Reduce Back Pain With Pilates

by: Pascale Vandenbroucke

If you’re a mom, there’s a good chance that you are no stranger to back pain. As much as you love your baby, lifting the little bundle of joy inevitably puts damaging strain on the muscles in your upper and lower back. Other daily responsibilities, like doing laundry, taking out the garbage, and commuting, may also contribute to injury. Since it’s impossible for you to avoid all activities that cause your painful tension, there is a fitness method, found both in local gyms and through online fitness videos, which can help alleviate back pain. Gaining popularity each year and considered one of the safest forms of exercise, Pilates has the potential to reduce your back pain while improving muscle tone, strength, and flexibility.

Pilates is exercise intended to condition and strengthen your core, specifically muscles in the lower abdomen, back, and pelvis. In most Pilates programs, you will use your own body weight for resistance, rather than using external weights. Some Pilates may be done on a mat, others using a ball. Whatever type of Pilates program you choose, doing Pilates should vastly improve your core muscles, which will, in turn, improve your spinal support. Because Pilates also emphasizes correct posture while exercising, it may also help prevent further back pain as you become more aware of the way you sit, stand, and move your body.

Of course, before beginning any workout routine, it’s essential to consult your doctor. Choose a reputable gym program or online workouts. If you use a gym, make sure your instructor is qualified. If you choose to use online fitness videos, look for a provider who offers a variety of options by skilled instructors. One advantage of doing Pilates via online workouts is that you may have more selection and many offer the option to download exercise videos to your computer. Many companies who offer online workouts and online fitness videos provide a greater selection than a typical gym. Online workouts also come in a number of lengths, which can be particularly helpful for busy moms. When choosing online workouts or online fitness videos for Pilates, don’t hesitate to try various types. Pilates utilizing a ball or a mat are both excellent choices for online fitness videos, as are Yoga-Pilates combinations. Online workouts also let you strengthen your core in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

In addition to doing Pilates, take steps to protect your back. When picking up something – or someone, bend your knees. Whether sitting or standing, maintain proper posture. Finally, invest in a comfortable pair of quality shoes. Take care of your back, keeping it strong and relaxed. Make your health a priority, because you deserve to feel good. You are, after all, a mom.

About the Author

Pascale Vandenbroucke is the Creative Director of Workouts On Demand. They offer an exercise video download program with over 90 full-length workout videos ranging from pilates mat to yoga, cardio kickboxing to step aerobics, and toning to relaxation. Their extensive library of online workouts grow each week by adding new exercise videos to keep the content fresh.