Roughly 80 percent of men experience back pain, but now there's hard-core pain relief. An abs workout may help your achy back, say researchers in Brazil. After cyclists with lower-back pain completed a core-strengthening program, 44 percent reported less pain. "Pedaling can create micromovements in your pelvis and spine, which can lead to lower-back pain," says Stuart McGill, Ph.D., a professor of spine biomechanics at the University of Waterloo, Ontario. "Core work stiffens your spine and back, shifting movement to your legs."
A back-saving abs workout can help everyone from elite cyclists to desk jockeys. McGill recommends a three-move routine consisting of the front to side bridge, curlup, and bird dog. Ready to try them? Watch the video below to see how to perform the exercises with perfect form. (We also sampled 6 back-pain treatments to see which one will Banish Back Pain Forever.)
