Are you on a quest to find the best exercise equipments for back pain?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Elliptical Trainer, Stationary Bike, Treadmill, Step Machine, Weight Machines)
- Benefits of Using Exercise Equipment for Back Pain
- Exercise Equipment for Back Pain Buyer’s Guide
- Machines to Stay Away from
…
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Exercise is vitally important no matter what your current fitness level is. Whether you’re in tip-top athletic shape or suffering from significant health problems, you need to exercise in order to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Virtually everyone can benefit from the many advantages of an active lifestyle. Some people find it challenging to exercise thanks to chronic or debilitating medical issues, like back pain.
Experiencing serious back pain is usually a great way to stop your workout dead in its tracks. On a one-off basis, this is a smart idea, but if recurring back pain starts making it impossible for you to exercise at all, you face more serious problems in the future. Becoming more sedentary and less active will, in the long run, simply exacerbate the problems you experience with your back.
A whole range of back problems – chronic pain, herniated discs, sciatica, and other spine disorders – can be linked to a dangerous weakening of the muscles in your back. When these muscles become too weak, your upper body doesn’t get the support and balance that it needs. If you’ve suffered a back injury, refraining from working out during the recovery process might be a good idea. If you’ve avoided exercise for too long, though, you may now have some excess weight to deal with, applying additional unwanted pressure to your spine. (This is one of the most common causes of lower back pain.)
When you find yourself in a situation like this, the most sensible exercise routine to look for is one that builds strength without subjecting you to high-impact stress. You need something gentle, careful, and practical for regular use on a consistent schedule. Low-impact aerobics, for instance, promotes better heart health and loosens up stiff muscles and joints. This can lead to relief from back pain. It will also promote gradual weight loss that eases the burden that excess body weight in the abdomen can place on your lower back.
Note that it’s always best to consult with a professional caregiver before starting a new exercise program, particularly when you need to develop a fitness routine around chronic health conditions. The benefits easily make the hassle worthwhile, as a customized exercise routine can do a great deal to help ease even the most severe back problems. Many appropriate routines will involve the use of exercise equipment that does not strain the back.
Benefits of Using Exercise Equipment for Back Pain
A well-rounded exercise routine needs to strike an effective balance between aerobic (i.e. cardiovascular) exercise and anaerobic strength training. The right fitness routine can provide significant benefits (mental as well as physical) for individuals struggling with back pain. All of these goals are achievable with the right exercise regimen:
- Maintenance of a healthy weight / weight loss
- Improving mobility and flexibility
- Find relief from stress, depression, and anxiety
- Strengthen joints and muscles that provide support to the spine
- Sleep longer and better
- Boost circulation in the spine and surrounding tissues
Reviews of the Best Exercise Equipments for Bad Backs
Exercise Equipment #1: Elliptical Trainer
An elliptical trainer (which is also called a cross trainer sometimes) is an exercise machine that can be used for simulated several different aerobic exercises, including cross-country skiing, stair-stepping, running or walking. There are pedals on elliptical machines that are suspended over the ground and get moved up and down, or forward and back, on a track. With an elliptical trainer, the user’s foot never touches the ground, therefore the jarring impact from running or walking on a hard surface is avoided. This is especially advantageous for anyone who suffers from back pain.
The suspended pedals move on an elliptical or oval-shaped track to provide the legs with a workout. A majority of trainers are designed to allow resistance to be changed in order to make your workout more rigorous or easier. Since an elliptical machine involves fluid motion, movement on it doesn’t stress or jar your spinal structures.
- PORTABLE, QUIET AND EFFICIENT CARDIO: This mini strider is compact and...
- ADJUSTABLE TENSION WITH MONITOR: Vary the intensity of your workout by...
- MULTIPLE MOVEMENT OPTIONS: Depending on your needs and abilities, the...
- THREE COLOR CHOICES: Customize your exercise machine by choosing one...
- GREAT FOR GAMERS: Get an effective workout while gaming – passive,...
- Compact elliptical Trainer with adjustable strap tension and workout...
- Waterproof PVC folding equipment mat (79"l x 35.4"W x .24"H) for floor...
- Natural elliptical motion reduces stress on joints; large pedals with...
- Dual-action workout arms provide an upper body workout. Easy Dial...
- LCD display indicates distance, calories burned, elapsed time, and...
- RESISTANCE: Easily adjust the intensity of your workout with the twist...
- DIGITAL MONITOR WITH PULSE: Follow along with your workout progress on...
