AIBU to think I can mend my back with pilates videos?

[AllProperTeaIsTheft]

I've never tried pilates (more into yoga), but I've had some back problems lately and I think it might be partly due to poor posture. I've been to the physio, and it's getting better, but I want to strengthen my back and prevent any further issues. Everyone says pilates is the thing for this kind of problem.

I've heard it's quite tricky to 'get' how to do the movements in pilates properly as a beginner. I'd love to go to a class, but there aren't any that I can get to locally. So AIBU to try and do it at home, or is it doable? If so, I'd be very grateful for any YouTube recommendations!

there are some nhs videos, google Pilates for chronic back pain, comes up on nhs.uk website, about 30 minutes long, makes a good start 👍

Has your physio given you any exercises? Physio exercises often seem have crossover into pilates.

Which part of you back is it? You might also want to consider strengthening your core, as it's your core muscles that do a lot of work to support your back when they're working properly. Most people have weak cores (particularly deep core) due to sitting too much and poor posture.

However, if you are into yoga, why not find a more challenging class and do that? The right yoga can be very effective at strengthening core and back muscles, and you'll have the benefit of a solid grounding to prevent injury

I would consider physio led Pilates classes if there are any near you. Pilates is all about form which is difficult at the beginning as you are all seized up. You could also make your back worse when your core is weak as a beginner as your back will try and compensate,

I can thoroughly recommend Pilates by Georgia. She's based in Surrey but has so many on demand classes and live streams a few times a week too. She's a qualified and practising Physiotherapist and Pilates teacher, if you send her an email with what you need to work on she'll put together a personalised lesson plan for you. She's put my diastasis recti back together after 2 big babies and I'm about to ask for a new plan after recovering from a slipped disc (which I probably would have avoided if I'd actually kept up with pilates!)

https://www.pbgpilates.com/

I seriously damaged my back in a car accident many years ago. I have since had several operations & physio to shore it up. My GP suggested Pilates so I asked the physio who I was seeing at the time about it. The physio said that with my back injury Pilates would be the worst thing. I suggest you consult a physio before undertaking any new form of exercise.

I have prolapsed lumber discs and reformer Pilates has alleviated the majority of my symptoms. I would stress to at least do some in person classes before trying at home so you can ensure your form is correct

Ok, mixed views, but thanks everyone! My back issue is fairly minor, I think. I twinged it by doing basically nothing (turning to walk through a door ) and I think I made it more painful by a) tensing and b) standing too much at work (I'm a teacher). It's on the mend. When I do the stretches regularly and sit well and don't stand for long, it's actually fine for quite long periods. But I want to help it get totally better and keep it that way.

Today the physio got me to do one exercise which she said was pilates based. She helped me find my deep core muscles and said I was doing it right. She said pilates would be good for me. She did say yoga is more stretchy and pilates more strengthy. But actually there's plenty of yoga for strength, so maybe I could stick to that.

I'd like to try pilates though, and will check out your recommendations. I like the sound of Pilates by Georgia.