
Oh My Aching Back Relief Workout
"Oh My Aching Back!!" has been said by almost everyone at some point.
It could be from working out, lifting too much, prolonged sitting, sleeping in an uncomfortable position or wearing a poorly fitting backpack.
Whatever your reason, this mild stretch routine will help loosen your back and get you back in action...no pun intended. Complete this routine 1-2 times a day until your back starts to loosen and beyond.
(Scroll down for Step-By-Step Instructions)
- Knee-To-Chest - (1 min.) - 30 Seconds EACH LEG
- Gluteal Stretch - (1 min.) - 30 Seconds EACH LEG
- Dead Bug - (10 reps)
- Windshield Wipers - (10 reps)
- Cats & Cows - (10 reps)
- Bird Dogs - (10 reps)
- Hip Raises - (10 reps)
- Clamshells - (1 min.) - 30 Seconds EACH LEG
- Piriformis Stretch - (1 min.)
- Butterfly Stretch- (1 min.)
- Hamstring Stretch - (1 min.)
- Extended Child's Pose - (5 Breaths)
- Semi-Supine Laying Down - (1 min.)
- Corpse Pose - (2 min.)
(Scroll down for Step-By-Step Instructions)

KNEE-TO-CHEST - Perform 30 Second EACH LEG
Primary muscle group(s): Lower Back
Lie on your back on a mat with your legs extended in front of you and backs of heels on the floor.
Grab hold of your right knee and gently pull it up to your chest until you can feel a slight stretch in your lower back.
Try to bring the knee as close to your chest as is comfortable while keeping the left leg relaxed.
Hold the stretch and then release the leg to starting position.
Repeat with the left leg.
GLUTEAL STRETCH - Perform 30 Second EACH LEG
Primary muscle group(s):Glutes & Hip Flexors
Secondary:Shoulders
Lie on your back on a mat or soft surface.
Bend your left knee then cross your right leg over so that your right shin is resting on your left knee.
Place your right hand through your legs and your left hand on the outside of your legs. Grab your left shin with both hands.
Remain on the ground and gently pull your left shin towards yourself.
Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
DEAD BUG - Perform 10 Reps
Primary muscle group(s):Abs
Lie on your back. Extend hands straight above towards the ceiling. Bring your knees up to a 90-degree angle. Shins should be parallel to the floor.
Exhale and bring hips off the floor.
Begin by extending one leg forward. The foot should be hovering just above the ground.
Pause then return the leg to it’s starting position while extending the opposing leg. Keep alternating legs while maintaining a tight core.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS - Perform 10 Reps (See Modification Levels Below)
Primary muscle group(s): Abs, Obliques
Lie on an exercise mat, keeping your back flat with no arching of the spine.
Extend your arms out beside you at shoulder level, with your palms pressed firmly to the floor. Your upper body should form a “T” shape.
Raise your feet off the floor by bending your hips and knees to 90 degree angles. This is the start position.
As you exhale, rotate both your thighs to one side until the outer thigh touches the ground or until you feel a stretch in your abs and lower back.
Pause briefly, then rotate to the other side without pausing in the start position.
When you have rotated to both sides, that is one repetition.
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
**This exercise has 3 levels of difficulty:
Beginner – with the knees and hip bent as described above.
Intermediate – feet up with knees at 90 degrees but the hips remaining in a neutral position.
Advanced –legs straight and hips bent at 90 degrees so your body forms an “L”.
BIRD DOGS - Perform 10 Reps
Primary muscle group(s): Abs, Lower Back
Secondary: Glutes & Hip Flexors
Position yourself on all fours with knees underneath the hips and wrists under the shoulders.
Engage your abs and keep your spine neutral, pulling the shoulder blades towards the hips.
Lengthen the left leg until it is straight out and in line with your hips while simultaneously raising and straightening your right arm until it is parallel to the floor. Keep your head and shoulders aligned at all times.
Gently lower your arm and leg back to the starting position and alternate with the other arm and leg.
HIP RAISES - Perform 10 Reps
Primary muscle group(s): Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings
Secondary: Abs, Lower Back
Lie on an exercise mat with your knees bent so that your feet are flat on the floor. Keep your back straight.
