly and alleviating sciatic symptoms.

Mistake #3: Doing the Wrong Core Exercises

Abs workout - fitness woman working out on beach doing russian twists abs exercises with raised legs for stomach weight loss toning. Fit body oblique muscles training Asian girl.​Target Side Core MusclesShutterstock

Core weakness is frequently blamed for back pain, but many people choose exercises that worsen their condition. "The number three thing to avoid are the wrong core exercises, specifically anything where you're folding forward," says Dr. Beckstrand. He specifically points out that "sit-ups or exercises like a Russian twist" are probably the two most common culprits that aggravate lower back pain.

Solution #3: Focus on Posterior Chain Strength

Attractive blonde woman in sports beige leggings and tank top, practicing yoga, doing Glute bridge exercise, dvi pada pithasana pose, home workout.​5. Glute BridgesShutterstock

Focus on strengthening your posterior chain (back side) before aggressively working your abs. "My favorite exercise for that is the bridges," Dr. Beckstrand suggests. "What you're going to do is lay down on your back with your knees bent. I'm going to squeeze my glutes, contract my glute muscles, and raise my hips up towards the ceiling." Hold for three seconds before slowly lowering back down. This engages your core muscles without the harmful flexion that increases pressure on your lumbar spine.

Mistake #4: Compression-Heavy Exercises

Athletic young sporty woman doing squat exercise in the smith machine. Smith rack machine in modern fitness center.​Space and Means Haves: Squat Rack, Smith Machine ComboShutterstock

Certain strength training exercises can significantly worsen bulging disc problems by increasing spinal compression. "Anything that's going to increase compression in your spine should probably be avoided," Dr. Beckstrand cautions. "I'd say that barbell squats are the number one culprit for this, but I also like to recommend people avoid exercises where they're bending over and picking up a load. So this is going to be your deadlifts, your bent over rows, exercises like that."

Solution #4: Try Spinal Decompression

,,Muscular,Girl,,Pull,ups,Exercise,Gym,fitness,exerciseShutterstock

Instead of compression-heavy exercises, try decompression techniques. "I tell people to swap out that barbell for a pull-up bar and do some decompression to your spine," Dr. Beckstrand recommends. Hang from a pull-up bar with your toes lightly touching the floor, allowing your spine to elongate while you relax your back muscles. "What we're doing there is we're actually taking the pressure off of that disc, offering it a little bit of some relief as well," explains Dr. Beckstrand.

Mistake #5: Poor Sleep Positioning

Exhaustion relax dreaming sleep concept. Tired girl sleeping. Young lady resting in fetal position recovering in bed.Shutterstock

Your sleeping position can dramatically impact how you feel when you wake up. "The most common culprit that I see on this one is those who sleep on their side with their knees tucked up into their chest," Dr. Beckstrand explains. "Again, we're putting the spine in this flexed position, puts a lot of pressure on the nerve in the back, and then we're staying there for a prolonged period of time."

Solution #5: Support Your Spine During Sleep

Leg cushion for sleeping for knee pain. Orthopedic pillow between the legs of a lying woman in pajamas.Shutterstock

For side sleepers, Dr. Beckstrand recommends: "If you do sleep on your side, what I want you to do is put a pillow in between your knees. That's going to help to keep your spine and pelvis in a more neutral alignment." Keep just a soft bend in your hips and knees rather than tucking them tight to your chest. "The other thing that you can do, if you can switch positions, I like back sleeping or sleeping on your back for this problem with a couple of pillows under your knees," advises Dr. Beckstrand. This position provides optimal spine support, unlocks tight hip flexors, and decreases pressure throughout your back.

