Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.
Help with back pain

As independent surveys frequently reveal, there are still weaknesses in the retail trade when it comes to service, with professional flaws in the quality of advice provided.
In the interests of the customer's health and well-being, the Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Campaign for Healthier Backs) is committed to providing specialist retailers with corresponding training and professional qualification.
The AGR has already trained well over 5,000 sales staff for bed systems, office chairs, office desks, bicycles, leisure furniture for children and youngsters, multi-purpose chairs, upholstered furniture, reclining chairs, shoes and satchels, resulting in a far more satisfied customer base for the corresponding stores.
Retailers receive intensive training with a subsequent examination in basic medicine and anatomy, such as the functions and statics of the spinal column, the function and nutrition of the intervertebral discs, the tasks performed by muscles, tendons and ligaments, together with special knowledge about classic back problems and branch-related ergonomic know-how.
Tip: It's best if you ring up in advance to make a specific appointment so that the AGR-trained sales consultant will have sufficient time for you. If contrary to expectations the advice you receive is not up to standard, please give us a call and we'll take care of your problem!
Here you find AGR-certified retailers (german only!).
We will show you simple and effective exercises to strengthen and relieve your back. With clear instructions and helpful tips, the exercises can be easily integrated into everyday life. This can prevent back pain and improve mobility in the long term.
Airex Balance-pad/beam

