Pilates: 3 Exercises to prevent back aches
updated the 6 October 2015 à 22:53
To prevent back pain and contractures, Pilates postures can be practiced to tone the back and form muscle depth.
WHAT IS PILATES?
Created by Joseph Pilates, the eponymous practice is a gentle exercise which is based on the idea that our overall health depends largely on our spine. One just has to see how a simple backache impacts our entire body (and makes us take a serious look at old age) to understand that Mr. Pilates was right. Coach Thierry Bredel, author of The Training Female (Ed. Thierry Souccar), proposes three movements to practise with the contracted perineum, and ‘sucking’ the navel towards the spine for maximum protection of the lower back.
THE SWISS BALL, THE FITNESS TOOL FOR A FRAGILE LOWER BACK
To avoid the risk of getting injured, use a Swiss Ball. Lay it under the abdomen, with arms by the side of the body and legs straightened, keeping a bit of shoulder width with your feet placed firmly to the ground. It provides relief by bringing the arms outstretched, forward and bringing them back. This releases the glutes to increase the contraction of the deep back muscles.
Scroll through the gallery for 3 postures you can incorporate into your next workout for strengthening the back.
Isabelle Soing and Nur Syazana H.
READ MORE:
On Your Feet: How long do you need to stand to be healthier?
