HI all - any tips on how to do cardio jump for someone who almost always has back pain for days afterwards? I know why - I am using my back instead of my abs but I can't seem to use my front muscles effectively with jump board! Its frustrating and makes me not want to do those workouts. All tips appreciated!

Hi Rebecca! Thanks for asking this, I love that you are looking to improve your form versus "powering through." A couple quick tips- aim your feet a bit higher on the board. If your feet are landing too low, it will pull you into an arched back, which will add to the back taking over. Going with slightly lighter springs might help, as long as you are aiming higher. This is not necessarily going to be the fix though, it may be that heavier is better if you feel your back trying to arch with the air time of a lighter jump. Test it out for your body and see which one is best. Avoid jumping from your hands and knees for the time being and focus just on the moments of back and side jumping. When you are side jumping, omit any kicking backward. I basically want you to avoid any moments where you back may arch or round, trying to take over. You want a natural, or neutral spine throughout.

If this is all still in your back, I would suggest avoiding these for now, and focusing on the full body flow workouts to build that core strength and muscle memory in neutral spine, then return to these once you are feeling that change in your body and practice.

Keep me updated!

Andrea

Thank you very much for taking the time to not only reply but for offering these helpful ideas! I will definitely let you know how it goes next time I go for a jump board workout. :)

BTW, I continue to LOVE your workouts, I always look forward to them even when I know they will be challenging, its part of the appeal!

Becky