pilates and back pain

calendria · 03-28-15, 03:21 PM

I tried a fitness blender workout for the legs, and it really hurt my lower back.

am I doing something wrong? any movement where my legs were up while i'm on my back killed my back.

did I do something wrong? or should I just avoid pilates?

toaster · 03-28-15, 04:07 PM

I don't think this is an easy question to answer. If you aren't experienced in Pilates, then yes, it IS very possible that your form was incorrect. I would certainly avoid any moves that are causing you pain! That doesn't necessarily mean avoiding Pilates altogether--you could try a routine that is designed for beginners and is specifically focused on teaching the moves/good form. For many people, Pilates is actually helpful with back pain, but no workout is going to be beneficial if you experience strain while doing it.

Jane P. · 03-28-15, 04:35 PM

You can easily get back pain from lower ab and leg work if you abs aren't strong enough yet. You need modify to easier moves and gradually work up to harder ones, and really practice imprinting your spine on the ground when lying on your back and moving your legs.

Gancho Girl · 03-28-15, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toaster

I don't think this is an easy question to answer. If you aren't experienced in Pilates, then yes, it IS very possible that your form was incorrect. I would certainly avoid any moves that are causing you pain! That doesn't necessarily mean avoiding Pilates altogether--you could try a routine that is designed for beginners and is specifically focused on teaching the moves/good form. For many people, Pilates is actually helpful with back pain, but no workout is going to be beneficial if you experience strain while doing it.

What Beth said! Pilates done well is fantastic for back pain (there's even a new study out that shows it - http://life.gaiam.com/article/study-...ther-therapies ) but you have to know what you're doing. Having no idea what exercises you were doing, if your legs were up in the air, then I can easily think of half a dozen different things that cause back pain if you aren't doing the exercise correctly.

Being fit doesn't mean you're Pilates fit. You always need to start off with learning basic technique to prevent injury and pain.

calendria · 03-28-15, 06:13 PM

thank you. any recommendations for a super beginner pilates dvd?

I also suffer from chronic back pain

luvcritters · 03-28-15, 07:23 PM

Mari Winsor's Beginner's Pilates or Pilates for Beginners

has excellent form tips.

I've had back pain for many years with some pretty serious stuff going on. I can't prove it but if I didn't do Pilates I'm sure I'd be bedridden by now. Work within your limits. The only person to compare yourself to is you.

Gancho Girl · 03-28-15, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calendria

thank you. any recommendations for a super beginner pilates dvd?

I also suffer from chronic back pain

The last line instantly made me want to recommend you start with in-person classes, either privates or group.

Pilates is fantastic for back pain, but you really need to work with someone who can see what your body needs. I did Pilates DVDs for years (beginner and intermediate) and never got any of it actually to work until I had in-person lessons.

calendria · 03-28-15, 11:44 PM

thank you. I will look and see if theres any in person classes I can take. or for someone to help me make adaptations. any position where my legs are up and my back is flat kills my lower back

but barre doesn't bother it one bit

go figure

Gancho Girl · 03-29-15, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calendria

thank you. I will look and see if theres any in person classes I can take. or for someone to help me make adaptations. any position where my legs are up and my back is flat kills my lower back

but barre doesn't bother it one bit

go figure

Are you maintaining a natural curve in your lower back (lumbar spine)?? "Back is flat" makes me think you aren't - keeping the neutral spine can make a big difference.

Pat58 · 03-29-15, 09:35 AM

If you can get your hands on Stott Pilates "Secret to Flat Abs" it is an excellent tutorial on the basics of how to use the transverse abdominus, how to perform the very basics of breathing, pelvic contraction, positioning the spine, etc. It is BORING and dry and clinical, but it won't hurt you. Check at your library, they may have it.

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03-28-15, 03:21 PM
calendria Join Date: Jun 2005	pilates and back pain I tried a fitness blender workout for the legs, and it really hurt my lower back. am I doing something wrong? any movement where my legs were up while i'm on my back killed my back. did I do something wrong? or should I just avoid pilates?

03-28-15, 04:07 PM
toaster Exchange Moderator Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Western NY	I don't think this is an easy question to answer. If you aren't experienced in Pilates, then yes, it IS very possible that your form was incorrect. I would certainly avoid any moves that are causing you pain! That doesn't necessarily mean avoiding Pilates altogether--you could try a routine that is designed for beginners and is specifically focused on teaching the moves/good form. For many people, Pilates is actually helpful with back pain, but no workout is going to be beneficial if you experience strain while doing it. __________________ Beth aka Toaster (she/her) *Follow me @YogiBethC* YouTube\|Instagram\|Facebook And yes, I am Reviewer Dr. Beth on Amazon.

03-28-15, 04:35 PM
Jane P. VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Colorado Springs	You can easily get back pain from lower ab and leg work if you abs aren't strong enough yet. You need modify to easier moves and gradually work up to harder ones, and really practice imprinting your spine on the ground when lying on your back and moving your legs. __________________ "The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." Leo Tolstoy

03-28-15, 06:13 PM
calendria Join Date: Jun 2005	thank you. any recommendations for a super beginner pilates dvd? I also suffer from chronic back pain

03-28-15, 07:23 PM
luvcritters VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001	Mari Winsor's Beginner's Pilates or Pilates for Beginners has excellent form tips. I've had back pain for many years with some pretty serious stuff going on. I can't prove it but if I didn't do Pilates I'm sure I'd be bedridden by now. Work within your limits. The only person to compare yourself to is you. __________________ Linda Trust no one. - X-Files, and me. Comfort food only provides comfort while it's in your mouth. - Me

03-28-15, 11:44 PM
calendria Join Date: Jun 2005	thank you. I will look and see if theres any in person classes I can take. or for someone to help me make adaptations. any position where my legs are up and my back is flat kills my lower back but barre doesn't bother it one bit go figure

03-29-15, 09:35 AM
Pat58 VF Supporter Join Date: May 2002 Location: Connecticut	If you can get your hands on Stott Pilates "Secret to Flat Abs" it is an excellent tutorial on the basics of how to use the transverse abdominus, how to perform the very basics of breathing, pelvic contraction, positioning the spine, etc. It is BORING and dry and clinical, but it won't hurt you. Check at your library, they may have it.