If you are suffering lower back pain in Byron Bay, you may be seeing a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor that are giving you a range of exercises. Pilates mat classes with Move to Nurture will help you develop new movement patterns and get all those good exercises into your life. Here’s why:

1 Pilates mat exercises target deep muscles in the torso that stabilise the pelvis. Stronger deep abdominal muscles reduce the strain on the lower spine from everyday activities like walking, lifting and twisting. Activating deep abdominals without bracing or gripping is central to all Move to Nurture classes.

2 Pilates mat exercises work on lengthening and balancing muscles in the legs. If there is an imbalance in the legs for example very tight hamstrings at the back of the legs, this can pull the pelvis out of alignment and put more strain into the lower back. Rebalancing the legs helps to reposition the pelvis and supports alignment of your spine. Move to Nurture classes work strength and length of muscles in the legs, as they are keys to spine health.

3 Pilates mat exercises are integrated with breathing. Tension in the mid –back can be released as the diaphragm is activated. Conscious breathing helps to mobilise the ribcage and release tension around the spine. Move to Nurture classes have a strong focus on breathing.

4 Pilates mat exercises work on stabilising the hips while the legs are moving. This movement pattern protects the position of the pelvis and the lumbar spine. This is a fundamental concept that is taught in all Move to Nurture classes.

5 Pilates mat exercises offer a range of movements that help to decompress the spine, encouraging length and space between the vertebras. Move to Nurture classes will give you a choice of exercises, that are safe for common lower back complaints and will give you all the benefits of Pilates.

6 Group classes hook you up with a community that are learning the same things. The group gives you access to more information because different people ask different questions. A group can also keep you accountable to your commitment and motivate you if you don’t feel like exercising.

Call Brigid at Move to Nurture now to discuss your lower back pain and what a Move to Nurture Pilates mat class can do for you. And feel free to comment below if movement helps to reduce your pain.

Brigid Pearse is a Pilates and Movement teacher in Byron Bay and Ballina. ‘My passion is to help people reduce their pain through movement.‘