I have had a "sensitve low back" for ages, and have always guarded it, plus within the last year I'd had a periformis injury, and had to stop exercise all together until it healed.
I started doing yoga ( classes) and although I felt stretched and it was good for my head, I still would get the pain down the leg, butt and sometimes my low back would still twinge.. I went back to the Rael Pilates System ( DVDs) and kept doing the intro one - system 7( first in the series) and then progressed to 17 ( again). For me that was more helpful than the yoga.. Still don't know why. I also did the 10 minute Pilates when I didn't have much time, but wanted to make sure I continued by 'strengthening ( core) regime.
After that, I progressed to very light weights like Ellen Barrett,then Tracie and from there back to Cathe, but still watching my back and stretching before and after. I then went on to Tonique, which I felt was more rigorous, but did not use heavy weights.. and after that I discovered Kettlebells, which I definitely feel has strengthed my whole back area.. However, I was scared stiff ( literally) to try it, and was sure I did NOT feel any unusal pulling pain in my back. Now I am alternating KBs with S90 and loving it - and life again.
You will get back that strength. Please be patient, and take it in small steps.. Your body should be your guide.
Hope this helps.
WC
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