Take Control of Your Recovery Today

young blonde woman in eyeglasses happy with raised hands, happy, celebrate, celebration, office, fitness5 Exercises You Can Do Without Leaving Your DeskShutterstock

Back pain doesn't have to dictate your life. By implementing these expert-recommended adjustments, you can take active steps toward recovery. "So the number one thing to avoid sitting with poor posture for long periods of time, stand up and take regular breaks or improve your posture with support," Dr. Beckstrand notes. Start with the modification that seems most relevant to your situation, then gradually incorporate the others. Small improvements compound over time, eventually leading to significant pain reduction and increased function. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

5 Posture Mistakes Causing Neck Sagging and How to Fix It

Young woman with bad posture using mobile phone on color background
Shutterstock
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMay 01, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Are you experiencing neck or back pain? It might have to do with your posture. The good news is, once you figure out the mistakes you are making, there are things you can do to correct them, according to Dr. David Tannenbaum, DC, Tannenbaum Chiropractic, Beverly Hills, CA. Here are 5 posture mistakes you might be making and three simple exercises you can do to fix them.

Slouching

man with remote controlShutterstock

Your mother likely scolded you to sit up straight, and she wasn’t wrong. “Slouching increases spinal disc load leading to back pain and neck sagging (neck hump). As the static flexion in the neck occurs, the low spinal segments of the neck flare causing neck sagging,” explains Dr. Tannenbaum.

Sway Back

Man standing with anterior pelvic tilt posture. This man has visible tilting forward of his upper pelvis and visible lumbar lordosis.Shutterstock

The second posture mistake commonly made? “The sway back posture, also known as anterior pelvic tilt, causes increased disc pressure in the low back, which can cause low back pain and weaknesses within the abdominal wall,” he says.

RELATED: I Lost 100 Pounds in 6 Months With These 2 Simple Changes

Tech Neck

Cividale, Italy - June 3, 2018: caucasian young man using a smartphone with a posture that can cause tech or text neck syndromeShutterstock

If you sit in front of a computer all day, you might be feeling it in your back. “Tech neck is known as a position where the person is constantly looking down at a phone or tablet instead of raising their arms with a device at eye level. Constantly looking down at your phone can lead to a sagging neck and strenuous muscular stress in the back of the neck,” says Tannenbaum.

Leaning On or Favoring One Leg

Chronic back pain. Adult woman is holding her lower back, while standing and suffering from unbearable pain.Shutterstock

Leaning on or favoring one leg can lead to hip and pelvis imbalance which puts stress on the low back, according to Tannenbau. “Constant leaning on one leg can also cause unnatural lateral curvatures leading to pain,” he says.

Cradling Your Phone

High-spirited woman cradling the smartphone between her ear and shoulderShutterstock

Cradling your phone in between your shoulders and ears can cause strenuous positions to the muscles of your neck, explains Tannenbaum. “If constantly done, it can also build a lateral shift within your neck structure, putting extra pressure within the cervical discs and leading to pain.”

Exercise 1: T’s

Portrait of attractive cheerful sportswoman with headphones in her ears. Sporty woman doing exercises with dumbbells for shoulders in the gym on the background of brick wallShutterstock

You can fix your posture in two weeks with these simple exercises and stretches, according to Dr. Tannenbaum. He recommends six to 10 repetitions per exercise and three sets. “These exercises can be done in a prone or standing position with light weights or resistance exercise bandsm” he says. “Exercises are performed by opening up your arms into a prone or standing ‘T’ position which targets postural muscle between the shoulder blades (rhomboids).”

Exercise 2: Y’s

Winning, success and life goals concept. Young woman with arms in the air giving thumbs up.Shutterstock

During the “Y” exercises, both arms will come overhead into a “Y” position, targeting the muscles under the shoulder blades (Middle and lower trapezius), he continues.

RELATED: 7 High-Protein Snacks That Support Quick Weight Loss

Exercise 3: I’s

Happy woman holding hands up to the sun at dawn. Freedom and spirituality concept.Shutterstock

During the “I’s” exercises, the arm will come straight overhead and target the lower trapezius muscles. “These exercises should be performed daily,” he says.

💪🔥Body Booster: What posture mistakes are you making? If you aren’t sure, you might want to consult in expert to save you from major damage to your back.

