Focus on exercise!

 

The new 7-minute workout, courtesy of the New York Times Magazine

When it comes to exercise, it can sometimes be overwhelming for even the most dedicated fitness enthusiast to keep up. It’s true that there’s a steady stream of research, studies, and media coverage letting us know how to stay fit, promising new breakthroughs or miracles, but how do we know who or what to trust? Especially when it comes to those of us who suffer from chronic pain or spinal conditions, it is essential to know what really works and what may be a simple fad, or even a potentially harmful practice. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some recent workout ideas that may pass muster, helping you stay fit in simple, effective ways!
 

The New York Times recently reported on an excellent new “Scientific 7-Minute Workout,” which makes use of 12 exercises that make use of your bodyweight instead of elaborate machines or extensive weights. In fact, all you’ll need is a chair! What’s so fascinating about the workout, the result of a new study on “Maximum Results with Minimum Investment,” is that it is able to compress a complete all-around workout into a staggeringly short timeframe. The trick, according to the Times, is the “interval training” aspect—high intensity, quick bursts of exercise alternated with short breaks—that mimics the effects of endurance training undertaken for prolonged periods, but in a hugely reduced span of time. All in all, it’s an absolutely fascinating workout, and thanks to the handy diagram, it’s as easy to understand as it is rewarding to complete!

But this kind of routine isn’t appropriate for everyone—after all, these sorts of high-intensity programs can also be, well, intense! For folks with back pain, neck pain or spine-related chronic ailments, exercises can be an important tool for managing and lessening pain and restoring mobility. Take the McKenzie Method, a well-known system for managing back and neck pain through targeted diagnosis, stretches and exercises. After carefully assessing a patient’s condition, a spine health professional can prescribe a specific routine that very effectively manages and sometimes completely eliminates a patient’s pain.

And of course, there are plenty of exercises that may go quite a long way towards managing pain while at the same time promoting strength, endurance and overall fitness. This should be the goal of fit-minded individuals everywhere, and there’s no reason for any of us—whether young or old, suffering from pain or not—to be left out! Check out the exercise database at spine-health.com for a whole lot of useful exercises appropriate to patients with different levels of pain or discomfort.

Whether looking to pursue exercise as part of a high-intensity fitness regimen or interested in using exercise therapy as a solution to pain and spinal ailments, there is room for an increased focus on fitness in everyone’s life. And even though we may feel bombarded with conflicting information, promises of new breakthroughs or difficult-to-understand scientific results, there are tools out there to help us sort out what works from what doesn’t. Try making use of these resources, and see how you feel with a little more exercise in your life!