Tuesday, 10 December 2024

These are the 15 best lower-back stretches for pain relief

December 10, 2024 | VIEW IN BROWSER

When faced with last minute gift shopping stress, changing weather, and hectic family visits, it's common to turn to your two best friends for comfort during the holidays — Ben & Jerry's. According to experts, there is a scientific reason your food cravings peak during the holidays. Read more below to find out why this happens and what you can do about it.

The Start TODAY app takes the Start TODAY program you know and love to a whole new level! It's like having a workout buddy, fitness coach, dietitian and cheerleader in your back pocket, 24/7. Download now and subscribe to begin your 7-day free trial!*

DOWNLOAD & SUBSCRIBE

(If you need help or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our team at start@today.com.)

*Subscription includes a 7-day free trial. Each year you will be charged $65.99 (plus tax) until you cancel. Cancel anytime. Terms apply.

December Challenge

Today's workout is a 5-minute stretch.

Join the 31-day flexibility challenge!

Achy back? You're not alone.

We've all dealt with pain in the lower back at some point, whether it be dull aches or sharper pains, and it can sideline us not only from exercise, but from our day-to-day today activities.

In fact, at any given time, 31 million Americans experience low back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association. This isn't especially surprising considering that everyday activities — like driving, sitting at a desk and even sleeping — can place strain on the muscles in the back.

These are the 15 best lower-back stretches for pain relief.

📱 There's more for you in the app! If you're doing the December Flexibility Challenge, get more from the app with:

• Daily, guided workout videos with Stephanie Mansour
• 30-minute guided walks with Al Roker and other experts
• Meal plans that fuel your workouts and help you reach your health goals
• Expert advice and inspiration

Your Meal Plan

With layers of vibrant and nutrient-packed ingredients, this dish is calling your name. Each bite delivers the best of both salads — Caprese and Caesar Salad — rolled up into one. Juicy, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves will excite your palate, but the avocado Caesar dressing is what really makes this meal sing. Hoping you love it — we think it's a satisfying bundle of joy!

Breakfast: Mango Cucumber Avocado Smoothie

Lunch: Caprese Caesar Wrap

Dinner: Copycat Burrito Bowls Recipe

See the meal plan!

📱 There's more for you in the app! Want a meal plan that's customized to your personal goals? The app has five unique, dietitian-designed meal plans to help you reach them.

• Budget Friendly
• Weight Loss
• Heart Healthy
• Mediterranean
• Quick & Easy

One Small Thing

Real ways to make a difference in your life, one small thing at a time.

The scientific reason your food cravings peak during the holidays

While the holiday season may cause you to indulge in your go-to comfort foods, experts advise that mindful eating should also have a seat at the table. Unless you're including nutrient-dense foods on your plate, excessive eating around the holidays may actually hurt you in the long run.

Research shows that weight gained during the holidays is usually not lost and can even account for more than 50% of total weight gain throughout the year. This can increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues and more.

Why do food cravings spike during the holidays?

3 Things To Know TODAY

Build strength and balance with this under-20 minute home workout

Founder and CEO of J Method Fitness Jennifer Jacobs stops by TODAY to share a workout that will help you train with a purpose by building strength and balance at home in under 20 minutes.

Eat to beat the winter blues: Beans, nuts, and more

Many struggle with a depression known as seasonal affective disorder during the winter weather so women's health dietitian Valerie Agyeman stops by TODAY to share diet tips that will nourish your body and mind to beat the blues, incorporating fiber and fats, balancing comfort foods, and more.

Cracker Barrel apologizes after turning away students with disabilities

A Cracker Barrel in Waldorf, Maryland declined service to students with disabilities, according to Charles County Public Schools, leading to a planned protest.