Exercise classes for back pain and hip pain?

[hl575]

Hi all

I've got a very bad back in general and would like to find an exercise class that actually helps me to make it feel better! Additionally I have a hip that clicks repeatedly when I walk up the stairs - it has started to twinge now so I'd like to nip that in the bud as well.

Have been to GP etc and they gave me some exercises to try - but want some classes recommended by you lovely folk as I am rubbish at doing exercises on my own and always enjoy classes a lot more.

Any suggestions welcome! I have a PureGym near me but would be willing to join another gym if there are good classes there, or just any classes really (doesn't have to be with a gym).

I am relatively fit, can run a 5k etc. I'm early thirties.

The only classes I’d recommend are yoga or Pilates. I think anything too strenuous or weight bearing could make things worse.

I self-diagnosed tight hamstrings after suffering from a bad back and did 15mins yoga daily alongside doing couch to 5k. The yoga was absolutely miraculous (I focused on lower back and hamstrings).

You could try the Nuffield Joint Rehabilitation programme, see if you qualify.

Pilates would be my answer, it's amazing how what seems like relatively simple movements can do to help strengthen your core and stretch your muscles.

I'd also really recommend Pilates. It helped me with lower back pain a decade ago and continues to help enormously. Personally I feel it's more suitable in that context than yoga but I'm sure others will have different views.

Interesting! I'm suffering from the same, sympathies OP

Pilates! But not the crap they teach at chain gyms, find a proper studio or find a physiotherapy clinic who run classes and who will work with your specific medical needs. If you're in Portsmouth I can recommend an amazing place!

Seconding @devildeepbluesea to say that yoga and Pilates are both excellent for people with back issues. Ideally find a teacher and have a couple of one to ones to learn the moves.

Pilates! It’s fixed my foot pain, ankle pain, hip pain, back pain - everything!

Happy to PM you my teacher's details if you are in SE Cornwall.

The obvious one is pilates to strengthen your core but I find the best thing for me is weight exercises that strengthen my back like deadlifts or kettlebell swings.

You also have to be really dedicated to making sure you get in your stretch exercises daily for them really to have an impact.

Started going to yoga about 9 months ago and persuaded my husband to come too about 6 months ago. Our backs are much better for it. Husband had been planning to buy a new car with a back massage function but now doesn't need to! We've concluded that weekly yoga is a lot cheaper than a new car!

Another vote for Pilates, but also see a chiropractor. Get the source of the issues looked at

The best one really is going to be one you enjoy and so do. Personally, whilst I believe Pilates would be great, I find it so tedious I wouldn't stick to it. Strength training has made my body feel so much better cos it's strong, and I enjoy it.

So fascinating to read about what people actually enjoy. I really don't like most exercise classes, except Pilates, because what I like about it is the mental/visualisation objective of doing the exercise perfectly. I find an hour's Pilates class seems like 40 minutes, because I have to think quite actively about every muscle and what it should be doing. I'm too old to enjoy hammering my joints at 67, and physically too stupid to learn new routines quickly.