TOGU Brazil

TOGU Powerball

TOGU Pendel Ball

TOGU Redondo Ball

TOGU Dynair Ball cushion

TOGU Dynair Ball cushion XXL

TOGU Jumper Balance Ball

TOGU Dynair Pro

TOGU Senso Vein Trainer

TOGU Aero-Step

TOGU Balanza Ballstep

TOGU fasciae rollers

Vibration bars

Training tube

Exercise 1
Sit upright on a chair, tilt your pelvis slightly forwards and lift your sternum. Now grasp the gymnastics pole with both hands and stretch your arms vertically above your head. Now tilt your upper body forwards and turn it alternately from right to left with small, relatively quick movements. Perform the movement for approx. 30 seconds and make sure that your back remains straight.
Exercise 1
Sit up straight and make sure you keep your back straight. Grasp the Theraband with both hands at a distance of around 30 cm, palms facing upwards. Let your shoulders hang loosely and pull the band apart with both hands. Then slowly release the tension. Repeat the exercise approx. 10 times.
Exercise 2
Place your right foot on the Theraband and take the other end in your left hand. Then move your left arm diagonally upwards to the left against the resistance of the band. Release the tension and lower your arm until you still feel tension in your shoulder. Repeat the exercise approx. 10 times and then switch arms.
→ Information about back-friendly hand training equipment can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/handtrainers
Exercise 4
While standing, stretch both arms forwards and backwards at the sides of your body (parallel).
→You can find information about back-friendly hand training devices here www.agr-ev.de/en/handtrainers
Exercise 1
Stand on one leg. One hand throws and catches a Brasil rhythmically, the other hand shakes the other Brasil in a double rhythm next to the ear. Change legs and hands after a few repetitions. The exercise may not work ;-) then train your coordination skills!
Exercise 2
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Lower the buttocks backwards. Extend your arms forwards as an extension of your torso. Now perform mini moves (small chopping movements) with your arms. Keep your back straight! for 10 seconds, then take a short break and repeat the movement again
Exercise 3
Get into a quadruped position. Raise one arm to the side. Perform mini moves forwards and backwards with this arm for approx. 20 seconds. Then stretch the opposite leg backwards and pull it towards you again, rounding your back and stretching it again. Move the brazil towards the knee and outwards during the movement. After a few repetitions, repeat the whole sequence of movements again from the beginning. Start with the mini moves!
Exercise 4
Go into the supine position. Raise the pelvis. Now stretch your arms towards the ceiling. Lift your right and left leg alternately by tensing your torso. Keep the pool stable! After a few repetitions, keep one leg raised. Perform mini moves with the brasil for 20 seconds. Adjust the mini moves and raise and lower your legs again alternately. After a few repetitions, hold the other leg up and perform mini moves for 20 seconds.
→ Information about back-friendly exercise mats can be found here https://agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 1
Lie in a prone position, place your forehead on the back of your left hand and stretch your right arm forwards as an extension of your body with your buttocks tensed. As you inhale, raise your right arm and left leg as well as your head with your eyes on the mat and your abdominal muscles tensed. Push yourself away from the floor with your left arm and right thigh, with your thumb pointing towards the ceiling. Repeat the exercise three to four times and then change sides.
Exercise 2
Sit upright (advanced students in the tailor's or lotus position, beginners on a chair/stool with your feet on the floor), place your hands on your knees, stretch your spine and breathe in deeply. As you exhale, place your left hand on your right knee and turn your upper body to the right. Place your right hand behind your pelvis. Stretch the spine as you inhale and increase the rotation on the next exhalation. Hold for a few breaths and then repeat with the other side.
Exercise 3
1. Start sitting on your heels, then place your chest on your thighs, your forehead on the mat and stretch your arms out in front of you.
2. As you inhale, stretch your upper spine, lift your chest and head and stretch your neck.
3. As you exhale, get into a quadruped position and hunch over.
4. As you inhale, lower your centre back until you have a hollow back and your chest expands.
5. For advanced users only: As you exhale, put your feet up and assume the position of the dog looking down. Pay attention to stretching your back and keep your legs bent if it feels better. Hold the position for a few breaths.
6. Then bring your knees to the floor and stand on four feet. Now start the exercise from the beginning and repeat it 5 times.
→ Information about back-friendly exercise mats can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 4
Kneel on the floor, bend your upper body forwards and support yourself with your forearms. Now push your left heel vertically towards the ceiling. The knee and ankle are bent at a 90° angle. Repeat the exercise approx. 2 times per leg until the muscles are tired.
→ Information about back-friendly exercise mats can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 4
