You are looking for equipment that you can use for your back pain, but unsure which equipment is safe? You are in the right place!
Here is the list of 20 best equipment that you can safely use to help you deal with back pain.
- 1. Elliptical Cross-Trainers
- 2. Back Pain Treadmills
- 3. Stepper Machines
- 4. Stationary Exercise Bikes
- 5. Whole Body Vibration Platforms (WBV)
- 6. Weight Machines
- 7. Lower Back Exercise Machine
- 8. Resistance Bands
- 9. Power Tower
- 10. Rowing Machines
- 11. Stretch Band
- 12. The Reverse Hyperextension Machine
- 13. Power P2X Home Gym Including Leg Press
- 14. NordicTrack T6.5 S
- 15. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Machine
- 16. Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
- 17. Dumbbells
- 18. Lats Pull-Down Machine
- 19. Power Rack
- 20. Pull-up Bars
1. Elliptical Cross-Trainers
Being the most common equipment, physiotherapists are likely to recommend that you use this machine. The reason is that elliptical machine cross-trainers mimic your natural walking stride. Each time you make a stride, your feet won’t reach the floor, and you get a feeling like you are in the air.
Compared to running, an elliptical trainer eases the pain you suffer. Running involves foot movements on the surface. The shock impact of your feet and the ground moves through your legs up to the spine.
If you wish to recover quickly, then these trainers will be a good fit for you since they have their form of motion that’s different from running.
Most of you will be amused to find out that elliptical cross trainers are relatively cheap and will cost you about $200.
2. Back Pain Treadmills
Sometimes, a good walking treadmill is all you need. Here is a reason why. Walking in real life is quite different from walking on a treadmill since it has a lower impact on your body movements.
If your back has been aching for quite some time, you should consider using treadmills due to the softer surfaces they provide. Rough and even surfaces may tweak your body and cause more pain. It’s recommended that you start at a slower pace on a treadmill.
Experts say that if you feel the urge to find support, then you are using the treadmill in the wrong manner. Holding the treadmill’s front bars or sidebars will restrict your torso from making a natural motion which is not healthy for your back. Therefore, use the treadmill in the right way as if you are walking and there is nothing to grasp on for support to heal your back problem faster.
Due to the sophisticated mechanics, the treadmill will cost you more compared to elliptical machines. Getting a treadmill would cost you between $300 to $500.
3. Stepper Machines
Just like an elliptical machine, the stepper has pedals. The difference is that the steppers don’t have a bulky frame.
As its name suggests, your movements will involve more stepping rather than striding. Some people see stepper machines as revolutionized elliptical machines, but that’s not the case. Stepper machines heavily rely on your balance which is recommended to solve back pains.
Some of you will argue that acute back pains won’t allow you to balance yourself. If that is the case, place the stepper machine near furniture or a wall that will help provide the support you need.
If your back pain has persisted for a long time, then getting a stepper machine will be great for you.
The economic advantage of the stepper machine makes it a popular cardio machine. They are less complex and will cost you approximately $100.
4. Stationary Exercise Bikes
Depending on the type of back pain you have, you will have to buy a recumbent bike or an upright bike. Sometimes back pain can be a result of accidents which can cause conditions like spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis.
Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces in your spine become narrow. Thus, putting a strain on the pressure nerves that travel through the spine. This type of back pain occurs mainly in the lower back and the neck. Choosing an upright exercise bike for your cardio exercises will offer some relief to your back.
Recumbent stationary exercise bikes are designed to give you a supportive backrest hence comfortable even for extended exercises.
Despite their effectiveness, it’s worth noting that these types of bikes do not engage the upper part of the body, which is essential in improving your back pain. You will have to be forced to incorporate your upper body in other exercises in your daily routine.
5. Whole Body Vibration Platforms (WBV)
Even though they are not popular like other cardio machines, the WBVs have great benefits for healing your back pain.
Some experts say that people who use this type of machine have an improvement in their flexibility. The vibrations reduce the production of the stress hormone.
WBVs can be used in different forms. You may choose to sit, stand, or lay down on them.
There have been recent conversations and debates to ascertain if WBVs help with relieving back pain. There isn’t a definite answer right now, but the fact that some people have used them for their back problems suggests that they work just fine. Besides, some research was conducted, and the findings pointed out that WBVs increased the bone density in the spine area, especially in women.
Home grade versions of vibration platforms will likely cost you approximately $ 150 to $250. They are portable enough and come along with resistance bands that make training easier.
6. Weight Machines
In your daily routines, you should consider using weight machines. They may include a stationary bike or another sort of equipment that helps work your lower body.
Weight machines are easy to adjust and use. To lift weights, you do not necessarily have to bend to lift the weights. Avoiding this will go a great way in helping ease your back pain.
7. Lower Back Exercise Machine
Using the lower back exercise machine will help you if you have lower back pains. Doing a hyperextension exercise using this equipment will target both your lower back and posterior chain.
8. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands can be the perfect solution for stretching your back muscles if you have lower back pain.
To use resistance bands to strengthen lower back pains, you should:
- Lie down on your back. Both your knees should be bent
- Ensure to put your right ankle at the base of your left thigh.