Fitness & Workouts

8 Core Stability Moves a Mobility Expert Uses to Prevent Back Pain

Anna_Atras1
Copyright Anna Atras/YouTube/Shutterstock
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackDec 06, 2024
Christopher Roback
Health & Wellness Writer | Author | Exclusive Contributor at Body Network
Christopher Roback is a health and wellness writer and exclusive contributor to Body Network.
See Full Bio
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Does your lower back feel stiff after sitting at your desk all day? Or maybe you're worried about injuring yourself during workouts? You're not alone. In fact, most people are doing their core exercises wrong – and it's putting their backs at risk.

Anna Atras, a Pilates and Mobility Coach, has spent years helping clients overcome back pain through proper core training. "Many people think the core is simply the six-pack abs, but that's incorrect," she explains. In this comprehensive guide, she shares her most effective moves for building a bulletproof back.

Ready to learn the right way to train your core and prevent back pain? Let's dive into Anna's proven 8-move system, from fundamental techniques to advanced variations.

Why Traditional Core Training Fails Your Back

"In scientific literature, we refer to the core as a three-dimensional space with muscular boundaries – essentially a muscular box," Anna explains in her post. She describes how this box comprises 29 pairs of muscles that work together to stabilize your pelvis and lower back during movement, including the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and abdominal wall muscles.

RELATED: She Has Instagram-Famous Abs and Here Is What She Eats in a Day to Achieve Them

The Hidden Connection Between Core and Back Pain

"Core stability is simply the ability to control the position of this region, abdominal and lower back region, and specifically of the lumbopelvic hip complex," Anna explains. This complex system creates what she calls "a corset-like stabilization effect around trunk and lower back spine and also pelvis," which is crucial for maintaining a neutral spine position.

Move 1: Master Your Breathing Foundation

Young white woman doing breathing practice during meditation indoorsShutterstock

Anna starts every client with proper breathing mechanics: "At the start of your core stability enhancement journey, you could start with diaphragmatic breathing, make sure the diaphragm is doing its job." She suggests practicing abdominal hollowing ("drawing navel towards the spine") and abdominal bracing, which she describes as "wrapping a belt around the belly or even using your hands and pressing into the abdomen."

RELATED: Lindsay Lohan Flaunts Washboard Abs: Here’s Her “Little Secret” to Looking Great at 38

Moves 2-4: The Essential Trio

For beginners, Anna recommends three key exercises:

  1. Knee Hovers: "Maintaining neutral spine and you see every time you lift, you exhale, you brace, you can see abdominals kicking in immediately."
  2. Modified Side Plank: "Create a straight line from the tailbone through the spine to the crown of head, holding for 10 seconds."
  3. Supine Bridge: "Drive your pubis up or your pelvis up tucking tailbone under... don't flare your ribs to the ceiling."

Move 5: The Bird Dog Progression

"It's all about creating stiffness through the midsection, creating stability around the lumbar spine," Anna explains when describing the bird dog exercise. She emphasizes proper form: "Don't lift the arm or leg too high and try to maintain that neutral position of the back. Don't hyperextend, don't let the pelvis rotate."

Move 6: The Marching Bridge

As you build strength, Anna introduces movement: "Try marching on the spot. From the bridge, you simply brace, prepare, keeping your hips square to ceiling." She emphasizes the importance of control: "You want to keep the trunk, the rib cage position of the lower back exactly the same as if both feet were on the ground."

Move 7: The Plank Slider Challenge]

For those ready for more challenge, Anna introduces her favorite advanced movement: "The plank slider is probably one of my favorite and most challenging core exercises." She describes how this variation requires "good shoulder stability" while challenging all the core muscles discussed earlier.

RELATED: Woman Lost 25 Pounds on Mounjaro Without Exercise and Shares 8 Key Tips

Move 8: The Ultimate Back Protector

Anna saves her signature movement for last: "The bird dog on steroids, as I call it, performed on the forearms and knees down." She explains that at this level, "you will feel with every change of position how the trunk and core musculature adjust to protect the lower back to keep it stable."

