Children’s Backpain

Pilates for Beginners: 5 Facts about the Holistic Fitness Approach

  • If you currently are not experiencing any non-specific lower back pain, you might prefer to join Envigour Pilates’ ‘healthy back’ class. This is the perfect option for anyone who would like to build and maintain the mobility and strength necessary for ongoing back health.

Pilates is a holistic fitness system, meaning that it works with mind and body rather than simply targeting a single area of physique. If you are new to Pilates, you will discover the toning, muscle-loosening and other benefits of sustained Pilates practice. Here are 5 facts about Pilates that will clarify its uses and benefits:

  1. Pilates helps to develop your core

The core is the complex system of muscles beneath the exterior, superficial muscles that are usually the target of gym training. The core acts as a stabilizing and force transfer centre rather than being the generating source of movement (unlike the arms and legs) so it helps to absorb shocks and keep the muscles of the body working seamlessly in support of each movement. Developing your core is important for several reasons:

  • It promotes good posture
  • A stronger core lowers your risk of physical injury
  • A stronger core allows more efficient movement
  1. Pilates enhances flexibility

Like yoga, Pilates makes use of sequences of exercises which work different muscle groups. Because stretching is a pivotal component of Pilates exercises, the system helps to promote flexibility, keeping you suppler.

  1. Pilates eases back pain

Back pain is most commonly linked to poor posture and weak core strength. Pilates uses tested exercises to build core and back strength, redistributing the way you carry your weight. Besides alleviating pain, the system helps to build a healthy back that will stand you in good stead for life.

  1. Pilates assists mental relaxation

Besides the numerous physical benefits of Pilates, it also offer mental health benefits. The focused movements performed in a Pilates session still anxiety and help you to relax fully. You can also tailor your regimen to perform only the gentler, most relaxing exercises if necessary.

  1. Pilates develops long, lean muscle

Some exercise approaches that use high repetition and burst movements develop shorter muscles that are easily injured. This is not the case with Pilates. The fitness system develops long, lean muscles. This makes the musculature of the body more flexible and efficient at supporting physical activity. If you’re ready to schedule your first Pilates class, call Belinda today.

 

 

Back Pain and Children: How to Ensure your Child a Back for Life

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Over 80% of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. But children are also prone to developing back pain. Children who regularly experience lower back pain can grow into adults who experience ongoing, chronic pain. It’s thus important to take the necessary steps to strengthen and support your child’s spinal system while they are young.

3 major causes of back pain in children

There are at least three major causes of back pain in children, all of which can be avoided or at least minimized with supportive care:

1. Carrying heavy weights

Make sure your child doesn’t carry an especially heavy bag to and from school. If there is sport or other equipment needed during the day, rather drop it off yourself. Many younger children and toddlers who are discovering increased mobility and control of their bodies for the first time are inclined to pick up heavy objects and carry them around. Try to avoid this and switch with less potentially damaging playthings while they are distracted.

2. Lack of exercise

It’s crucial that children are able to move and use their bodies as they develop, strengthening their cores and other muscle groups. A strong core is essential for good posture. Making sure that your child gets to play on jungle gyms and other age-appropriate physical equipment will help to create a stronger, healthier back.

3. Poor posture

A strong core does go a long way to improving posture, but other aspects can affect posture such as alignment of the spine as well as movement habits. If your child tends to slouch at the table or adopts another pose that could be doing harm, gently persuade them to sit up straight. If necessary, send your child to a movement therapist who can help to foster the correct posture that will keep the back strong and properly aligned and supported.

Back pain can be alleviated and sometimes completely eliminated with the help of supportive treatment. Even so, it is better to never develop chronic back pain at all. Be aware of the signs of back pain and act if your children are showing any. If any combination of the three common causes above are to blame, take action. Consult your paediatrician if you are concerned there could be something more serious underlying any pain your child reports.