Core and non-weight workouts.

[MuleyFever]

So I have seen several times that the core isone of the most important areas when backpacking. I also have more back pain than I would like. I dont know if it is genetic. My dad has a bad back and my brother had minor back surgery in his teens.

What are the best core exercises that hit all the muscle groups? I have read a lot that sit ups are not the way to go.

Also, I do not own weights so I am looking for ways to exercise that do not include weights. I did just order some resistance bands. I do have a treadmill that I use for cardio.

 

[NorCal_AR]

Planks, push ups, burpees (more total body workout), crunches

 

[Jason Snyder]

Well, the whole Insanity workout series doesn't have a weight in it. I guarantee you it will get you in shape.

There are lots of things you can do without weights. And yes, core strength is very important for the health of your back. Don't laugh, but Yoga would be a good thing to look into. I try to do it one day a week for core strength and flexibility, plus it makes a good recovery day workout (although some days doesn't feel like recovery).

For the sake of your back, I wouldn't even do sit ups. What Norcal said is a good start. Add in balance lunges, walking lunges, med ball stuff, one legged squats, etc.

 

[Rocky]

Body weight squats and lunges

 

[littlebuf]

http://www.fitnessblender.com/v/full-length-workouts/


im in the gym two nights a week and on this web site at home three nights a week. at the gym i hit the weights and focus on legs and core, at home i only do the non equipment body resistance work outs on this web site. lots of HIT and cardieo. if i had to drop one or the other id drop the gym.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Do you do the 5 minute bigger butt workout?

Edit: The Dirty 300 workout looks like a good one.

 

[ffparamedic]

IMO deadlifts are one of the best moves you can do if you have room for just a bar....

Planks, side planks, pushups, body squats and lunges will get you pretty much all you need....Add in a kettlebell also and it takes up no space and you can do a lot with it!

 

[quarbles]

gymnastics are great for core. i made an awsome set of parallettes for 30 bucks out of pvc, evil wheels go for 10 and are pretty full body awsomeness. leg raises, planks, dead bugs, hollow rocks, L sits, planche progressions, lever progressions, quadrupedal movements such as inchworms and bearwalks.....

 

[deephunt]

Check out: core and non-weight workouts
They have a fantastic exercise database!

Sit-up are bad for the lower back. You should do crunches and planks.