A flexible back isn’t always the best – protect it by having proper back engagement in yoga.

Being soft is helpful when you’re going into backbends and other stretches during yoga. But when you’re doing an active pose, it requires as much strength as it does flexibility.

People who are flexible often have to exert more strength to hold a pose because their bodies want to just fall and soften into the pose.

(Also read: Best Yoga Poses for A Strong And Flexible Back)

You can injure your spine

Your spine is an extremely important but fragile part of your body. It helps to hold up your head, shoulders and upper body. Without it, you won’t be able to stand up straight, twist or bend.

Although it is so vital, many people are unaware of the small things they do in their daily life that can be harmful to spine health. Injuries usually occur in serious falls and accidents, but accidental twisting, turning and bruising can cause compression in your spine.

(Also read: 7 Surprising Habits That Cause Neck and Back Pain)

You will overexert other muscles

When you have a weak back, your body makes up for it by using other muscles when you’re holding a pose. This means that in a backbend, your legs and arms will be more tired than they’re supposed to be.

In serious cases, your core region can feel pain after doing a workout due to the lack of support from your back. Simple full body exercises feel more difficult because your abs are supporting you without the help of your back muscles.

(Also read: 7 Best Yoga Moves To Strengthen Your Core)

What you can do

Don’t fret, because it’s easy to protect your spine. Take precaution when you’re lifting heavy objects by squatting down to lift instead of bending over. When you’re turning or twisting, don’t make sudden or big movements that might cause strains in your neck or back.

To make things easier when you’re working out, try focusing on back strengthening exercises. Having more muscles will help to stabilise your body and reduce the risk of getting injured. Remember to work both the upper back and lower back to strengthen your back equally.

(Also read: Kelsey Well’s 20-Minute Home Workout to Build Lean Muscles All Over)