Strong abdominal muscles may actually prevent you from incurring a back injury, since these muscles are so critical to maintaining your spine's position, as well as assisting you with lifting. Strong abdominals can also lower, minimize, or avoid back pain from excessive strains, help your body deal

Lower back Lie flat on your stomach. Raise one arm at a time. Hold for 5 counts, then slowly lower. Do 20 repetitions for each arm. Try raising one leg at a time. Hold for 5 counts, then slowly lower. Do 20 repetitions for each leg. Advanced versions of this exercise involve raising both legs or arms

Tuck in your chin. Push your head back against your hands or the floor (if your are lying on your back). Hold 5 counts. Do 20 repetitions. Alternate or extension: Place your hand on the side of your head. Tuck in your chin and push your head to the side, against your hand. Hold 3 to 5 counts. Do 10

Pilates is an exercise program named after Joseph Pilates, who developed an exercise program in the early-20th century to improve the physical fitness of World War I soldiers. Pilates incorporated resistance into programs for rehabilitating injured patients. He later incorporated springs into exercise