You work out. You?ve got some muscle—and you?ve earned it. So why does your back hurt after a marathon housecleaning? Even something as simple as lifting the recycling bin can leave you sorer than a trip to the gym. Well, the fact is, most traditional strength exercises don?t prepare you for all the bending, pushing, and twisting you do every day. But these will. Don?t just take our word for it: Try these moves from exercise physiologist Carla Sottovia, PhD, assistant fitness director for the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas. Add one or two to your usual workout two to three times per week, and you?ll build all the strength (well, at least the physical kind) you need to get through your day.
Do this move: Standing Row in Squat Position
How it helps: Activates your core and strengthens the back muscles you use when pushing the vacuum back and forth ? and back and forth.
How to do it: Stand with feet hip-width apart, a 5- to 8-pound dumbbell in right hand. Bend both knees into a squat and lean forward slightly, keeping back flat. Reach right arm diagonally toward floor, pull right elbow back to 90 degrees, then move weight back toward floor. Do 10?12 reps, return to standing, then repeat with left arm to complete the set. Do 2 sets.