Starting position: 4-foot stand. Place your hands on the floor, pull your shoulders away from your ears, keep your neck long and lift your sternum forwards and upwards. Raise your arm to the side and back at the same time. Thumb points to the ceiling or backwards, head and thoracic spine turn to face the hand, pelvis remains immobile. repeat 16 times then change sides.
→ Information about back-friendly exercise and pendulum balls can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-balls
Exercise 1
Sit upright on the Powerball. The legs are stable and positioned hip-width apart. Raise your arms to shoulder height and bend them upwards. Now turn from your body's longitudinal axis backwards alternately to both sides. The shoulders remain lowered and the head turns with them. Each side approx. 10-12 times. 3 passes.
Exercise 3
Lie on your stomach over the Powerball ABS. Your legs assume an open and stable position. Lie with your entire upper body over the ball. Her hands are fixed to the right and left of her head. Now come up with your back until your upper body is in line with your legs. Looking straight down. 12-15 repetitions. 3 passes.
Exercise 4
First sit on the ball and roll slowly and in a controlled manner into a supine position so that the ball is directly under your back and your head hangs loosely over it. Take your arms up at your sides and enjoy the complete stretching of your abdominal and chest muscles. The shoulders are relaxed so that the chest can open and the front muscles can expand. Approx. 30 seconds.
→ Information about back-friendly pendulum balls can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-balls
Exercise 1
Lie on your back in a bridge position with your upper body on the pendulum ball. Her hands are fixed to the side of her head. Now push your body weight over the pendel ball towards your feet. Maintain body tension and do not sink down with your buttocks. Repeat the exercise approx. 15 times. 3 passes.
Exercise 3
Stand with your hands shoulder-width apart on the mat and place your lower legs on the exercise ball. Your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your feet. Hold this position by actively tensing your core muscles and keeping the ball as still as possible.
Exercise 4
Get into a kneeling position in front of the exercise ball and place your forearms on the ball. Keep your back as straight as possible and actively tense your abdominal and core muscles. Now slowly roll the ball forwards a little and back again without falling into a hollow back.
→ You can find information about back-friendly Redondo balls here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-balls
Exercise 1
Lie on your back on the mat and place your feet hip-width apart. Place the small ball between your knees. Tighten your abdominal and gluteal muscles and lift your pelvis upwards until your body forms a straight line. Squeeze the ball slightly to additionally activate the thigh muscles. Then lower the pool again in a controlled manner.
Exercise 2
Lie on your back on the mat and place the small ball under your pelvis. Place your arms relaxed next to your body. Now raise one leg at a time until both legs are at a right angle above your hips. Then slowly lower one leg again without falling into a hollow back and perform the movement in a controlled manner.
Exercise 3
Lie on your back on the mat and place the small ball under your pelvis. Put your feet up and place your arms relaxed above your head. Now slowly tilt your pelvis forwards and backwards so that your lumbar spine alternately rises and falls slightly. Carry out the movement calmly and in a controlled manner.
Exercise 4
Stand up straight and hold the Redondo ball with both hands over your head. Tense your core slightly and slowly lean to the side without turning your hips. Then return to the upright centre and repeat the movement to the other side. Perform the exercise in a calm and controlled manner.
→ Information about back-friendly balance cushions can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Stand on four feet and place the ball cushion in the centre under one knee. Now lift the other leg backwards, stretched out. Keep your pelvis and back straight and pull your belly button firmly inwards. Now gently rock your outstretched leg towards the ceiling approx. 15 times. Repeat this exercise 3 times on each side.
Exercise 3
Sit in the centre of the ball cushion and place your feet in front of you at an angle. The back is straight, the abdominal muscles are activated. Now take an object between your hands at the height of your sternum and turn alternately from the centre of your body to the right and to the left. The shoulders are low, the head moves with them. Each side approx. 15 times. 3 passes.
Exercise 4
Stand on the balance cushion without shoes, with your hips and upper body upright and your arms hanging loosely beside your body. Now try to keep your balance and make small equalising movements if necessary. The foot and core muscles actively work together to compensate for the instability.
→ Information about back-friendly balance cushions can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Lie on your stomach on the balance cushion with your arms at your sides and your legs stretched out. Now raise your upper body and legs slightly at the same time, hold the tension in your back and lower yourself again in a controlled manner. The cushion provides additional instability and activates the deep muscles.
Exercise 2
