What are some safe and pain-free exercises for someone with spondylolisthesis?

Lots!: Just about any exercise is potentially okay. Use common sense. If a given exercise is uncomfortable, decide if it is mild discomfort from doing something new, or something that you will pay for later. People with painful joints and back problems ofter can do exercises in water, so look into water aerobics, swimming, water walking (but obviously you need pool access).

All: All are safe to perform but some may aggravate symptoms and may need to be modified or avoided if too painful. Most exercise programs for people with this condition aim at core strengthening, flexibility and cardiovascular routines. Generally, if weight lifting, squats and deadlifts should be avoided. Bench workouts with lower loads and higher repetitions should be employed.