E105-Strengthen Your Back

In this short episode I discuss why it's important to maintain a strong and healthy back. Back muscles are a complex group of tissues supporting the spine and enabling movement, categorized into extrinsic (superficial and intermediate) and intrinsic (deep) layers. Key extrinsic muscles like the trapezius and latissimus dorsi move the arms and scapulae, while the intrinsic muscles, such as the erector spinae, stabilize the vertebral column, control posture, and facilitate spinal movement.   Essentially our back is the body's chassis and therefor must be kept in good working order, for both function and believe it or not - aesthetics. Its primary movement is a pulling action, which we use for a multitude of actions, from moving small household objects and doors to furniture or free weights / resistance based machines. A large number of in patients to GP surgeries, hospitals or private clinics have acute or chronic back pain, of which often could have been avoided or at the very least greatly reduced by way of quality strength, mobility and flexibility exercises. Sedentary workers and predisposed are to back pain and poor posture, as days, weeks, months or years of sitting down take its toll on the spine and surrounding muscle groups, due to inactivity, leading to decreased blood circulation and atrophy (muscle wasting) in the glutes, hamstrings and entire musculature of the back and shoulders. Avoiding this inevitable decline in posture, strength and functionality can be put into motion straight away, with a simple exercise plan at home, the local gym or a private personal trainer. Within 4 weeks of commencing a structured and safe back strengthening program, you'll feel stronger and even look better as you stand taller, with your shoulders back and chin up. Men can benefit from training the back as we develop a wider upper torso, or a 'V shaped look' as our lats, traps, rhomboids and erector spinae muscles grow in size and narrow towards the waist. This shape is physiologically proven to be healthier and more pleasing to the eye. Look after your back folks...we only get one. Watch the episode on YouTube and listen on Spotify or Amazon Music. Feel free to subscribe to the channel and share it with someone, who might benefit from the content. Thanks for listening.