Pilates is an exercise developed by Joseph H. Pilates. It is a very popular exercise in the United States and many dancers, gymnasts and even Hollywood celebrities swear by it. One reason as to why it is very well known is that it has the potential to relieve one of the most common pains the average American suffers from: back pain.
Many people are skeptical about Pilates’ ability to relieve back pain. That is fairly understandable especially if you have already tried your hand on other treatments in vain. When in the presence of back pain, the majority of us would just pop a pain pill and hope it goes away. But the effects of this method are only short term and they can even lead to worse pain in the long run. Some would even choose to put their back pains in the hands of a massage therapist in Kankakee County, a Bourbonnais massage therapist or even an acupuncturist in Bradley, Illinois. If you are looking for long-term relief from your back pain, then you should try out Pilates.
Pilates can definitely help relieve your back pain because it focuses on developing and increasing your strength. Those who practice Pilates are successful because Pilates is very simple to do and it won’t take any more than 10 minutes of your time.
As Pilates increases your strength and makes your stronger, your tolerance for pain would increase and be stronger as well. Your flexibility will also be increased and your posture would be greatly improved. These would significantly decrease the chances you have for getting even more back pain.
The following are some Pilates exercises known for relieving back pain:
ROLL-UP
This exercise is intended to stretch out your muscles in your lower back. The process calls for you to lie down on top of a Pilates mat—or any exercise mat you are comfortable with. Keep your back flat against the mat with your arms straight at your sides and your legs straight. Raise your arms to the point where they would be parallel to the wall behind you. Begin to lift your head of the matt, followed by your neck and then your torso. You should do this in one fluid movement. Once in a seated position, stop and roll back down to the mat.
TWIST
This exercise aims to make your back more flexible and supple. The process calls for you to sit up with your legs out in front of you and slowly separate them until they form a 90 degree angle where they meet your body. Lift your arms to the point where they would be parallel to the floor, then reach them out to your sides. You should sit tall with your spine straight. Turn your entire torso to the right until it is no longer comfortable and return to your starting position. After that, do the same for the other side.
SAW
This exercise aids in your strength and balance. The process calls for you to sit up as you would do in the twist exercise. As you twist to the right, you should bend forward at your waist until your left arm is able to touch your left foot in a sort of chopping motion. Return to your starting position and do the same for the other side.