The benefits and impact of an elliptical machine on your back depend on the nature of your back and spine condition. The elliptical machine can be a low-impact approach to strengthen your cardio-respiratory system and burn calories for certain people.
On the other hand, others may discover that the elliptical machine puts them in a posture that puts more stress on their lower back and causes pain. Before starting a new fitness regimen, consult with your doctor to see whether the elliptical is safe for your back.
Low Impact Workout Reduces Stress
Your feet never leave the pedals when you exercise on an elliptical, making it a low-impact workout. Leaping, Jogging, and even walking require your limbs to leave the ground and then make contact with it. The weight transmits to your knee, hip, ankle, and back joints when your feet make contact.
If you have compressed spinal discs, you may discover that this impact aggravates your discomfort. The elliptical machine, on the other hand, is non-impact, thus there are no compressive pressures on the spine throughout your workout.
Chance of Back Pain
The elliptical machine may not be a suitable option if your back pain is because of a herniated disc. When you exercise on an elliptical, you are somewhat more bent over at the waist than when you walk and this forward flexion has the potential to aggravate the herniated disc, resulting in increased discomfort.
Furthermore, if you use an elliptical machine with movable arm grips, you’ll be twisting your spine somewhat as you move your arms. You can raise your risk of disc degeneration by twisting your spine when it’s slightly flexed.
Not a Good Option to Prevent Osteoporosis
If you have a sore back due of a lack of bone density in your pelvis and spine, there are more effective aerobic exercises that can help you increase bone density. While the absence of impact when using an elliptical machine may be beneficial to some, it also means that your exercises will lack the sort of stress required for bone development.
When bones are put under stress, their density rises. If you want to encourage bone development in your poor back, you should do more weight-bearing exercises like walking.
Other Appropriate Options
The elliptical, according to Spine Universe, may be a safe way to exercise if you have a poor back. However, because it has the potential to worsen back issues, you should get advice from your doctor.
Walking, Swimming, and cycling are among other aerobic workouts that are more appropriate for those with lower back problems. Incorporate a strengthening program that targets the abdominals, lower back, hips, and thigh muscles, as well as a stretching routine that targets the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings, into your routine on a daily basis.
You should select the type of workout and exercise equipment according to your back pain nature and other health issues.