As we age, our bones and muscles tend to lose mass and strength. This is particularly true for the back, which can be susceptible to pain and injury. There are many ways to help keep your back healthy as you get older, Pilates is one of the best exercises you can do.

Here’s why.  Pilates helps back pain in 3 ways; flexibility, posture, and strength. All three are essential for keeping your back healthy.  Pilates is a safe and effective way to protect your back while working out.  Let’s take a further look into how Pilates helps in these three ways for back health.

1. Flexibility

Joseph Pilates said “You’re only as young as your spine is flexible”.  Losing mobility is common as we age.  Waking up in the morning may come with stiffness.  Going to bed in the evening may come with aches and fatigue.  Pilates can help combat this natural part of aging. 

Pilates focuses on stretching while you strengthen.  Some traditional weight training only focuses on building muscle.  While stretching after such a workout is encouraged, many people skip it.  Either they don’t see the value in stretching or feel short on time.  Pilates increases flexibility throughout your workout, making it effective and efficient.  

Spinal flexibility is especially emphasized in Pilates.  Experienced Pilates instructors create well balanced workouts.  This will include movements to increase spinal flexion, extension and rotation.   Exercises that open the lower and upper extremities can also improve spinal mobility. 

2. Posture

Spinal flexibility is key to healthy posture.  A good range of movement in the spine helps maintain pain free posture.  As you increase flexibility, posture improves. Core and upper extremity strength improves posture, but doing so with correct form is crucial. 

Pilates values alignment and healthy movement patterns.  Work on the reformer and konnector help put you into the correct postural alignment.  Pilates instructors make sure each exercise is done with your best postural ability.  It’s better to execute a few well positioned movements, then several reps with poor form.  In this video, Dr. Karyn Staples, reviews what healthy posture is and how to find it within your own body.

3. Strength

Tying all three together is strength.  Strength gives endurance to complete all your tasks with energy and stamina.  Pilates focuses on developing core muscles as the foundation for all Pilates exercises. 

Strong and balanced core muscles support the spine and back.  It helps you maintain healthy posture.  Pilates works all core muscles.  This includes the outer rectus abdominis, deep lower transverse abdominis and side obliques.   Further, you’ll strengthen back extensors, pelvic floor muscles, hips, shoulders and chest. Like with flexibility, these secondary areas create balanced strength and help prevent back pain.  

If you’re looking to improve your back pain, Pilates is a great option. Not only does it help with flexibility and posture, but it also builds strength. Try Pilates to see if it can help with your back pain.  Call ProHealth Pilates in Peachtree City today.  We offer private sessions and classes for all levels of experience.  Our instructors are experienced in helping people with back pain find relief.