5 Dance Moves that Will Ruin your Back Health

Dancing has long since been a crowd favorite. Whether skilled or just out to have a good time, it’s an activity that all levels can enjoy. It’s also kid-friendly and an added way to burn some extra calories; dancing is a great way for all ages to let loose, have a good time, and really feel the beat. But what happens when those dance moves actually hurt your level of health?

When it comes to these five more advanced moves, that may just be the case. To save your back – and everyone’s opinion of your dancing abilities – it may be best to steer clear of the following.

The Worm

This classic move is performed by essentially rolling oneself across the floor, stomach first, hands and feet on the floor, and back in motion. To save yourself some serious backaches down the line, leave the worm alone and choose something that allows you to stay upright.

Aggressive Body Rolls

A lesser version of the above, body rolls take place when the dancer “rolls” his or her body in a fluid pattern. Made famous by Michael Jackson in the 80s, this move could also stretch your back farther than it’s ready to flow.

Pretty Much Any Breakdancing

For those who actually can breakdance, it’s an immense source of talent and pride. After all they’re contorting their body into crazy patterns and rhythms while staying balanced (rarely on the feet). However, these acrobatic moves do little to promote back health and should be left to the ultra-flexible.

The Elaine

Made famous on Seinfeld, Elaine Benes’s character danced by jolting her limbs about. Seen as jerky, awkward, and embarrassing, it’s one that’s sure to cause a jarred back – even when performed as a joke.

The Back Spin

Considering this move places your weight directly on the spine, then spins it in a quick, painful fashion, nothing about it sounds bone friendly. Rather than risking bruises or sore muscles, choose a routine that offers more support, and less crowd attention.

For more back health tips, Visit our online back health articles.

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New Teeter Inversion Table Model

Brand new from Teeter Hang Ups - The EP-550 Model Inversion Table, and It's on sale at Contour Living!

The New Teeter EP-950 Inversion Table includes all of the features of the EP-550 Model, plus these features:

• Ratchet Ankle Lock System - Features easy to reach extended handle for the ankle lock, plus a triple lock security feature.
• EZ Stretch Traction Handles - These handles allow for an increased stretching experience and traction while the muscles of your lower back are relaxed. These handles can also be used as a tool for intermittent traction and oscillation.
• Over EZ Handles - Larger padded support handles assist during inversion and ascent (back to upright)
• Pre-Set Rotation Control - The EZ Angle Tether Strap allows pre-set angles at 20, 40, 60 degrees and provides an easy guide to exactly the degree of inversion where benefits begin and the degree at which maximum benefits are realized.
• Over-Sized Medical Grade Frame

In addition to the above features unique to the EP-950 Model, All EP series Inversion Tables feature the following:

• Ergonomic Flex Technology - Patented design by teeter moves with you, accommodating stretches for great range of motion. Movement while inverted encourages realignment while it relaxes muscles. An adjustment pillow provides added comfort.


• Optimum Decompression Surface - The smooth surface reduces friction, allowing the body to slide and achieve the maximum decompression stretch.


• Ankle Comfort Dial - The new foot platform design dials up or down for smaller or larger feet, allowing the ankle clamps to attain a secure and comfortable fit.


• Quick, Compact Storage - Folds in just seconds to 28" x 16" x 66"


• Unique and Patented Security Features - Auto-Locking hinges, cam locks and heat-treated steel parts create a more secure and durable product.


• Precision Balancing - Custom engineering provides smooth rotation and controlled lockout in full inversion.


• Stable Base - Corner feet increase the frame base by 20%, reduce sliding and help protect floors.


• Smooth, Quiet Rotation - A de-rattler know and specialized pivot bearings ensure a life-time of squeak and rattle free rotation.
  5 year Manufactures Warranty

Height Capacity: 4'8" - 6'6" Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. Assembled Dimensions: 48" x 27" x 61" Package Weight: 76 lbs

Teeter Hang Ups Inversion Tables represent the highest standards in inversion therapy. Each Teeter Inversion Table is backed by an industry leading 5 year warranty, and Teeter Hang Ups are independently tested to exceed quality and safety standards including UL60601-1, a medical grade standard. Plus each of our Teeter inversion table ships with a quick-reference laminated owner's manual attached to the frame, and an instructional DVD which provides guidance for assembly and use of the table. Also included on the DVD are five 10-20 minute stretching and exercise classes by Dr. Shawn.Using the Teeter Inversion Table is quick and easy! Simply set your height, secure your ankles and relax. Weight displacement caused by simple arm movement controls the rate and degree of rotation. It takes only a few minutes to decompress the spine. Use your Teeter several times each day to achieve maximum results. Order Now for FREE SHIPPING! (Domestic USA destinations only)

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Back To The Basics: 10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Back Pain

Back To The Basics: 10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Back Pain

Low back pain affects 60%-80% of the U.S. adult population at some time during their lives. Back symptoms are among the top 10 leading reasons to visit the emergency room. With statistics like these, it only makes sense to do what is necessary to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Here are ten easy ways to help maintain a healthy back:

1. Always lift with your knees, never with your back. Squat down, knees bent, back straight and angled forward slightly. Lift the object and slowly straighten your knees as you go.

2. Keep your back limber through exercise. When at the gym, don’t overlook the importance of back exercises. Doing back exercises along with your regular routine will keep you’re back strong and will help avoid injuries from back strain in the future.

3. Keep trim. Excess weight puts enormous strain on your back. Any woman who has ever been pregnant can tell you how the extra pounds take a toll on the back muscles, especially during the last few months.

4. Pay attention to the ergonomics of your work station. Be certain that you’re not crouching down to type at your computer. You should be able to maintain good posture at your desk.

5. If your job requires heavy and/or repetitive lifting, consider talking to someone about wearing a lower back support. There are numerous styles available depending on your situation and needs.

6. Keep your cool. Stress can aggravate many conditions, bad backs included.

7. Stretch during the day. Take a few minutes midway through the morning and midway through the afternoon and stretch your body. You’ll be amazed at how refreshing this simple exercise can be.

8. If you spend a good portion of your day behind the wheel, pick a parking space farther away from the building rather than choosing the closest one you can find. The walk will do you and your back a great deal of good.

9. Maintain good daytime posture. Walk with shoulders back and even with hips. Mom was right, don’t slouch in your chair. Sit up straight shoulders back, low back slightly arched. Slouching can put tremendous strain on your back muscles. If you think that the assistance of a back and/or seat support would help you maintain good posture, by all means invest in one.

10. Maintain good nighttime posture. The average person replaces his/her mattress once every ten years. Does this make sense considering that we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed? Pay attention to your sleeping surface. It should support a good sleeping posture. Even the best, most expensive mattresses can’t always provide proper support and alignment. You need something that matches your body’s natural contours. Consider purchasing a mattress topper to help maintain good support and alignment.

Contour Living (www.contourliving.com) provides a full line of ergonomic products designed to support and comfort your back. Visit now to see how you can sit, rest and sleep more comfortably. Top products include the Mattress Genie bed lift, Contour Twist Neck Pillow, and many memory foam pillows for head, legs and more.

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