Beat back pain – 4 ways Pilates can help
With over 3.7 million Australians suffering from back pain, we understand how frustrating and life-limiting it can be. The good news is that Pilates can help with alleviating the pain and preventing injury. Here’s how…
1. Strengthens core muscles
If you’re a Pilates convert, you’ll already be familiar with your ‘core’. If you’re still new to the discipline, the term refers to a group of muscles – specifically, your abdominal muscles, and back muscles – which create a shaft of support around your spinal column and pelvis. These muscles play a pivotal role in just about every movement you make, from bending down to pick up your gym bag, sitting with a friend for coffee or going for a run. Pilates exercises strengthen these core muscles and in doing so, support and stabilise your spine, helping to alleviate unnecessary wear and tear, thereby reducing your chances of injury.
2. Improves alignment
Good posture isn’t just about standing tall, it’s about addressing the way each and every part of the body works together. And when these parts are misaligned, the vertebral column, which lies at the centre of the body takes huge strain. Correct postural alignment is essential to each Pilates exercise and ensures that of the corresponding muscles are strengthened at the same pace and in the same way, so that no uneven strain is placed on any part of the body.
3. Increases overall muscular strength
Joseph Pilates once said: “You are only as young as your spine is flexible.” And he definitely knew what he was talking about! Pilates exercises will help to strengthen your muscles. As your core becomes stronger the various sets of muscles learn to work in combination to create a protective column around the spine, increasing its ability to safely bend and move in all directions.
4. Creates awareness
If there’s one thing Pilates does exceptionally well, aside from strengthening your core muscles, improving your alignment and increasing your flexibility, it’s to make you aware of your body and the way in which the different parts work together. This insight enables you to focus on your movements and make adjustments when your alignment is off.
Before you get started…
It’s always a good idea to chat to your GP or specialist before starting any new exercise program, and even more so if you suffer from back pain or any other health condition. It’s also important to let your instructor know about your condition and any exercises you need to avoid during your class.
What makes Elixr Pilates unique?
Elixr Pilates builds strength by promoting safe, effective exercises that help prevent injury. It is informed by the classical training of Joseph Pilates, the science-based findings of Dr Stuart McGill and the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and Functional Movement Screen (FMS).
You’ll find our full range of Pilates classes on our online timetable.
