How to build biceps with a bad back?

Author: Clint Stark  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Here are 5 bicep exercises that you can do with back pain
  1. Facing Forward Incline Curl.
  2. Lying On Back/Ground Cable Curl.
  3. 1 Arm Cable Curl (Full Stretch & Shortening)
  4. Lying Bicep Cable Curl.
  5. TRX Bicep Curl.

How to work biceps with a bad back?

The back-friendliest biceps exercise may be the incline curl, either with dumbbells or machine. The bench expands your base, so the movement of the weight doesn't affect stability.

How to build muscle with a bad back?

Sit-ups and crunches may be popular, but they put pressure on your lower back or neck and can worsen existing pain. Instead, strengthen your abdominal muscles in a back-friendly way through planking. It's the “up” part of a push-up, but you balance on your forearms instead of your hands.

Can I lift weights with a bad back?

Adding low-impact aerobic activity is a great way to extend the benefits of lifting. Walking and swimming promote blood flow that supplies the nutrients your strengthening muscles need to develop. It is safe to lift weights when you have back pain as long as you're choosing the right techniques and intensities.

Can bicep curls hurt your lower back?

Although the exercise is familiar, it's easy to do them incorrectly, and minor mistakes can make curls less effective, or even lead to injury by straining the back muscles.

The 5 Rules of Bicep Training

What are the negatives of bicep curls?

The function of the inside forearm muscles is to flex the wrist. Many people, when they curl, subconsciously flex their wrists when trying to get the weight up. This can lead to the forearms working harder than they have to be, eventually leading to fatigue and cramping.

What gym equipment to avoid with a bad back?

What are the worst exercise machines for lower back pain?
  • Seated leg press.
  • Treadmill.
  • Roman chair back extensions.
  • Leg extension machine.
  • Other options.
  • FAQ.

Should I stretch my lower back if it hurts?

Fortunately, gentle stretches can counteract the effects of sitting to offer some temporary relief to lower back pain. Stretching elongates muscles, helps relieve stiffness and improves range of motion. Give these a try. Before you begin, talk to your doctor before stretching if you've had hip or back surgery.

How to build muscle with spinal stenosis?

Certain exercises can help a person with spinal stenosis to improve strength and maintain mobility. A person can do knee hugs, knee rolls, and pelvic tilts to help improve spinal mobility. They can also practice sit-to-stand exercises, hip bridges, and wall squats to strengthen muscles.

How to build core strength with a bad back?

6 Exercises To Strengthen Your Lower Back And Core
  1. Bird Dog (Alternate both sides) This is a great exercise to improve core strength and lumbar back muscles. ...
  2. Glute Bridge. This exercise helps to strengthen both your core, gluteal and back muscles. ...
  3. Squats. ...
  4. Plank. ...
  5. Side Plank. ...
  6. Dead Bug (Alternate both sides)

How do bodybuilders deal with lower back pain?

Both cold and heat can reduce pain. Protect your skin by placing a towel between your body and the ice or heat source. For the first few days, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes. After the first few days, try heat for 15 minutes at a time to ease pain.

What are signs of a weak lower back?

Low back pain in adults
  • Decreased range of motion or stiffness in neck.
  • Knot or tight spot in back muscle.
  • Loss of balance or coordination.
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Numbness or tingling in limbs, most often on both sides of the body (bilateral)

How to strengthen your core with a bulging disc?

Plank
  1. Start by lying on the stomach.
  2. Lift your core up to engage your core so that your forearms line up with your toes.
  3. Make sure your spine stays in a neutral place.
  4. Continue to hold the plank position for 20-30 second.
  5. After that, lower the body to the ground.
  6. Repeat the exercise 2-5 times.

Can I train biceps and triceps with back?

More often than not, you're going to want to pair the back with the biceps. However, it's also common to see biceps paired with triceps for an arms-focused day. Another option is to incorporate a full "pull" day which involves working out the back, biceps, and rear deltoids (posterior deltoids) together.

How to lose belly fat with a bad back?

Tips to Lose Weight and Treat Back Pain
  1. Get moving. A gym is not the only place to work out. ...
  2. Use smaller plates. Studies show eating on smaller plates leads to weight loss.
  3. Maintain proper posture. ...
  4. Try water therapy. ...
  5. Eat healthier. ...
  6. Get a good night's sleep. ...
  7. Get a dog.

How to decompress a spine naturally?

1. Gentle Spinal Traction Exercises
  1. Hanging from a Pull-Up Bar.
  2. Inverted Yoga Postures (e.g., Downward Dog)
  3. Back Hyperextensions Over a Stability Ball.
  4. Kneeling Back-Bending Movements.
  5. Cat-Cows.
  6. Child's Pose.
  7. Prone Press-Ups.
  8. Kneeling Extensions.

What is the single best exercise for lower back pain?

Single Knee Hug
  • Lie down on your back with your legs extended.
  • Bend one knee and bring it towards your chest, using your hands to gently grasp your shin or thigh.
  • Hold the position for 15-30 seconds, feeling a gentle stretch in your lower back and hip.
  • Maintain relaxed breathing throughout the stretch.

How to lift weights with a bad back?

Start lighter than you think you need, and work your way up. To get into the starting position, consider moving your weights to a bench first and then lifting them into position rather than lifting them directly from the floor. This will help protect your back.

Is planking good for lower back pain?

Studies suggest that the plank is highly effective at activating the muscles responsible for spine stabilization. The exercise targets the entirety of your core, as well as strengthens your shoulders and glutes. Like the core, these muscles help improve posture, which can also help alleviate back pain.

Are leg curls bad for a herniated disc?

Leg Press : The “Leg Press” is an excellent exercise for developing strength and tone in the lower body; however, it is not recommended for people with a herniated disc. The “leg curl” for the front or back of the thighs is acceptable, one leg at a time alternating, with a light weight to avoid arching the lower back.

What is the single best exercise for spinal stenosis?

Knees to Chest

One of the easiest exercises to do to relieve pain and discomfort from spine compression is the knees-to-chest stretch. Also known as lumbar flexion in lying, this move takes pressure off your lower back.

How to release a trapped nerve in the lower back?

Treatment for a pinched nerve in the lower back
  1. Avoid strenuous activities temporarily.
  2. Apply hot or cold packs to help ease pain.
  3. Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), to reduce pain and swelling.
  4. Use prescription muscle relaxants to relax tight muscles.

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