Lie on the Dynair XXL with your upper body in a supine position. Her legs are bent and her hands lightly support her head. Now move your upper body slightly upwards and turn from here to the right, back to the centre and to the left in a controlled manner. Work approx. 15 times to each side. Breathe evenly. 3 passes.
Exercise 3
Lie on your side over the Dynair XXL. Your pelvic bones are positioned vertically on top of each other. Her head rests on the lower, outstretched arm. Now pull your upper body sideways upwards. Repeat this exercise about 15 times on each side. 3 passes in alternation.
Exercise 4
Sit in the centre of the Dynair XXL with your upper body upright and your legs in a relaxed cross-legged position. Now tilt your pelvis to the right and left in a controlled manner. Your lowest ribcage approaches the respective iliac crest. Each side approx. 15 times. 3 passes.
→Information about back-friendly balance cushions can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Lie on your back on the jumper. Activate all your core muscles and raise your arms and legs. The right leg is stretched out, the left leg is bent, at the same time the left arm is stretched out over the head and the right arm is positioned parallel to the body. Maintain centre body tension. Repeat this exercise approx. 15 times per side.
Exercise 2
Lie on your back and place your feet on the jumper with your legs straight. Now lift your buttocks. From this position, stretch one leg forwards in extension of the thigh. Make sure that your buttocks do not lose height. Repeat this exercise alternately about 10 times on each side. Lower the buttocks again and again in between.
Exercise 3
Turn the jumper round so that the black plate is facing upwards. Get into a supporting position and make sure your posture is straight. Now alternately bring one foot forwards to the side of the jumper and put it back again. Each side 10-15 times. 3 passes.
Exercise 4
Lie sideways over the jumper. Support yourself on your forearm and make sure that your elbow is positioned vertically under your shoulder. The pelvic bones stand vertically on top of each other. Now pull your legs straight up from your waist and lower them again. Repeat these exercises 10-15 times.
→Information about back-friendly balance cushions can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Lie on your back and place your heels on the Dynair Pro with your legs straight. Now slowly raise your buttocks until your pelvis is in line with your knees. Hold this position and make sure that your buttocks do not lose height. Now slowly lower your buttocks again. Repeat this exercise about 15 times.
Exercise 2
Sit up straight on the Dynair Pro. The centre of your body lies slightly behind the centre of the ball cushion. Place your hands at the side of your head and slowly walk backwards with your upper body stretched out. Breathe out as you move backwards and breathe in again as you straighten up, paying attention to the tension in the centre of the body (abdomen). Repeat this exercise about 15 times.
Exercise 3
Lie sideways on the mat with your hips resting on the balance cushion. The lower arm supports the upper body, the upper arm rests on the hips. Raise your upper leg straight and lower it again slowly and in a controlled manner. The centre of the body remains stable, while the balance cushion ensures slight instability.
→ You can find information about back-friendly balance cushions here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Sit upright on a stool or chair and place both feet on the vein trainer. Place your hands relaxed on your thighs. Now alternately press your heels and toes into the vein trainer to create a pumping up and down movement. Perform the movement slowly and rhythmically. This exercise stimulates blood circulation in the legs, relieves pressure on the veins and can prevent swelling and feelings of tiredness in the legs.
Exercise 2
Sit down in a relaxed position and place both feet on the vein trainer. Now slowly roll from your heels onto your toes and back again so that your foot and calf muscles are actively working. Make sure you perform the movement evenly and without applying too much pressure. This exercise promotes blood circulation, activates the venous pump and relaxes your foot and calf muscles in a pleasant way.
Exercise 3
Stand upright on the vein trainer and place your feet in a stable position. Keep your knees slightly bent and place your arms loosely in front of your body for balance. Now slowly shift your weight forwards and backwards or perform small rocking movements. Make sure you keep your balance evenly and control your movements. This exercise strengthens your foot and leg muscles, improves your balance and promotes stability throughout your body.
→ You can find information about back-friendly balance cushions here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Stand upright in front of the Aero-Step and bring your supporting leg into a stable position. Now place one foot on the device and shift your weight forwards in a controlled manner. Then get back on the floor and change legs. Perform the movement in a steady rhythm and keep your upper body upright.
Exercise 2
Stand with one foot centred on the Aero-Step and lift the other leg slightly off the ground. Find your balance by keeping your upper body still and using your arms loosely to stabilise yourself. Hold this position for a few seconds and feel how your foot, leg and core muscles work. Then change the leg.
