Improve Your Back Health With Pilates
Posted by Ian Kullhem on Sep 30, 2013Back pain is a condition that will affect a majority of Americans at some point in their life. According to research studies, this number may be as high as 80% (Andersson 1999). For some people, back pain is only a mild annoyance, but for others the pain can become chronic or even debilitating. In fact, back pain is the most common type of disability worldwide according to the Global Burden of Disease Study conducted in 2010. This condition can affect people of all ages, but it more prevalent in adults and working individuals. It’s estimated that Americans spend up to $50 billion a year on treating back pain.
Most causes of back pain are mechanical in nature; meaning that they are caused by things like improper lifting, sudden weight bearing, sports injuries, etc. These types of injuries are more likely in individuals who lack regular exercise and do not maintain a healthy weight and diet. To help overcome back pain or to prevent back pain injures altogether, it is important to strengthen back muscles and increase ones overall flexibility. It is also essential to focus on building strong core muscles as these assist in supporting the spine and improving overall posture.
Pilates is a workout system that has rapidly gained popularity for strengthening core muscles and helping reduce back pain. It is also popular among athletes for and individuals seeking injury rehabilitation. One of the reasons that Pilates is effective in treating and reducing back pain is because it helps stabilize the lumbopelvic system, which includes the diaphragm, internal obliques and pelvic-floor muscles. It also focusses on strengthening the deep abdominal muscles. Pilate’s workouts are also effective at increasing flexibility and they focus on various planes of motion.
A growing number of physical therapists and doctors are recommending Pilates to patients. If you are recovering from a back injury, it is important to speak with your doctor before starting Pilates or any other workout program. Combining Pilates and physical therapy can be a great way to ensure the strength and flexibility necessary to overcome a back injury. For those who are considering Pilates for physical therapy, it’s helpful to ask your physical therapists to recommend specific exercises to incorporate in your workout.
Whether you are interested in managing or preventing back pain, Pilates can help you achieve your goal. At Pilates in the Pines, we recommend doing Pilates two to three times a week in order to see the maximum benefits. We offer a full menu of authentic Pilates training and are able to work with any skill level from beginner to advance. Our highly trained staff will work with you closely to ensure that you are able to reach your fitness objectives.
Pilates in the Pines is located in The Village at Castle Pines, east of the intersection of US 85 (Santa Fe Drive) and Happy Canyon Road just north of Castle Rock in Douglas county. Complete information about the studio, its location, and its classes is available on our web site, www.pilatesinthepines.com. We hope to see you soon as you start on your path toward a healthier, stronger you.