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This four-move bodyweight workout increases lower back strength and longevity
Lower back pain is a common complaint, affecting millions worldwide, often due to sedentary lifestyles or poor posture. Strengthening your lower back not only alleviates discomfort but also enhances overall mobility and longevity. The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership to build a resilient lower back. This simple, four-move bodyweight workout targets your lower back, core, and supporting muscles—all from the comfort of home. Perform these exercises three times a week for noticeable improvements in strength and stability.
Why Focus on Lower Back Strength?
Your lower back, part of the lumbar spine, supports your upper body, aids movement, and protects your spinal cord. Weakness here can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and a higher risk of injury as you age. Strengthening it improves posture, boosts athletic performance, and contributes to a longer, healthier life by maintaining functional independence.
Let’s dive into the workout.
The Four-Move Workout
1. Superman Hold


How to Do It: Lie face down on a mat with arms extended overhead and legs straight. Simultaneously lift your arms, chest, and legs off the ground, engaging your lower back. Hold for 10-20 seconds, then lower slowly.
Reps: 3 sets of 5 holds.
Benefits: This move isolates the erector spinae muscles along your spine, building endurance and stability.
[Image Suggestion]: A side view of a person in the Superman position, arms and legs lifted, with arrows highlighting engaged lower back muscles.
2. Bird Dog


How to Do It: Start on all fours, hands under shoulders and knees under hips. Extend your right arm forward and left leg back, keeping both straight and level with your torso. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then switch sides.
Reps: 3 sets of 10 reps per side.
Benefits: Improves balance and coordination while strengthening the lower back and core.
[Image Suggestion]: A person in the Bird Dog pose, with one arm and opposite leg extended, showing proper alignment.
3. Glute Bridge


How to Do It: Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Push through your heels to lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees. Squeeze your glutes and lower back at the top, then lower slowly.
Reps: 3 sets of 12-15 reps.
Benefits: Strengthens the glutes and lower back, reducing strain on the lumbar spine.
[Image Suggestion]: A person at the top of a Glute Bridge, with a dotted line showing the straight alignment from shoulders to knees.
4. Dead Bug


How to Do It: Lie on your back with arms extended toward the ceiling and knees bent at 90 degrees. Slowly extend your right arm overhead and left leg out straight, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor. Return to the starting position and switch sides.
Reps: 3 sets of 10 reps per side.
Benefits: Enhances core stability, which supports the lower back and prevents injury.
[Image Suggestion]: A person performing the Dead Bug, with one arm and opposite leg extended, emphasizing a flat lower back.
Tips for Success
Warm Up: Start with 5-10 minutes of light movement—like walking or leg swings—to prep your muscles.
Form First: Prioritize proper alignment over speed or reps to avoid strain.
Progress Gradually: Increase hold times or reps as your strength improves.
Cool Down: Stretch your lower back and hips afterward with moves like Child’s Pose or Knee-to-Chest.
The Longevity Connection
A strong lower back doesn’t just help you lift groceries or bend over without wincing—it’s a cornerstone of long-term health. Research shows that maintaining muscle strength and mobility reduces the risk of falls and frailty in older age. By incorporating this workout into your routine, you’re investing in a body that stays active and independent for years to come.

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