Ooh… This is a topic of the ages! Can someone work out with a posture corrector or lower back support or not? The short answer is that it depends on the area of your back you’re supporting.
Don’t frown when you see people outright denying the possibility of telling you to go with it.
There are instances where you need one. For example, lower back braces show a definite improvement in certain cases, especially during medical emergencies, as per studies done by professionals.
On the other hand, for non-medical issues and lifting, you’re better off without it.
We’ll have to decide things depending on the use case. This is EXACTLY where my piece fits within the grand puzzle. I’ll be going over different scenarios which dictate or prohibit the use of posture correctors and lower back aids. Let’s get to it, shall we?
Common Usage of Posture Correctors or Upper Back Braces?
You’ll be surprised knowing how often people go for a shoulder brace in their day-to-day lives. I’ve seen people use these during their day job while lifting heavy objects, chopping logs outside, etc. In some cases, you need minimum arrangements to facilitate the usage.
For example, using an upper back brace on job sites (desk jobs) is rather easy. Most employees have the liberty to evaluate and make changes to the workspace to fit their needs. This includes customizations to counter physical issues (cue: Back Pain).
Lifters or warehouse back braces, on the other hand, keep shoulders straight while pushing them back. That’s why it’s easy to lift and carry heavy loads when you need to. This puts less strain on our backs while moving or strafing to reach high ground.
A posture corrector can help you counter different medical conditions as well. For example, these things are good counters to stiff muscles, spinal issues, and trouble at the joints.
Can You Use Posture Correctors or Upper Back Braces while Exercising?
Yup, you can! People use it during regular workouts. However, I’ve seen several neighbors of mine opting for specific exercises with these on.
For example, back-extending workouts, planks, leg raises while lying on your sides, neck rotations, etc., are just a few things we can do while wearing one.
Posture correctors do have their benefits as well. They improve your workout experience as well. For instance, keeping your shoulders back will help you during Yoga and stretching different limbs. This is because the stress doesn’t go to your spine. Rather, it gets distributed throughout the torso.
Don’t be afraid to try wearing one while weight training sessions, push-ups, and even squats. These products keep your backs in a straight line while you go about your workouts.
Use Case of Lower Back Braces During Exercises
Posture braces aren’t the only things effective when exercising. People use lower back support devices as well. In fact, the numbers are higher than that of upper brace users.
Look hard enough, and you’ll find two types of lower back pains. One short-term back pain. This is called subacute back pain. According to NINDS, 80% of people endure this type of issue. The second type is chronic back pain or long-term back pain affecting 20%.
People use lower back supports only when prescribed. They don’t really go for protection for stressful jobs. However, if normal spinal issues are left untreated, they can turn into longstanding problems over time. Hence, lower back aids are needed. Yes, even when exercising.
Lower back support devices keep your posture straight. They help support the vertebrae when under stress. Also, they protect your abdomen from sudden impacts, spasms, and contractions. You should be able to tighten and loosen your product when needed.
The Ideal Type of Low Back Support for Exercise – Some Characteristics
While posture correctors are easy to choose, lower back braces are hard. You’ll get several options equipped with different perks and quirks. Choosing one is a dilemma you won’t want to go through. Explaining everything will require a separate guide on its own.
While that’s a topic for another day, I’ll briefly go over some pointers in this piece.
- The brace should perfectly cover L1 to S1 vertebrae. Again, I’m talking about gentle support, not squishing them together. You should be able to loosen or tighten these things at will.
- Speaking of adjustments, buy a product that you can adjust with one hand. One finger would be preferable. You’ll get braces from “BraceAbility” with a pulley system. Push and pull with just the thumb is all it takes for a good fit.
- While exercising and moving your torso, you should loosen your belt while sitting on a couch. Tighten it back when you’re lifting some weight or putting stress on your body. Consider sit-ups, jogging, and stretching your legs as things you can do.
- Choose something with a low-profile design. Exercises mean continuous movement of our body over two- or three-hour bursts. Your brace shouldn’t hinder your workout sessions and be comfortable. Ideal products aren’t even noticeable.
- Low back braces are ideal if you have arthritis, herniated disks, problems in the pelvic region, and a slew of spinal issues that require abdominal care. That’s why you need a hard plastic panel as support. It doesn’t let your lower back slide and bend.
- Buy something with nylon strings. These are durable. They won’t give into extreme pressure or repeated adjustments and loosen over time. Nylon strings help when you have to adjust during lifting weights at the gym with barbells while lying on a bench. This is because you bend your back or put weight behind it. The weight will pull you down and dislocate the spine without a brace.
Wrapping It All Up!
Contrary to popular belief, back braces are actually good when exercising. You might think wearing these regularly will exert some sort of toll on your body. There must be an equivalent exchange with the comfort you’re enjoying. You can’t be further from the truth.
Well-designed, comfortable posture correctors and lower back braces aid you in your day-to-day tasks and gym routines during strenuous times on the job sites and desk jobs.
You just need to pick the ideal one (each brace has a different design and particular applications). Most times, manufacturers will tell you what product line you should go for. However, if you want to be more specific, sift through many guides on our website to find your match.
