Minute 2: Dead hangs and their variations could save your back

Can dead hangs bring your bad posture back in line? A lot of trainers think so, but that’s actually just the start of what this move offers. Dead hangs can improve grip, shoulder, and core strength too, which is why you may want to “Sculpt your upper back with dead hangs: The ultimate guide.” In case you didn’t know, dead hangs are an isometric exercise in which you hang from a pullup bar.

If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or lifting heavy objects, they can work wonders for decompressing your spine. Not only that, but you can pair them with hanging leg raises to strengthen your abs without the discomfort and back pain of traditional core exercises like crunches. If you’ve got a lot of back pain and nerve compression, dead-hangs can be paired with these “12 Spinal Decompression Exercises for All Skill Levels” to provide relief.

Yoga positions like cat-cow and child’s pose offer low-intensity support, while exercises like a straight leg raise strengthen and improve the connection between your back, legs, and core. That’s important for runners as they age, and you can see why in “How Much Do You Shrink As You Age?” The older we get, the more brittle our bones and spinal discs become. The good news is, dead hangs and other back exercises can lessen the tension in your spine and keep your back strong to lower your risk of injury. And help you maintain your height.