Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide with up to 80% of adult’s experiencing low back pain during their lifetime. Most cases of low back pain are due to a multi-dimensional factors and very small percentage (1%) of patients will have serious pathology. While there is limited evidence to support individual risk factors as strong predictors of low back pain there is however evidence for the presence of muscle weakness and general deconditioning as one contributor. Subsequently exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective treatment approaches for low back pain. Pilates aims to increase the strength and control of the muscles around the spine and the pelvis. This helps improve and restore everyday movements, as well as reducing the load on your joints. Practising Pilates regularly helps to promote balance and improve posture.  It also increases body awareness, which plays a pivotal role in the prevention of injury and rehabilitation in low back pain....

Many people often ask me what the difference is between yoga and pilates and if there is point practising one if they already practice the other. What is yoga? Yoga is an ancient practice and can be traced back more than 5000 years to India. The word yoga means “to yoke”; a union of mind, body and spirit, making it a spiritual tradition. Yoga aims to purify the mind and body, and the Eight Limb Path practiced in some yoga traditions offers ethical principals to follow. By following this path, it is said one can transcend the ego and awaken the spirtual energy hidden within, revealing our highest capabilities. The physical practice of yoga poses (asanas) is what many people in the West are attracted to initially. The physical effects (toning, lengthening and strengthening of the body) and the feelings of well-being brought about by practising yoga is what can often be the start of a yogic journey… A journey within. What is Pilates? Pilates is a much newer practice in comparison to yoga....