Exercises that won’t hurt your back

Often back pain is the result of sports injuries or improper lifting—either in the gym or around the house. One of the best things you can do to prevent injury and back pain is to keep your back muscles strong. To do that, you need to exercise. But, it’s critical to do the right kinds of exercises, the right way.

We spoke to physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Dr. Allen Kaisler-Meza, MD, of Regional Medical Center of San Jose, in California, to learn how to stay injury free and fit.

Medically reviewed in December 2019.