Simple back exercises for everyday life
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.
Overview
Exercises with AGR-certified products
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
Strengthens shoulder and back muscles
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
Strengthening the shoulders
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
Strengthening the back
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.
Exercises with hand training devices: Barbells
→ Information about back-friendly hand training equipment can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/handtrainers
→ Download exercise flyer "Barbells"
Exercise 4
While standing, stretch both arms forwards and backwards at the sides of your body (parallel).
Exercises with hand training devices: Brasil deep muscle trainer
→You can find information about back-friendly hand training devices here www.agr-ev.de/en/handtrainers
Exercise 1
Coordination/ Brain Fitness: Training of coordination skills, balance, deep muscle strengthening.
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
Back extensors: Strengthening the deep back muscles, the back extensor muscles and the thigh muscles.
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
Activation of the spine: Strengthening of the back and gluteal muscles, training of balance.
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
The shoulder bridge: Strengthening of the gluteal and hamstring muscles, the deep back and abdominal muscles.
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.
Exercises on the gymnastics mat: Strong back
→ Information about back-friendly exercise mats can be found here https://agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 1
Prone position: Revitalises and strengthens the back
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
Swivel seat: Stretches and relaxes the back muscles
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
Exercise series for the back
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.
Exercises on the gymnastics mat: Strengthening the muscles
→ Information about back-friendly exercise mats can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 4
Strengthening the gluteal muscles
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.
Exercises on the gymnastics mat
→ Information about back-friendly exercise mats can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 4
Thoracic spine rotation
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.
Exercises with balls: Powerball
→ Information about back-friendly exercise and pendulum balls can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-balls
→ Download exercise flyer "Exercise ball" part 1
→ Download exercise flyer "Exercise ball" part 2
Part 1
Part 2
Exercise 1
Strengthening the lateral core muscles
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
Strengthening the straight back extensor muscles
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
Stretching the entire chest and front of the torso
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.
Exercises with balls: Pendel Ball
→ Information about back-friendly pendulum balls can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-balls
→ Download exercise flyer "Pendel Ball"
Exercise 1
Strengthening the entire back musculature
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
Strengthening the abdominal and back muscles
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
Strengthening the deep core muscles
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.
Exercises with balls: Redondo Ball
→ You can find information about back-friendly Redondo balls here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-balls
Exercise 1
Strengthening the vascular muscles and lower back
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
Strengthening the deep abdominal muscles
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
Mobilisation of the pelvis and relief of the lumbar spine
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
Mobilisation of the spine and stretching of the lateral trunk muscles
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.
Exercises with Balance Trainer: Dynair ball cushion
→ Information about back-friendly balance cushions can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
→ Download exercise flyer "Dynair ball cushion"
Exercise 1
Strengthening the entire back muscles, buttocks and back of the thighs
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
Strengthening the oblique core muscles
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
Balance stand
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.
Exercises with Balance Trainer: Dynair ball cushion XXL
→ Information about back-friendly balance cushions can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
→ Download exercise flyer "Dynair ball cushion XXL"
Exercise 1
Back extensor
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
Strengthening the oblique abdominal muscles
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
Strengthening the lateral core muscles
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
Mobilisation and strengthening of the lower back
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.
Exercises with Balance Trainer: Jumper Balance Ball
→Information about back-friendly balance cushions can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
→ Download exercise flyer "Jumper"
Exercise 1
Strengthening the entire abdominal musculature
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
Strengthening the muscles of the lumbar spine and buttocks
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
Strengthening the entire core muscles and legs
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
Strengthening the lateral trunk muscles
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.
Exercises with Balance Trainer: Dynair Pro
→Information about back-friendly balance cushions can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
→ Download exercise flyer "Dynair Pro"
Exercise 1
Strengthening the entire back muscles, buttocks and back of the thighs
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
Strengthening the abdominal muscles
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
Lateral leg raises on the balance cushion
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.