Place your hands out to your sides palms flat for stability.
Raise your glutes off the floor by extending your hips upward while pushing down through you heels.
Continue until your back, hips and thighs are in a straight line. Hold for a count of one.
Return to the start position by lowering your hips back to the floor.
Pause then repeat.
CLAMSHELLS - Perform 30 Seconds - EACH SIDE

Secondary: Glutes & Hip Flexors
On a mat or comfortable surface, lie on your left side. Place your left hand behind your head while placing your right hand across your body.
Bend your stacked knees so that your feet are behind you. Begin the movement by lifting the left knee up while keeping the feet together.
Pause at the top of the movement and slowly lower your left knee down to the starting position.
PIRIFORMIS STRETCH - Perform 60 Seconds
Primary muscle group(s): Glutes & Hip Flexors
Secondary: Hamstrings
Lie on your back on a padded surface. Begin with your legs straight in front of you. Bend the left leg up and place the left foot on the ground near your butt. Bend the right leg up and rest the right ankle across the left knee.
Reach your hands around your left shin or left thigh and pull it towards your chest. Your right hand will go through the hole in between your legs.
Pull and hold the left leg, feeling the stretch in the right hip flexor. Slowly, place the left leg back on the floor and switch sides.
BUTTERFLY STRETCH - Perform 60 Seconds
Primary muscle group(s): Glutes & Hip Flexors
Secondary: Lower Back
While sitting on the floor with a straight back and tight core, bring each foot inward. Feet should be touching and your legs should make a diamond shape.
Grab your feet with your hands. Place your elbows on the inside of your knees. Slowly lean forward from the hips. Once you feel the stretch in your hip flexors, hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Slowly rise and repeat.
HAMSTRING STRETCH - Perform 60 Seconds
Primary muscle group(s): Hamstrings
Secondary: Glutes & Hip Flexors
Sit on a mat and extend your right leg out to the side.
Bend your left leg and place the foot against your inner right thigh.
Lean forward from the hips and reach for your ankle as comfortably as you can. You should feel a slight pull in the hamstring.
Hold the stretch and then repeat on the left leg.
EXTENDED CHILD'S POSE - Perform 5 Breaths
Primary muscle group(s): Glutes & Hip Flexors, Knees, Spine
Secondary: Lower Back, Middle Back / Lats, Upper Back & Lower Traps
Sit on your heels. Bring your feet together and knees hip-width apart.
Bend forward with an exhale and rest your torso between your thighs. Relax your tailbone toward your feet.
Reach your arms far forward. Spread your fingers and press your palms into the floor. Rest your forehead on the floor.
Hold the pose and take slow, deep breaths.
Rise with an inhale.
**Avoid this pose if you have a knee injury.
SEMI-SUPINE LAYING DOWN - Perform 60 Seconds
Primary muscle group(s): Lower Back
Secondary: Abs, Glutes & Hip Flexors
Place a towel or yoga pillow on a soft surface like a carpet or yoga mat. Lie on your back positioning your head on the towel or pillow.
Bend your knees and move your feet towards your butt. Make sure your feet are shoulder distance apart with toes facing slightly outward.
Place your hands on your stomach. You should be able to feel your lower back touching the ground. Hold and maintain this position while taking deep breaths for the prescribed amount of time.
CORPSE POSE - Perform 2 Minutes
Primary muscle group(s): Lower Back
Secondary: Abs, Glutes & Hip Flexors
Place a towel or yoga pillow on a soft surface like a carpet or yoga mat. Lie on your back positioning your head on the towel or pillow.
Allow your legs to fully extend. Make sure your feet are shoulder distance apart with toes facing slightly outward.
Place your arms on the ground away from your body. You should be able to feel your lower back touching the ground. Close your eyes. Hold and maintain this position while taking deep breaths for the prescribed amount of time.
Workout Programmed By: Go Good Guru - Images Provided By: WorkoutLabs.com
Disclaimer: It is important that you consult your doctor before starting new fitness regimes. By doing this workout, you are participating at your own risk. Listen to your body and modify the workout as needed based on your fitness level and goals.