Aching back since Dc3, which exercise?

[hmmSleep]

Looking for some advice, Dc3 is nearly 6 months old and my back seems to be getting worse. I think due to a combination of pregnancy and now all the lifting, sitting awkwardly in bed to bf, pushing 2 dcs around in the double buggy etc.

Can anybody suggest which exercise might help? Was thinking yoga perhaps? Must admit I'm not really a fan of exercise, running around after 3 dcs keeps me reasonably fit, but means I'm totally clueless .

Thanks!

pilates

Can I ask what the difference is between pilates and yoga? I have tried yoga a couple of times in the past but have no experience of pilates.

I would say yoga.

Have recently gone back to an Ivengar Yoga class and it is great. My middle back sometimes plays up and it is great for that. I always feel as if I have been stretched out a rack when I get home from class.

I'm not very keen on pilates but I think that too is very good for your back and core.

I would say that both pilates and yoga will strengthen your core muscles and it is these that need to be strong to support your back. I have done both (ieyengar yoga - really loved it) wasn't so struck on pilates but the teacher really advocated it for back issues. May also be worth getting checked over by a chiropractor. hth

I'm afraid it's probably a matter of trial and error. My back played up when I had DS1 16 years ago, mainly lower back pain. I was later diagnosed with scoliosis after I finally got it checked out 3 years and another baby later, when it developed into pain down my left side - neck, shoulder, hip.

After going through blocks of various forms of exercise (physiotherapy, yoga, pilates and good old gym sessions), I'm now convinced that if I'd just joined a gym in the first place and explained precisely what my back problems were i'd have saved myself a lot of pain and debilitation.

It's a personal thing, but I think the simplest approach is often the best, so it's worth a try.

I find yoga too 'twisty' and easy to perform in correctly; teachers don't always see what you're doing is wrong or even bother to correct it. Same with Pilates - aggravated my back and the instructor didn't seem bothered.

Whereas some of the exercised on the weights machines bring almost instant relief, and it's hard to perform them wrongly as long as you think about correct posture.

Thank you for all the replies. Think I'm going to see what's available locally as it may be a case of which fits in best with child care. May well be the local gym as then I wouldn't be restricted to class times, so interesting to hear your view wwwy.