Do these exercises for back flexibility
What's the story
African-inspired exercises come with unique movements that can prove beneficial for back flexibility. These exercises are based on traditional practices and emphasize natural body movements, aiding in better posture and less stiffness. Integrating them into your routine can improve overall mobility and strength in the back region. Here are five African-inspired exercises that can help you with better back flexibility.
Zulu dance
Dance of the Zulu warriors
The Zulu dance is basically a traditional movement with rhythmical steps and vigorous arm movements. This exercise loosens up the muscles surrounding your spine and makes them flexible. When you perform the dance, you engage a number of muscle groups, which helps you improve coordination and balance. Doing it regularly can give you a greater range of motion in your back.
Maasai jumping
Maasai jumping routine
Inspired by the Maasai tribe's jumping tradition, this exercise requires you to jump vertically with minimal bending of knees. It mainly strengthens your lower back muscles and promotes spinal alignment. The repetitive action of jumping helps not only in increasing blood flow to the spine but also maintaining flexibility over time. This routine can make your workout dynamic, improving strength and endurance in lower back area.
Shoulder dance
Ethiopian shoulder dance
The Ethiopian shoulder dance focuses on circular shoulder movements, which indirectly benefits the upper back region. By practicing these circular motions, you activate the upper back muscles, greatly helping in relieving tension and stiffness. Additionally, this exercise can be an important factor in improving posture by encouraging the correct alignment of the shoulders with the spine, adding to overall spinal health.
Hip movements
Congolese hip movements
Congolese hip movements consist of fluid hip rotations that target your lower back flexibility. These movements serve to release tension that is stored in the lower spine area while enhancing core stability. Practicing these hip rotations regularly can lead to a more flexible lower back and improved overall mobility.
Drumming exercise
West African drumming exercise
This exercise mimics drumming actions from West Africa, focusing on rhythmic arm swings combined with torso twists. It engages both upper and lower back muscles simultaneously, promoting a balanced workout for spinal health. The twisting motion aids in increasing spinal rotation capacity while strengthening surrounding muscle groups.