Arnold Schwarzenegger is dedicated to providing fans with useful workout information after leading a one-of-a-kind bodybuilding career. Taking to his Arnold’s Pump Club Newsletter, he revealed how exercise can be the best medicine for chronic lower back pain.
Through the years, Arnold Schwarzenegger has repeatedly stressed the importance of staying active to ensure a long and healthy life. Believing that sweat is the secret to slowing the aging process combined with his healthy addiction to working out, Schwarzenegger proves his dedication to this philosophy each and every day.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Says Exercise the ‘Best Medicine’ for Chronic Lower Back Pain
However, as the 76-year-old has come to understand, the body naturally succumbs to aches and pains, especially as we age. Schwarzenegger’s way to combat these ailments shouldn’t come as a surprise though, as he has always been an advocate for lifelong fitness.
In a recent Arnold’s Pump Club Newsletter, Schwarzenegger shares a research study that proves exercise can help remedy lower back pain.
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“The Science of Solving Back Pain”
“The next time you battle lower back pain, walk away from the couch and slip into some workout gear.”“A recent examination of 75 clinical trials found that exercise might be your best medicine against chronic lower back pain.”
While it is easy to assume that rest would be the best option for recovering from pain, scientists have debunked this theory with a study of 5,000 people. The study found that slow and controlled movements targeting the abs, glutes, and lower back were the most effective at mitigating discomfort.
“The scientists reviewed more than 5,000 people to determine whether rest, rehab, or exercise were more effective in reducing discomfort and returning to normal day-to-day activities.”
“Yoga, pilates, and tai chi were most effective at returning to normal and leaving pain behind. The scientists found that exercise that targets your abs, glutes, and lower back, emphasizes slow-controlled movements, and require more mind-body connection were most effective.”
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though. Arnold Schwarzenegger explains how some movements can increase lower back pain.
“Although some exercise can exacerbate low back pain, exercise also provides a stimulus that helps repair tissue damage and reduce pain, so finding a tolerable, sustainable level of exercise is key.”
He specifies that anyone with injuries should consult with a medical professional first.
“As with any injury, it’s best to consult your doctor first to diagnose the severity of the injury and determine if there’s any damage that would prevent certain types of activities. However, once approved, these options can provide relief and long-term stability by safely strengthening your muscles.”
This isn’t the first time that Schwarzenegger has addressed how to mitigate pain. Previously, the seven-time Mr. Olympia champion revealed that when your knees begin to ache, instead of taking pain pills, you should try walking more instead.
“It could be that a lack of activity increases the likelihood of joint issues, and movement serves as the medicine. Even though it’s low-intensity, walking improves blood flow, helps with mobility, and strengthens bones. Not to mention, walking is also associated with reducing lower back pain.”
Another route to reduce extreme muscle soreness and inflammation is cold exposure, according to ‘The Austrian Oak.’ He mentions how cold water immersion is the best method for getting muscles to bounce back faster and prevent damage. Schwarzenegger recommends keeping the temperature at around 50 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results.
With his knowledge of fitness and health, Schwarzenegger refuses to understate the importance of physical fitness. So the next time you’re feeling nagging lower back pain, perhaps try out a low-intensity exercise to feel better!
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