According to Anna, proper core function is essential for spine health: "Without these abdominal muscles working properly and doing their job, the spine would become mechanically unstable." She emphasizes how this affects everyday activities: "Think of weightlifting, deadlifts, squats, picking up the kids, and also gravity. You want these muscles to work to create mechanically stable position."

💪🔥Body Booster: Focus on mastering each move before progressing to the next. Your back will thank you for taking the time to build proper core stability from the ground up. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

5 Exercises That May Wreck Your Bone Health After Menopause

Portrait of cheerful Vietnamese golf player
Shutterstock
Ferozan Mast
By Ferozan MastApr 19, 2024
Ferozan Mast
Writer
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Maintaining good bone health is critical as we get older—it can make a huge impact on quality of life and staying active and independent. “How likely you are to develop osteoporosis — a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle — depends on how much bone mass you attain by the time you reach age 30 and how rapidly you lose it after that,” says the Mayo Clinic. “The higher your peak bone mass, the more bone you have ‘in the bank’ and the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis as you age.” Certain exercises can seriously damage already weakened bones—here are five to avoid.

Jumping and Running

Fit athletic middle-aged woman jogging on a road alongside a canal approaching the camera with a smile of pleasure in a healthy lifestyle conceptShutterstock

High-impact exercises can cause serious injury to anyone with osteoporosis. “Activities such as jumping, running or jogging can lead to fractures in weakened bones,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Avoid jerky, rapid movements in general. Choose exercises with slow, controlled movements. If you're generally fit and strong despite having osteoporosis, however, you might be able to do somewhat higher-impact exercise than someone who is frail.”

Golf and Tennis

Portrait of cheerful Vietnamese golf playerShutterstock

Golf and tennis both require a certain amount of twisting at the waist, which can cause a spine injury, experts say. “At some point, the muscles and ligaments are pulled to the end of their stretch,” physical therapist Karen Kemmis, PT, DPT, tells CreakyJoints.org. “If you force it further, the bone has the take the strain. If the bone is weak, it may not tolerate the strain.”

RELATED: I Lost 50 Pounds in 8 Months with These 4 Simple Changes

Sit-Ups and Twisting

Fitness determined mature woman lying doing crunches at home. Healthy mid woman doing exercises on gym mat. Concentrate middle age lady doing daily exercises lying on the floor in the living room.Shutterstock

Bending and twisting is another dangerous way of exercising for people with weakened bones. “In people who have osteoporosis, bending forward at the waist and twisting at the waist can increase the risk for broken bones in the spine,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Exercises to avoid include touching your toes or doing sit-ups. Other activities that may require you to bend or twist forcefully at the waist are golf, tennis, bowling and some yoga poses.”

Toe-Touches

Yoga at home exercise in living room house - woman on fitness mat training stretching legs touching toes.Shutterstock

Toe touches could cause compound fractures. “The front of each vertebrae is always weaker, whether you have osteoporosis or not,” Kemmis tells CreakyJoints.org. “If your bones are healthy, that portion is still less dense, but the vertebrae is strong enough to tolerate the forward movement. If you have low bone density, however, and you put a lot of force or pressure into the front of the spine — such as in a sit-up or toe touch — it increases your risk of a compression fracture.”

Related: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Not Getting Rest

Sleepless mature woman suffering from insomnia close up, lying in bed, older female covering eyes with hands, trying to sleep, nightmares or depression, feeling headache or migraineShutterstock

Even with appropriate bone-friendly weight-bearing exercises, rest and recuperation is still crucial. Take at least one day off a week. “You already have decreased bone density, so the repetitive stress without enough time to heal the microscopic bone damage could build up and lead to a stress fracture,” sports medicine physician David Geier, MD, tells SilverSneakers.

💪🔥Body Booster: Build a strong, flexible core to avoid spine injuries from the twisting required in sports like golf and tennis. Muscular support prevents excessive strain on the back.

