You are here:

Strength Training/Back strengthening excercise

Advertisement

Expert: Lynda Lippin - 5/31/2006


Question
Hi Lynda,

First of all, I've been doing The Firm for about 4 weeks, the abs portion is SO hard for me I generally don't complete all of it.  Since I'm getting to 50, the small of my back hurts a lot these days.  I'd like to stengthen it in the next 4-5 weeks because I'm going on a trip that requires a LOT of walking every day.  What would you recommend?  I've tried Pilates and since I'm a whimp when it comes to core excercises, I stopped (that's why I started the Firm).  Would Pilates be better for me at my age?  Any DVD recommendations?  

Thanks!

Amy

Answer
Dear Amy,

Thanks so much for your question!

First, being close to 50 has nothing whatsoever to do with your lower back pain.  Back pain is not a natural effect of the aging process!

Have you discussed your back pain with your physician?  It's important to be sure that your back is just tired from bad posture and weak core, and that nothing else is happening.  S/he can then clear you to exercise.

Now, does your back hurt while you are exercising, specifically when doing abs/core work?  Or is it just that your abs hurt from the exercises?

If the abs portion of a workout is hard for you that's probably because you need it.  Changing the abs program will not help here because in the end it will still be hard and you will get frustrated and stop.

So my first suggestion to you with 5 weeks before vacation is to sign up for a series of Pilates classes or bodysculpt with abs classes at a gym or Pilates studio and prepay for the series so you feel compelled to go.  

My second suggestion is to continue with the DVDs you have and actually do the core portion!  It is hard, but you will get stronger and it will get better.

Regards,

Lynda
http://www.balancenter.net

Strength Training

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Lynda Lippin

Expertise

After 18 years of experience as a Pilates teacher and personal trainer I can answer any questions relating to Pilates and strength & flexibility training. I am knowledgeable about exercise and sports and am a certified Pilates for Golf instructor. Finally, I have years of experience working with clients who have back/neck pain, disc injuries, stenosis, rotator cuff injury, osteoporosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, Parkinson`s, MS, fibromyalgia, CFS, RSD, osteo & rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, hernia, spinal cord injury, exercise after mastectomy and abdominal surgeries, pregnancy, joint replacements, and spine surgeries. Visit my website: http://www.pilatesandreiki.com Purchase MP3s of my Pilates Exercise Classes: http://stores.lulu.com/pilatestci Read my blog: http://www.pilatesandreikiinparadise.com

Experience

I have been teaching Pilates since 1989 (back when there was no Pilates certification) and was certified by the PhysicalMind Institute in 1993. I became an ACEŽ certified personal trainer in 2000, the same year I was accepted as a Certifying Pilates Teacher for PhysicalMind. In both of my former Pilates studios in the states, Body Precision and balanCenter Pilates, I worked with Physical Therapists, chiropractors, and physicians to help their patients regain functional strength and mobility faster after and during illness and injury.


Organizations
American Council on Exercise, PhysicalMind Institute, Pilates Method Alliance


Publications
PhillyFIT Magazine, JerseyFIT Magazine, PhysicalMind Forum, Main Line Life, Personal Fitness Professional


Education/Credentials
1988-1995 Graduate School for PhD in Philosophy
1993 Pilates Teacher Certification
2000 Pilates Teacher Training Certification
2000 ACE Personal Trainer Certification & joined ACE faculty
2003 Pilates for Golf certification
2004 Pilates for Gait Training, Pilates for Osteoporosis, Nutrition

Awards and Honors
Winner Best Pilates Bargain 2002 from Main Line Today Magazine; Best of Philly 2003 Pilates Studio from Philadelphia magazine; business chosen to be profiled on Idea Cafe, the top small website website; profiled also in Stephanie Chandler's new book The Small Business Planning and Information Guide; member of Philadelphia Mayor's Council on Health and Fitness

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.