Are pushups or situps bad for the lower back?!

Are pushups or situps bad for the lower back?

I am a 62-year-old, somewhat overweight, male. I regularly do aerobic exercises, and use a weight machine. I also do situps and pushups. Recently I have begun to experience lower back pain and weakness. Is it possible that either or both the pushups or situps are causing, or aggravating , this problem? Thanks!

It's possible. Both CAN be bad for the back if they're not done correctly. You really need to focus on form when you're doing both exercises.

With sit ups, really only use your abdominals to pull up. And, there's no need to go all the way up. Just lie flat on your back, bend your knees and pull your feet in closer to your butt, rest your head in your finger tips (do not grab your neck), and look up at the ceiling. Don't put your chin to your chest. Lift your shoulders up just a few inches, and really focus on your abs. Go slow, take two counts to go up and two counts to go down. If done properly, your back will feel better.

For push ups, if you don't have a strong enough core (back and abdominal muscles) then you could injure your back while doing them. Try starting out slow, and as the weeks go by, do more and more advanced push ups. You can do push ups against a wall and get the same effect as doing them on the floor. Stand a few feet away from a wall, put your hands on the wall, and do a push up.

Whether on the floor or wall (or sturdy table or bench), make sure your body is straight and flat. You don't want your butt up in the air. If you can, use a mirror or friend to make sure you have correct form.