- Place your arms and hands behind your left thigh
- Pull towards your chest (upwards) until you feel a stretch.
9. Power Tower
The Power Tower is often said to be similar to the Standing Mountain Chin-Up Bar. The main difference is the added workstations that provide more exercise options. Power tower machine exercises may include pull-up and chin-up bar exercises.
Just as the exercises suggest, you can pull yourself up and hang from the bar. Hanging helps to decompress the spine and aids in the alleviation of your back pain.
If you plan on purchasing this equipment to help with your back pain, go ahead with it. The more pull-ups you do, the more you engage your internal muscles and ligaments. This helps in keeping your spinal alignment intact. The discs and muscles remain in position, thus keeping your back healthy.
You can also use the power tower to perform chin-up exercises. This will aid in improving your strength and posture. Besides, your muscles are strengthened hence keeping your spine stabilized. This reduces your risk of back pain and injury.
The power tower machine will prove value for your investments for the following reasons:
- It has a dip station- strengthens the triceps, chest, and shoulders
- It has a vertical knee raise station- improved abs workouts
- It has push-ups bars –effective deeper push-ups
- It has a pull-up section with a multi-grip
The power tower is a reliable back exercise machine due to its added features and a wide range of workouts.
You can get a power tower machine for $200 or less.
10. Rowing Machines
A rowing machine is a form of an elliptical machine that can help alleviate your lower back pain.
In case you have a herniated disc, getting this for yourself will add value to your investments.
Rowing machines have the following features:
- Padded seats
- Non-slip handlebars
- Non-slip foot pedals
- Wheels
Anti-slip pedals will prevent you from getting into any form of accidents while working out. I would recommend this machine since it has a low impact on your back pain. They are extremely portable, which makes them a good choice.
11. Stretch Band
If you don’t want to break the bank getting gym equipment, then spending some money on stretch bands to help with your back pains is a good idea.
Even sitting all day in the office sometimes puts pressure on your back muscles, which may lead to back pains.
So why should you experience back pains yet you can stretch your muscles using a stretch band?
Stretch bands are made out of durable tensile netting. It will help your lower back pains by relieving the tightness of the upper back.
12. The Reverse Hyperextension Machine
If you have lower back pains, a reverse hyperextension machine will help you. Hyperextensions machines will also help strengthen your lower back glutes and hamstrings.
The machine will target the small muscles and ligaments in your lower back. This machine will be essential for you if you have a desk job or a computer job.
More than 80% of people who work in offices experience some form of back pain. This machine is, therefore, a natural choice to get relief from this pain.
13. Power P2X Home Gym Including Leg Press
As we have seen in the earlier parts of this article, elliptical and treadmills are good for reducing pain in our lower backs. However, if you wish to purchase home gym equipment, you should buy the P2X Home Gym. It incorporates the use of resistance which is critical for alleviating back pain.
This machine allows you to perform compound exercises that improve your strength, posture, and back pain.
14. NordicTrack T6.5 S
If you are new to fitness and workouts, this type of machine will suit you. This type of treadmill will help you with your back pain issues.
The high-quality FlexSelect deck surface is soft and cushioned. This helps in reducing the impact on your legs and strain your back.
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill brand is one of the quality treadmills that you can find in the market.
15. Schwinn 270 Recumbent Machine
This type of machine will allow you to sit back and be able to exercise. It puts more focus on the strengths of your legs. Thus, it will have a huge effect on your lower back strength.
The machine has 25 resistance levels and 29 workout programs. The resistance will help to reduce lower back pain while building its strength too.
16. Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
This machine is perfect for you to achieve a perfect fit and relieve the pain in your back.
It will put little strain on your joints. You will be able to move your body in a coordinated manner. Therefore, you can avoid the strain on your back.
Some experts even recommend this as the best for reducing back pain.
17. Dumbbells
Dumbbells are the best home workout equipment that you can think of getting. You can use dumbbells to work out any muscles of the body. Besides, they are easy to use and are affordable.
You can use dumbbells to exercise your back muscles yet have a minimal strain on the muscles and ligaments. You can do different routines like rows with single or two arms or deadlifts.
18. Lats Pull-Down Machine
It ranks among the most popular workout machines. You can use this machine to target your back muscles. They can also be used for triceps extension and abs exercises. If you prefer back cardio exercises to weight training, this will be a good fit for you. So consider getting this machine and see just how well it works to alleviate your back pain.
19. Power Rack
A power rack is a piece of equipment that is most often used for barbell exercises. It has steel cages where you stand while exercising. These cages have horizontal safety bars that can be adjusted at various heights to spot you during your workout.
Even though it’s mainly used for weight lifting, you can use the various barbell exercises for the back muscles. Going in easy on the back exercises will help you alleviate the back pain.
20. Pull-up Bars
Just like other machines, pull-up bars will help you with reducing your lower back pain.
However, you should not add extra weight because it can once again strain the muscles and tendons. Using the pull bars often will enable you to build up your back muscles and alleviate any back pain you might be having.
To sum up, you can use various equipment to alleviate your back pain.
Elliptical machines, treadmills, and stepper machines are among the best-ranking cardio machines that help to relieve back pains. However, you can choose a machine that you prefer to use. Alternatively, you can also consult a physiotherapist.
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Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API