Exercise 3
Stand hip-width apart on the Aero-Step and position both feet securely. Slowly bend your knees, push your buttocks slightly backwards and keep your upper body upright. You can move your arms forwards to stabilise yourself. Then push yourself back up to a standing position in a controlled manner.
Exercise 4
Stand upright in front of the Aero-Step and place one foot on the unstable surface in a controlled manner. Then bend both knees so that you go down into a lunge while the back foot remains on the floor. Make sure you keep your upper body upright and do not push your front knee beyond the tip of your foot. Push yourself up again in a controlled manner and then change sides.
→ You can find information about back-friendly balance cushions here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Lie on your stomach on the Balanza ball step so that your upper body is stable on the surface. Stretch your arms forwards and at the same time lift your legs and upper body slightly off the device. Hold the tension for a moment and then lower everything again in a controlled manner. Make sure you keep your neck long and continue to breathe evenly.
Exercise 2
Stand hip-width apart on the Balanza ball step and find a stable stance first. Shift your weight slightly backwards and bend your knees as if you were sitting down. Stretch your arms forwards to support your balance. Lower your pelvis in a controlled manner and then push yourself up again without falling into a hollow back.
Exercise 3
Sit in the centre of the Balanza ball step and support your hands slightly behind your body. Tilt your upper body back slightly without falling into a hollow back. Now raise both legs straight or slightly bent and hold the position in a controlled manner. Your stomach remains active and your back upright. Make sure you continue to breathe calmly and keep the tension even.
Exercise 4
Lie on your back on the Balanza ball step and make sure that your pelvis is stable on the board. Now raise both legs and bend them so that your hip and knee joints are at a right angle. Consciously activate your abdominal muscles and lift your upper body slightly until you feel a clear tension in the centre of your body. Move your arms forwards parallel to your thighs. Then lower your upper body again in a controlled manner without releasing the tension completely. Ensure that your breathing flows calmly and that the movements are performed evenly.
→ You can find information about back-friendly balance cushions here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 2
Starting position: From a 4-legged stance, bend one leg forwards and place your hands on your buttocks. Exercise: Push your buttocks towards your front heel, pulling downwards at the same time.
Move your lower leg towards your bottom by grasping your ankle or ankle joint. Hold the position, then change sides.
→ You can find information about back-friendly fascia rolls here www.agr-ev.de/en/fasciae
Exercise 2
Starting position: Lie on your back on the fascia roll and position your legs.
Execution: Clasp your hands behind your head, lift your buttocks and push yourself over the roller with your legs from your pelvis to the tips of your shoulder blades. Stay on the pain points for about 15 seconds.
Exercise 4
Starting position: Sit with your buttocks on the fascia roll and place your right foot on the knee of your left leg. Support yourself with your arms behind you.
Execution: Slowly roll forwards and backwards along the gluteal muscles. Stay on the pain points for about 15 seconds.
Exercise 5
Lie on your side on the floor and position the fascia roll under your hips. Support yourself on your forearm and keep your upper body stable. Now raise the leg on top, stretched out, and lower it again in a controlled manner. Make sure that your centre of the body remains active and that the movement is performed calmly.
→ Information about back-friendly gymnastics centres can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 1
Exercise 4
→ Information about back-friendly gymnastics centres can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 4
Exercise 5
→ Information about back-friendly gymnastics centres can be found https://agr-ev.de/en/vibration-bar
Exercise 5
Starting position: Lunge, lift your back heel off the floor, grasp the swinging bar so that the backs of your hands are pointing downwards, bend your elbows to approx. 90°. Movement execution: Start the movement loosely from the wrist forwards, forwards - backwards (approx. 30-60 seconds).
→ Information about back-friendly training tubes can be found here https://agr-ev.de/en/training-and-therapy-pipes
Übung 2
Muscle group: The lunge is an exercise to strengthen the leg and buttock muscles. Starting position: Shoulder-width stance. Rear foot on the toes. Looking ahead.
Execution of movement: Downward movement of the back knee without touching the floor. Do not push your front knee over your foot. Keep your back upright. Page change. (approx. 10 repetitions per side)
Übung 3
Muscle group: The classic abdominal exercise. The crunch is an exercise to strengthen the straight abdominal muscles. Starting position: Supine position. Legs bent. SLASHPIPE with arms slightly bent in front of and above the body. Movement execution: The SLASHPIPE is pushed upwards by moving the upper body forwards. This tightens the abdominal muscles. (approx. 60 sec.).