Fitness & Workouts

The 5-Minute Stretch Routine That Can Improve Your Posture

Side profile view smiling happy millennial Indian ethnicity girl standing on right, looking at empty space.
Shutterstuck/fizkes
Josh York
By Josh YorkMay 26, 2024
Josh York
Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ
Josh York is a Certified Personal Trainer, Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Movement can cure just about anything. Engaging your muscles and putting some tension on your body is essential for leading a healthy lifestyle. We all have certain activities that we enjoy more than others— and whether you like weight-training, playing pickleball or just going for a walk, movement in any form can pay dividends on your quality of life as you age.

There are a few essential features to any kind of workout: intensity, frequency, and form. Each of these three elements requires you to be disciplined and self-aware in how your incorporate movement into your day. My recommendation for anyone, no matter their fitness level or goals, is to stretch regularly and invest in good posture. Stretching even for just a few minutes a day, can significantly improve your posture and be a part of a routine that makes you look and feel better.

1. The Importance of Good Posture

Tired woman feeling neck pain, massaging tense muscles, suffering from chronic shoulder back ache.Shutterstock/fizkes

Your posture affects your balance and nervous system, so establishing good posture early in life can impact your health down the road. As you age, maintaining a wide range of motion can keep you physically able to do activities you enjoy. Having the proper alignment can help ward off spinal issues and muscle atrophy as well. If you have ever met someone in their 70’s who looks like they are 50, you’ve met someone who makes stretching and movement a priority.

Beyond the physical benefits of stretching, improving your posture can boost your confidence. Your posture affects your body language which can affect how other people see you. While you should make health decisions for yourself and your own goals, good posture is generally seen as a sign of self-confidence which comes across as approachable and friendly to others. Feeling good about yourself can boost your energy levels which can in turn, affect your enthusiasm to meet up with friends, spend time with you family, and try new things. Read on to discover the ultimate 5-minute stretching routine for good posture.

2. Toe Touch

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Start off your routine with a basic, low intensity stretch. Begin standing up and slowly bend to touch your toes. Keep a slight bend at the knees, releasing tension in the muscles in your legs and back. Soften your hips and allow your spine to lengthen. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds to a minute. Repeat twice to warm up your whole body.

3. Cat Cow Stretch on Your Knees

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A common stretch in many yoga practices, the cat cow stretch releases tension in your back and abdominal region all the while drawing attention to your breath. While on all fours, align your shoulders with your hands and your hips to be over your knees. Inhale, look up, and allow your back to arch. Then exhale, tuck your chin to your chest, and round your back. Repeat this several times. These movements will release tension in your shoulders and neck. By activating your tailbone, the cat cow stretch will help with spinal mobility and improve blood circulation.

4. Standing Cat/Cow Stretch

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Another stretch inspired by yoga, standing cat-cow is ideal for your shoulders and hips. It targets similar muscles to the traditional cat cow, but repeating the motion in a standing position allows you to work out tense areas. Stand with your feet hip distance apart with your hands on your hips. Inhale, lift your chest, and let your lower back arch as is comfortable. Exhale, draw your stomach towards your spine, and let your whole back curve. Repeat this several times.

Related: 5 Ways to Stay in Shape and Achieve Your Dream Body

5. Chest Opener

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Standing tall with your feet hip width apart, clasp your hands behind your back. Try to keep your arms mostly straight, and raise your chin towards the ceiling, focusing on releasing tension in your upper back. Keep a focus on holding your core and not overextending your shoulders. Rather, squeeze you shoulder blades together and breathe deeply. This will help relax the ligaments and muscles across your chest.

6. Plank

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To wrap up your 5-minute stretch routine, do a plank for at least 30 seconds to engage your core and activate the muscles all across your body. The muscles you strengthen through the plank position guide your body into its proper alignment and will improve your posture throughout the day.

