Reduce Back Pain with Pilates!

Do you suffer from chronic back pain? Are you afraid to see s specialist because you don’t want to just pop a few pills every time there’s a problem? Have you tried other exercises, but the pain just keeps coming back? Well, Pilates might just be the answer to your problems.

Pilates is an exercise program based on improving the core muscles; however it stresses movements instead of holding positions. By staying in poses and moving your arms around requires you to work your stabilizing muscles. This gives you a full body workout while paying particular attention to your abs and lower back. Pilates is not only a fantastic way to get in shape; it can help stretch and strengthen key muscles which will allow you to function with less back pain.

A majority of back pain is caused by improper posture. Sitting incorrectly at a desk all day can put undue stress on our backs, causing pain. Pilates is a great way to promote proper posture. Not only do all the exercises require correct posture and align the spine when done correctly, but the also help you maintain that posture even when you’re not working out. Pilates strengthens the “core” muscles of the abdomen and back that support your body and keep it in a proper position. When these muscles are toned, you’re more likely to maintain a good posture and reduce the amount of back pain you experience.

Along with promoting good posture, Pilates also helps work the muscles and improve flexibility. If your back pain is due to a muscle injury, improved flexibility can relieve some pain you may experience. Even more so, it can prevent you from injuring the area in the future. Simply by working the muscle, you will improve blood flow to the muscle and relieve even more pain.

If you are looking for relief from minor back pain, you can find appropriate exercises from a book or video tape to help. If you are suffering from more severe pain, you should consider taking a class, getting a private lesson from a personal trainer, or using Pilates machines. By having help, you will be sure you’re performing the exercises correctly and getting maximum benefit from them. If you have a personal trainer, you will know that the exercises you’re performing are designed to help with your specific problems.

While Pilates can be helpful for relieving back pain for many people, you should talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.

Make it a great day!

Chris Walker is the founder of Chris Walker's Fitness located in Kitchener, Ontario. Chris manages several certified trainers, (CFT) within his organization and actively works with medical doctors and health care professionals in helping their patients to reduce bodyfat restore musculoskeletal strength and gain control over their blood sugar readings, good and bad blood fats and blood pressure readings, among other critical fitness issues. Chris has helped people to get in shape for their wedding day as well as people battling severe obesity. Chris likes to focus on functional training and likes to incorporate his martial arts background into his programs. Chris is a firm believer of a strong mind and guarantees results for those who don't mind a little hard work. Chris is a member of International Sports Sciences Association, (ISSA) and Canfitpro Organization. Chris has made media appearances on Global Television, Rogers Daytime, The Record News Paper and is a published author of many health and fitness related articles and books.