- ANTI-SLIP HANDLEBARS AND FOOT PADS: Complete a safe and stable workout...
- STABILIZER: Achieve smooth and even movement by leveling your...
- COMPACT: This compact machine is ideal for people looking to achieve...
Exercise Equipment #2: Stationary Bike / Stationary Bicycle / Exercise Bike / Modified Exercise Bike
Stationary bikes offer an excellent aerobic workout in addition to strengthening your lower body with no or little impact. However, since the upper body is not involved with a stationary bike, you will need to do exercises for working the upper body also.
The advantage of stationary bikes is you have two kinds to choose from, therefore you can pick the kind that your find most comfortable. Individuals with conditions such as spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis frequently find an upright exercise bike to be more comfortable since the user is able to lean forward, which might provide back pain relief. A recumbent exercise bike might be more comfortable for individual who have degenerative disc disease or lower back pain since they have a backrest for proving more support compared to upright bikes.
- Press and hold the red Mode button for 4 seconds when first operating
- Five function display indicates exercise time, revolution count,...
- Foldable design makes this peddler portable and easy to store
- Four anti slip rubber pads prevent sliding and protect surfaces....
- Folded Dimensions: 12.5" x 14.7" x 6.5"Button cell battery included....
- Assembly required
- Assembled dimensions: 31”L x 19”W x 46”H | Folded Dimensions:...
- Easily adjustable to fit users 5’3” to 6’1”. Supports up to...
- LCD Display: An easy to read large window (3.3”W x 1.5”H) LCD...
- Space Saving Design: This compact bike can be easily folded to half of...
- STEP-THROUGH DESIGN – Featuring heavy-duty construction 14-gauge...
- EIGHT RESISTANCE LEVELS – This stationary bike uses a magnetic...
- EASY-TO-READ COMPUTER SCREEN – The ultra-functional LCD computer...
- COMFORTABLE PADDED SEAT – The equipment has an ergonomically...
- COUNTERBALANCED PEDALS – Weighted pedals designed to provide maximal...
Exercise Equipment #3: Treadmill
Although any walking is usually considered to be good exercise for both back pain rehabilitation and weight loss, the least impact is provided by the treadmill. Your feet are propelled forward with every step by its belt. That is one of the reasons why a treadmill works is slightly easier than walking outdoors. Until you have been able to develop some sense of control while walking on a treadmill and lost some of your initial weight, make sure your pace is kept moderate to fairly challenging, instead of vigorous. No matter how good your back might feel or the amount of weight you have lost, you shouldn’t ever need to hold onto the treadmill as you are walking. That can restrict the natural movement of your torso, which could lead to potential injuries.
- Manual treadmill with dual weighted flywheels and two incline...
- Electronic monitor tracks time, speed, distance, calories burned, and...
- Textured, non-slip walking/jogging surface; foam padded front and side...
- No electric outlet needed and no motor to maintain so it can be used...
- Folds for easy storage to 17 inch x 22 inch folded footprint
- Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Treadmill
- Bring Home Interactive Personal Training powered by iFit; 1-month...
- 10 % OneTouch incline control; 10 MPH SMART OneTouch speed control;...
- SMART-Response Motor for effective speed, interval, and endurance...
- Innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist means your treadmill...
- 300-pound user capacity; Protected with a 10-year frame warranty,...
Exercise Equipment #4: Step Machine
A step machine is in many ways similar to an elliptical trainer. They have individual pedals or platforms that can be pumped up and down without having to lift your feet. There is also the step treadmill which differs from the step machine in terms of it having a series of stairs that revolve that you climb for your work out. Both of these machines offer calorie-burning, low-impact workouts. However compared to the step treadmill a step machine offers lower impact exercise. Instead of holding on, rest your hands slight on the machine. This helps to prevent your upper body from being too rigid which will reduce your workout’s overall effectiveness.
- Twist action moves up and down and side to side which helps to tone...
- Height adjustment knob adjusts the step motion height allowing you to...
- Heavy duty sturdy steel construction
- Oversized slip-resistant footplates
- LCD monitor displays Time Elapsed, Total Count, Steps per minute,...
- TWIST ACTION: Twist action helps you tone thighs and buttocks, while...
- DURABILITY: Heavy-duty steel construction provides years of reliable...
- DIGITAL MONITOR: LCD display shows total count, time, calories burned,...
- RESISTANCE BANDS: Removable exercise bands work arms, chest, back, and...
- ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT: Use the height adjustment lever to adjust the step...