Related: Woman Lost 45 Pounds in 3 Months With These 5 Simple Hacks

7. Final Word From the Trainer

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While committing to an intense workout regime might seem like an unrealistic commitment for some, this 5-minute routine goes to show that small actions, when done consistently, can drastically improve both your physical and mental health. There are 1,440 minutes in the day, and I challenge everyone to spare just 5 of those to invest in their personal wellbeing. If you’re concerned about using proper form, I recommend working with a physical trainer for an assisted stretch session.

Josh York, Certified Personal Trainer; Founder & CEO of GYMGUYZ, the largest at-home and on-site personal training company serving 1,000 cities worldwide.

Nutrition & Diet

15 Daily Habits to Lose 5-10 Pounds in 30 Days

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15 Daily Habits to Lose 5-10 Pounds in 30 Days
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Depending on your starting weight, losing five to 10 pounds in a month is possible to do in a healthy way. Making a few specific lifestyle and dietary changes and sticking to them will positively impact overall health as well as encourage weight loss. “The foundation of successful weight loss remains a healthy, calorie-controlled diet combined with increased physical activity,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For successful, long-term weight loss, you must make permanent changes in your lifestyle and health habits.” Here are 15 daily habits shown to help lose up to ten pounds in 30 days.

Eliminate Empty Calories

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Alcohol is full of empty calories, so it’s best to cut down or simply stop drinking it altogether. Every calorie counts when you’re trying to lose weight, so make sure you use those calories to fill your body with healthy, nutrient-dense choices. Drinking too much also disrupts sleep.

Are You Actually Hungry?

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Eat when you’re hungry, and only when you’re hungry. “Listening to your hunger works much better than relying on willpower,” Kayla Kopp, RD, LD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “When you’re tempted to overeat, have a conversation with yourself: Are you feeling hungry, are you bored or are you feeling emotional? Will eating right now get you closer to your goal?”

Work Out First Thing

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Working out first thing in the morning means you don’t have to make time for it later. It also starts the day off on a good note. No excuses!

Don’t Skip Breakfast

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Studies show people who eat breakfast (provided it’s a healthy one) make better food choices for the rest of the day. "Studies have found that although people who skip breakfast eat slightly fewer calories during the day, they tend to have higher body mass index, or BMI," Christy C. Tangney, PhD, tells Rush University Medical Center.

Take the Stairs

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Walk as much as possible—park away from the grocery store entrance and take the stairs when possible. Walking will encourage fat burning and mental wellness, and you can do it throughout the day, no equipment needed.

Count Your Calories

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This one is boring but crucial—to lose weight, you need to take in less calories than you’re burning off. “For example, to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week — a rate that experts consider safe — your food consumption should provide 500 to 1,000 calories less than your total weight-maintenance calories,” says Harvard Health.

Try Intermittent Fasting

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Intermittent fasting can be a powerful weight loss tool for some. “The weight loss effects of time-restricted eating derive primarily from achieving a negative energy balance,” Richard Joseph, MD, tells Harvard Health. “If you maintain your regular diet and then limit the time window during which you eat, it is likely that you will eat a few hundred fewer calories per day.”

No Nighttime Snacking

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Snacking can undermine your healthy eating weight loss plan. “Try to eat most of your daily calories before sitting down to relax for the night,” Kopp tells the Cleveland Clinic. “Many of us have a tendency to overeat without thinking about it while we watch TV after dinner, and we tend to forget just how much we’ve had before calling it a night.”

Be Picky About Carbs

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You don’t have to eliminate carbs—but be choosy about them. “Not all carbohydrates are created equal,” says Corewell Health. “Eating a slice of white bread won’t give your body the same nutrition as eating a slice of whole grain bread. When you’re looking for options for carbohydrates, look at the ingredients. If the first ingredient is a whole grain (like whole wheat), you’re going in the right direction.”

Eliminate Temptation

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Keep junk food out of sight and out of mind. “Don’t keep problem foods around the house and/or at work,” says UC Davis Health. A problem food is a food that you are likely to eat too much of or too often if readily available.”

Get Enough Sleep

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Sleep is important for weight loss. “No one can make mindful food choices when they’re tired. Even missing an hour of sleep can increase your appetite because your body is craving that energy and food is fuel for your body,” psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “You need a clear, focused head to make healthier food choices.”

