Repeat as desired. Curl-ups strengthen the abdominal muscles that assist your back muscles in supporting the spine. Again, start by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Gently tuck your chin and lift your shoulders from the floor as you reach your hands to your knees. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat as desired.
Extension exercises Extension exercises include backward bending, shoulder lifts and press-ups.
Backward bending counteracts our normal tendency to round our shoulders and bend forward. Stand with your feet slightly apart and your knees straight. Placing your hands in the small of your back, bend gently backward at the waist. Hold the stretch for several seconds before straightening. Repeat as desired.