Preparing your spine for paddling

[docandet]

As a Chiropractor, I have often been asked how to strengthen your back. There is a simple in home method of strengthening your back. There are a group of small muscles that attach individual vertebra together that work involuntarily to balance your body. The best conditioning anyone can due for our sport is to purchase an exercise ball.
you can find them at any big chain or sporting goods store.
The proper ball for your height will be displayed on the package. Air the ball up until the top of your legs are parallel to the ground. sitting on the ball with feet flat on ground and arms to the side. This will force you to sit up with the correct posture. Because the ball is unstable, it forces those tiny balance muscles to work. By siting on the ball for 5-10 minutes per day, you will not only strengthen your back but improve your balance. this will increase your stability in your boat.
After a few weeks of this initial conditioning you can begin to move to more advanced exercises, as described on the information poster that comes in the package. With time, I have gotten to the point that I can sit on the ball with both feet of off the ground and balance.
***NOTE*** when you begin this exercise, place the ball in an area that does not have sharp edges.

[Ouachitoff]

***NOTE*** when you begin this exercise, place the ball in an area that does not have sharp edges.

[docandet]

That's funny

[okieboater]

About a year and one half ago, I had an accident that among other things left me with pelvic area fractured in three places (which have healed) and vertebrae T7 thru T10 fused with a metal cage that I suspect will be there forever.

Lots of good physical therapy since then (I can now paddle) but insurance has run out. My balance is good but don't feel it is as good as it could be.

Do you think this exercise ball routine would help or not for someone with a spine cage and fusion going on?

I have not heard of this exercise routine before now.