Before

After

There’s two observations I’d like to make about these photos:

1. •Think of these as “before” and “after” photos (they’re not, but pretend they are). I authored this program to help you shape up your back so that it’s healthy, strong, and pain free. When you’ve reached that goal, odds are you won’t look much different than when you started the program (you might, but that’s not the program’s goal). If you’re looking for six-pack abs and an hourglass figure, I can’t help you.
   

1. •I’ve been following the routines and advice in this program for years. But you might not know it to look at the videos of me demonstrating some of the exercises. Because of my particular back ailment—spondylolisthesis—my hip joints and hamstrings aren’t the most flexible or supple. I suppose it would be far more pleasing to watch a lovely young gymnast dressed in tights performing these routines. But that would be misleading. You and I aren’t young, and I’m not lovely (not to say you aren’t). I also don’t want to give the false impression that you’ll only benefit if you can stretch as far as that imaginary young lady in tights. The benefits come from you exercising within your own range of abilities and comfort zones. If you’re looking for eye-candy doing the splits, you won’t find it here.
   

1. •That photo of me? What you see is me in my most rigorous, disciplined pose. Military rigid I am not. A sign in my high school boy’s locker room proclaimed, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Next to it was this sign: “No pain, no gain.” That wasn’t me, still isn’t. Neither is it this program. Better Boomer Backs is a 2-month program that gradually stretches, strengthens, and stabilizes your back. You always exercise within your comfort zone, pain not an option. If you’re looking to punish yourself, this isn’t the place.
   

Disclaimer

Just so you know, I am not a health care provider nor do I have formal training in any of the medical sciences. The program I’ve put together is based on a lifetime of low back pain and the steps I’ve personally taken to relieve and prevent that pain. If you’re uncomfortable with my lack of professional training, this program may not be for you.

Better Boomer Backs is intended to supplement treatment you receive from your health care provider. Always follow your health care provider’s advice, even if it differs from what’s described here. Only a qualified health care provider can assess your low back pain and recognize problems that are not addressed here. Personally, when my back goes awry beyond my means to deal with it, I use the health care options available to me: physical therapy, chiropratic, acupuncture, and so on.

With your health care provider’s approval, you can do a lot to relieve or eliminate your low back pain. The steps in Better Boomer Backs are designed to help you help yourself. Relieving pain is the program’s first goal. The second goal is to help you stay healthy by preventing further injury and pain.

Better Boomer Backs introduces the steps to a strong, pain-free back gradually over 2 months. For the program to work, you have to integrate the routines into your weekly schedule. The program is long term, just like a healthy and pain-free back. Doing only part of the program or at random intervals won’t give you the results you want. Set aside at least 30 minutes a day, 3–5 times a week for a healthy back.

I’ve lived many years with low back pain. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. That’s why I authored Better Boomer Backs—not with just me in mind, but with you as well.

John Boeschen