One of my favourite back pain prevention exercises is the deadlift. It mimicks lifting from floor level and is an essential movement of the human body. Because so many joints are involved (e.g.: ankles, knees, hips, lumbar, shoulders) it is known as a compound movement.

But isn’t lifting the way people hurt their backs?

No. Bad lifting is how people hurt their backs. Just like bad eating is how people get unhealthy. We have to eat. We have to lift. The back is designed to do work. So instead of being afraid of lifting, simply learn to lift right. And now you can be confidently active.

Remember that throughout history we have been very physical, it is only recently that our societies have allowed us to sit all day and make a living. But just like that has been bad for our cardiovascular health, it has been bad for our physical health. Use it or lose it. The more our bodies are fit and ready to perform physical work, the stronger and healthier they will be. Continue reading →