Lift Weights

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“Resistance training can also be a really effective way of losing weight," Tessa Strain, physical activity epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, tells The Telegraph. “All weight loss comes down to a calories in/calories out equation. resistance training is a really effective way of losing weight because you’re expending energy, which involves burning calories.”

Manage Stress

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Stress can undermine your weight loss efforts. “More commonly, people turn to — or away from — food as a way to help deal with stress,” says Penn Medicine. “Your metabolism can change if you regularly eat large amounts of food or don’t eat enough or at all.”

No Junk Food

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Ultra-processed foods are terrible for weight loss. Not only will they not fill you up, they could make you hungrier. “Processed and fast foods contain enhanced ingredients that hit the dopamine center in your brain and make you want more,” Dr. Albers tells the Cleveland Clinic. “They are designed to be addictive to the brain.”

Drink More Water

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Choose water over high-calorie drinks. “Sometimes we respond to thirst signals by eating — when actually what our bodies want is water,” Dr. Albers explains. “It’s easy to confuse our thirst and hunger signals, or to override thirst signals.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Focusing on long-term health and wellness will make weight loss easier.

Fitness & Workouts

The Simple Walking Routine That Helped Me Lose 40 Pounds

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This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
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Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Can you lose a significant amount of weight just by walking every day? Yes, absolutely! Not only does walking burn fat, help lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, but it also does wonders for your mental state as well. “You need to make it part of your routine,” exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. tells Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. “This is about adjusting your lifestyle for your health.” TikTok influencer Alex ( @alex.fitt) lost 40 pounds just by walking—here’s how she did it.

Don’t Start Big

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Alex makes the important point that it’s better to start off slow to build sustainable habits. You don’t have to kickstart your fitness regimen with two-hour walks. Even just half an hour will make a difference to your mood and your health, and encourage you to do it again the next day.

Walking After Meals

Alex says she started off her walking program by simply taking a 15 minute walk after a big meal. Research shows walking after meals can benefit blood sugar. “Exercise impacts your blood sugar quickly, often within a few minutes,” Shannon Knapp, MEd, BSN, RN, CDCES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “And over time, physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, decreasing the insulin resistance we often see in diabetes.”

Walking In the Morning

Alex would start her day with a walk. “Getting outside gives you a chance to enjoy fresh air and nature,” says Henry Ford Health. “Walking, like any form of exercise, reduces stress and anxiety. You’ll start the day with a positive attitude, better able to manage challenges during the day.”

Long Walk After Dinner

Alex would save her long walk for after dinner, which studies show is very beneficial. “The closer we get to the evening, the less efficient our bodies are at using insulin to deal with blood glucose, making it harder to keep blood glucose levels healthy,” Dr Evelyn Parr from the Australian Catholic University’s Exercise and Nutrition Research Program tells the Sydney Morning Herald. “Yet this is when we have our biggest meal of the day.”

Smaller Waist

Alex says the biggest difference she noticed from walking was in her waist. “The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For example, you may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers.”

Using Technology

Alex was thrilled the first time her watch buzzed when she hit 10k steps. Research shows people who track their fitness tend to be successful. “We’ve seen this rise of digital health tools in the last decade, and they provide a great way for people to access interventions to better their health,” Michele Patel, PhD, tells Stanford Medicine.

10,000 Steps a Day

No matter how long or short her walks, Alex always aims for 10,000 steps every day. “Evidence suggests that accumulating up to 10,000 steps per day is helpful for reducing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer,” John M. Jakicic, Ph.D, tells University of Kansas Medical Center. “And more recent evidence supports the benefits of reducing the risk of dementia.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Start slow and steady to build lasting habits. Even 10 minutes will make a difference.

Nutrition & Diet

She Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These Popular Foods

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I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
Leah Suzanne
By Leah SuzanneMay 12, 2025
Leah Suzanne
Freelance Writer/Editor
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

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“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

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