Oh My Aching Back, part III

I think (hope) this will be the last installment in this series, although I will be doing some heavy gardening this weekend:)

I drove to Ann Arbor, MI this past weekend to visit some friends.  Four and a half hours later we disembark. Amazingly, my back isn't as stiff or as sore as it would have been in the past.  During the drive I shifted in the seat frequently, I did a number of pelvic tilts/pelvic clocks, and I tried to maintain pelvic neutral when just sitting.  Car seats, as you know, are not made for the pelvic neutral position.

I think the pelvic neutral work helped me the most and my muscles did not fatigue!  I owe this fact to the pilates I get to do every week for a minimum of three sessions.  Pilates has contributed to my body awareness and the endurance of my core muscles.  Allison blogged about Pilates and car rides on November 20, 2012 so check her post for more details.

Bottom line:  Pilates works when practiced frequently.  Come join me at the studio and experience it for yourself!!

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Oh My Aching Back.

It's yard clean up and EarthBox planting time at my house.  This means multiple squats, frequent toe stretches in the kneeling position, raking and sweeping, pulling up the insidious Maple tree sprouts, and of course, lifting heavy bags of garden and tree debris!  I try to lift with my legs when moving pieces of the Earth but sometimes the bag is awkward so more of my back gets utilized than I desire.

But of course, (read with a French accent) the strength I've gained with the multiple sessions of pilates has saved my back more than once!  The imaginary corset is activated subconsciously now but it's taken a significant time commitment to get my core muscles to respond appropriately.

Pay attention to how your warm month activities are enhanced by having a stronger body.  Or, if you're not there yet physically, join me at the studio.  I'm certain Pilates will save your back!

P.S.  Thank goodness I don't have to use this plow!