I work at a computer all day and by the time I come home from work, my back is killing me! Are there any exercises I can do so my back doesn't hurt so much?

Q: I work at a computer all day and by the time I come home from work, my back is killing me!  Are there any exercises I can do so my back doesn't hurt so much?

A: Get up & take mini walk breaks so your back doesn't sit in one position all day.  Reach down; touch your toes, as you are sitting in your chair twist your body to one side, pushing your elbow into your knee for a full twist if needed. Tight hamstrings are the most common cause of back pain. lie on your back ,one leg on the ground, the other straight at 90, use a towel, to guide your leg back towards your head, then guide your leg towards the midline, then towards the outside of your body. The hamstring is made of 3 muscles so by using the 3 positions, we are stretching all of them.  Hold each position 20 seconds.  my favorite stretch for the back is lie flat on your back, bend 1 knee & gently guide it  across your body with the opposite hand while taking deep in hales. This is a great stretch. You can also lay flat on your back, hold both knees into the chest.  I like to hold each stretch for 20 seconds each side for a set of 2.

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Ask The Expert

Q: I run 5-15 miles per day, sometimes double spin, strength train a couple of times per week, I have about 12-1400 calories a day, I do drink alcohol, but don't understand why am I not losing weight?  Should I workout more?

A: Absolutely not. Sounds like you are overdoing it already! Cut back on the alcohol, cut back on the double spin (there's really no need to double spin unless you are preparing for a century...) and re-arrange your training to cross train. I suggest, 2 days on then one day off. Where you are complete resting your muscles on the day off, which means NO activity. Try separating your strength training from the days you are putting on a ton of mileage & add more calories to your diet. 12-1400 kcals is not enough to support your body’s caloric needs from the amount of kcals you are expending. (I’d have to know your weight & more info to determine this exactly) I suggest seeking a nutritional counselor & trainer for guidance.

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