- LCD MONITOR: Monitor displays your Time, Calories, Count, and Scan,...
- BALANCE: This stepper has Handle Bars to help keep you balanced while...
- TWIST ACTION: Tone both your core and lower body while performing fun...
- NON-SLIP PEDALS: Textured non-slip oversized foot pedals to ensure...
- CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty steel construction to stand the test of time,...
Exercise Equipment #5: Weight Machines
For upper body exercises weight machines may be very helpful, particularly if you use a stationary bike or some other kind of equipment that just works your lower body. It is easy to adjust the weight that you are lifting on a weight machine. You also don’t have to bend in order to lift the weight like you do with most free weights, so that can be easier on your back as well.
- PREMIUM STEEL CONSTRUCTION – This home gym system is made with...
- WEIGHT STACK LOCK – This gear comes with a 150-pound selectorized...
- DUAL ACTION PRESS ARMS-Designed with dual action press arms, this...
- REMOVEABLE CURL PAD – This home gym machine features ergonomically...
- CONVENIENT HOME GYM- enjoy efficient training right in the comfort of...
- This all-in-one gym equipment features a variety of fitness exercises...
- Power-up your upper body muscles with the Smithstyle press bar and...
- This multi-functional machine will help you target the different body...
- For thighs and legs training, the bottom pulley and leg developer...
- SM-4008 features a removable utility bench to have a full range of...
- All-steel construction – This home gym system is made with...
- Multi-functional press arms – this versatile weight system home gym...
- Dual-action leg developer – featuring a dual-function leg developer...
- Olympic free-weight rack – engage in intense weightlifting or...
- All-in-one workout station –This complete training system features...
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Exercise Equipment for Back Pain
There are many forms of home exercise equipment that are compatible with the goals of getting healthy cardiovascular exercise without aggravating lower back and spinal injuries. Before investing in equipment, the following points need to be carefully assessed:
Exercise Types
Exercise equipment is most effective when it’s easy to incorporate into the user’s preferred fitness activities. Power walkers, for instance, will probably get the most use out of dedicated machines like treadmills. Alternatively, more flexible equipment can be selected to provide a wide range of fitness options.
Storage and Ease of Use
Some exercise machines can be collapsed or folded up for compact storage; others are bulkier and harder to move. The latter sort of equipment may not be suitable for some users. Measure the space required for a given piece of equipment based on the full extension it will need for all of the different exercises it can used for. Note that certain types of exercise equipment (e.g. elliptical trainers) have height requirements. This may make them unusable in certain spaces, like low-ceilinged basements.
Brands
The best form of pre-purchase research is to find out exactly what sort of experience other users have had with a given piece of equipment. The internet makes this study easier than ever before. In a broader sense, the reviews available online – both by actual consumers and by unbiased third parties – can give a good impression of the quality of equipment offered by a particular brand. It’s also important to check for warranty coverage on any piece of exercise equipment. Both the duration and scope of coverage need to be reviewed carefully prior to purchase.
Machines to Stay Away From
If you have significant back issues, there are certain machines and exercises that can do more harm than good. Here are some key machines to steer clear of.
– Lying Leg Press
As its name implies, this piece of equipment is intended to exercise your legs. It subjects your lower back to considerable stress when you use it. The flexing under weight involved in the lower leg press might lead to herniated discs or worsen existing back conditions.
– Hip Abductor
Using a hip abductor machine involves clenching together and pulling apart the muscles attached to the spine. Stick with more low-impact forms of leg exercise. Good options include stationary bikes, treadmills, or elliptical machines.
– Loaded Standing Calf Raise
Though the point of this machine is to exercise your calves, to do so it requires you to carry a lot of weight on your shoulders. This leads to undue stress on your spine which is better off avoided.
Conclusion
Remember that it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about exercise equipment before working out. Don’t give up hope if a given machine isn’t suitable for your current situation; there are plenty of different ways to get the exercise you need.
I’m Lucas. I used to be a back pain sufferer, but I’ve recovered. I created BestforBackPain.com to help others find relief without going to physical therapy or expensive medication.
Last update on 2021-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thank you for the time you took to put out this information I to suffer from lower back pain one from a truck accident when I was young also a herniated disc I’ve had one smaller operation and still deal with lower back pain on a daily basis
I’m actually adding on to my house and putting in what we are going to call a health room rather than an exercise room although we will exercise there but for motivational purposes we want to call it a health so I was looking at the exercise equipment again thank you