Figure Eight Fitness and Back Problems: How Exercise Can Help Relieve Pain in Hourglass Body Shapes 'figure 8 fitness and back problems'

For individuals with an hourglass body shape, maintaining good posture is crucial to avoid exacerbating existing back issues. The classic figure eight silhouette often associated with this physique can put additional strain on the lower back if proper exercises are not performed regularly.

In a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, researchers found that women who engaged in regular aerobic exercise experienced significant improvements in their spinal flexibility compared to sedentary controls '1'. The findings suggest that incorporating figure eight movements into your fitness routine can help alleviate back pain by strengthening muscles around the lumbar region.

To incorporate these exercises safely, begin with gentle stretches and gradually progress towards more intense workouts. Start on all fours with hands shoulder-width apart and slowly lift one leg up toward the ceiling while keeping it straight. Hold for a few seconds before lowering your knee down to starting position; repeat this motion alternating legs several times per set.

In addition to figure eight exercises, other effective techniques include:

1. Plank holds: Start in push-up position with hands shoulder-width apart and engage core muscles by drawing navel toward spine while keeping body straight from head-to-heel.

2. Superman variations: Lie on your stomach with arms extended overhead and alternate lifting one leg off the ground while maintaining a neutral back curve throughout movement.

Remember to consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns about injury risk due to existing health issues such as chronic lower back pain. By incorporating figure eight movements into your fitness routine under proper guidance and supervision, however, individuals may experience relief from symptoms associated with this common condition.

References:

'1' American College of Sports Medicine. (2018). ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription 10th Edition - Chapter 3: Special Populations. Wolters Kluwer; pp. 235-263.

'2' National Institute of Arthritis, Bones & Joint Health. Back Pain in Women Over 40 Years Old | Niams (National Institutes Of Health). Published February 2016.

'3' Mayo Clinic Staff. Lower back pain: Symptoms and causes - Symptom Checker - Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from

Figure 8 fitness and back problems