Exercises with Balance Trainer: Senso vein trainer
→ You can find information about back-friendly balance cushions here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Activate vein pump
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
Foot and calf activation
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
Balance training while standing
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.
Übungen mit Balance Trainer: Aero Step
→ You can find information about back-friendly balance cushions here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Strengthening the leg and foot muscles
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
Strengthening the stabilising muscles
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
Strengthening the leg and gluteal muscles and core stability
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
Stability in the knee and hip area
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.
Übungen mit Balance Trainer: Balanza Ballstep
→ You can find information about back-friendly balance cushions here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 1
Strengthening the back and buttock muscles
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
Promotes balance and your coordination skills
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
Trains the abdominal and hip flexor muscles and strengthens the deep core muscles
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
Strengthening the straight and deep abdominal muscles
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.
Exercises with Balance Trainer: Balance-pad and Balance-beam
→ You can find information about back-friendly balance cushions here www.agr-ev.de/en/balance-pads
Exercise 2
Stretching hip flexors
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.
Exercises with fascia rolls: Blackroll, Actiroll Wave and Actiball
→ You can find information about back-friendly fascia rolls here www.agr-ev.de/en/fasciae
Exercise 2
Lower and centre back
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
Periformis
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
Lateral hull activation
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.
Yoga exercises for beginners
→ Information about back-friendly gymnastics centres can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 1
The warrior
- Stand in a straddle position on the mat and turn one foot 90 degrees outwards.
- Bend your front knee so that it is directly over your heel while your back leg remains straight.
- Raise your arms to shoulder height and stretch them parallel to the floor with your palms facing downwards.
- Keep your upper body upright and look over your front hand.
- Hold for a few breaths and then change sides.
Exercise 4
Triangle
- Stand in a straddle position with your arms outstretched to the side at shoulder height.
- Turn one foot 90 degrees outwards and the other slightly inwards.
- Bend your upper body sideways over your outstretched leg and place your lower hand on your ankle or shin, with your upper hand pointing towards the ceiling.
- Keep your back straight and stay in this position for a few breaths.
Pilates exercises for beginners
→ Information about back-friendly gymnastics centres can be found here www.agr-ev.de/en/exercise-mats
Exercise 1
Swan
- From the prone position, build up a clear longitudinal pull in relation to the spine. The hands are placed under the shoulders. The legs are slightly open and parallel.
- As you exhale, straighten your thoracic spine and move your elbows towards the mat. Roll up vertebra by vertebra into a backbend. Breathe in deeply and roll out in a controlled manner as you breathe out.
- Keep the shoulder low.
Exercise 2
Knee Lift
- Bench position with the hands positioned under the shoulders and the elbows slightly bent.
- Lift your knees a few centimetres off the floor and hold them there. Lower back to the floor and repeat a few times.
- During the exercise, keep your back straight and mentally round your lower back.
Exercise 4
Hip opener
- Position yourself with your back flat on the mat and your knees bent.
- Let your knees fall to the side in a controlled manner. Maintain tension in the abdominal muscles and ensure that the lower back remains in a neutral position and does not move.
- Adjust the length of the exercise and the repetitions according to how you feel.
Exercise 5
Stretching the spine
- Sit upright on a mat and stretch your legs forwards.
- Raise both arms vertically upwards and stretch. This straightens your spine. Hold this position for a few breaths.
- Now slowly bend forwards with your back straight and try to touch your feet with your fingers; you can also bend your legs slightly. Remain in this position for about 9 to 10 seconds. The abdomen remains tense the whole time.
Exercises with the vibrating bar
→ Information about back-friendly gymnastics centres can be found https://agr-ev.de/en/vibration-bar
→ Download exercise flyer "Vibration bar"
Exercise 5
Upper arm trainer
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).
Exercises with the training tube
→ Information about back-friendly training tubes can be found here https://agr-ev.de/en/training-and-therapy-pipes
→ Download exercise flyer "Training slashpipe"
Übung 2
Lunge
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
Crunch
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
Side tilt
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)
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