Übung 4
Muscle group: The side bend is an exercise to strengthen the oblique abdominal and back muscles. Starting position: Spine straightened. Shoulder-width stance. Arms slightly bent. SLASHPIPE over the head. Movement execution: Tilt the SLASHPIPE to one side. Up to a lateral tilt that can be taken without pain. Page change. (approx. 10 repetitions per side)
Top Ten exercises for shoulders and neck (only in German)
Top Ten back exercises for in between (only in German)
Practise and train with AGR-certified sports equipment (only in German)
An dieser Stelle möchten wir Ihnen Produkte vorstellen, die nicht das Gütesiegel tragen, die wir aber trotzdem als für sinnvoll und rückenfreundlich erachten ...
A bike saddle must fit
We all know what it's like: aches and pains in the backside or dumbness in the perineal area can often be enough to spoil all the pleasure of cycling.
Ergonomic saddles are one possible remedy. An innovative example consists of the new active saddle models by ergonomic specialist SQlab from Strasslach. A team of urologists, spinal surgeons, graduate sports scientists and ergonomic experts have developed three concepts in the light of the very latest scientific findings, bringing them together in this line of saddles.
1. The bicycle saddle must fit as well as a pair of shoes. To this end, trained retailers measure the distance between the cyclists' seat bones to ensure that these are what they really do sit on. This ensures optimum distribution of saddle pressure, relieving the previous pressure points in the perineal area. Depending on the models, SQlab saddles are available in up to four different widths.
2. The lower saddle nose offers more space and greater freedom in the perineal and pubic area, thus preventing unpleasant numbness and pain.
3. The saddle and thus also the pelvis follows the natural pedalling action thanks to a cushioned additional side movement. This reduces the unpleasant saddle pressure and mobilises the vertebral discs, thus having an altogether back-friendly effect.
In our opinion, the active models can be particularly recommended on account of this healthy triple effect.
The active saddles are available for various bicycle types from well-stocked retailers. More information is available from www.sq-lab.com.
More tips for selecting your bicycle
Relief when reading
Familiar problem for bookworms: "How can I hold my book comfortably so I can read without tension and cramps?" Frequent, persistent incorrect posture results in backache sooner or later.
One smart solution is the BookHolder: in line with ergonomic principles, it permits "handsfree", relaxed reading in any position.
The BookHolder is available in two versions. The desktop model is fitted to worktops or tables. The freestanding model is on rollers and can be moved around easily. Many different possible settings bring your reading matter to the right position, so that you can sit upright with a straight back, for example. In bed you can read flat on your back or sitting up with a support for your back. You can turn the pages easily with one hand.
Available from ergonomic retailers, bookshops, under phone +49(0)6233/638 627 or from www.bookholder.de
The bookchair!
Bookchair is an appropriate, mobile aid for working at your desk. This reading aid encourages upright, active sitting as books or documents are held at the required slant. Practical feature: books are held open with two page holders and don't have to be held constantly in your hands. This helps to avoid awkward incorrect posture, preventing pain in your neck, back and shoulders.
The deckchair-style book stand is available in different versions and also suitable for desks used by children and youngsters.
Available from book shops, under phone +49(0)941/586 5230 or from www.bookchair.net
"Fit as aquatic creatures"
Card game for children to encourage more exercise
The people who developed this game are keen to encourage children to move. The lovingly designed cards show aquatic creatures such as crabs, penguins, turtles, seals or dolphins. The "Old Maid" in this case is the "Lazy Flounder". Every animal represents a certain exercise to train back-friendly movement – without finger wagging. Three different games can be played: Happy Families, Memory and a knowledge quiz. The card game is used for pleasure and education during sports lessons in kindergartens and schools or in activities offered by back schools. At home, it encourages siblings, parents and grandparents to keep moving, something that tends to be increasingly neglected.
Available under phone +49(0)381/690 111 or from www.vital-physio.de
Since its founding in 1995, ‘Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR) e. V.’ (Campaign for Healthier Backs) has been promoting back health. The independent association, based in Bremervörde in Germany, awards the ‘Aktion Gesunder Rücken’ seal of approval to products that are particularly back-friendly in cooperation with medical associations. ‘Aktion Gesunder Rücken’ works closely with independent experts from the fields of medicine and research to train specialist retailers and therapists on the topics of ergonomics and back health, and to inform consumers about how to prevent back pain.
Stader Straße 6
27432 Bremervörde, Germany
Phone: +49 4761 926358-0
Email:
Web: http://www.agr-ev.de/en/
Contact person:press, projects & social media
Phone +49 4761 926358-329
Email:
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