Exercise to sort out useless back - pilates?

[tigana]

I just want to be able to bend down more than 5 times a day without turning into parody of little old lady every tiem I stand up
("ooooph, my baaack" )

Pilates is the one that strengthens the band of muscle around waist isn't it, and therefore helps those with useless backs?

Anyone recommend any good dvds? Preferably of the "10 minutes a day" variety with no equipment and able to done while simultaneously ironing/putting ds to bed/washing up...

Yes pilates will help. Could you go to a class to get you started, so you know you're doing everything properly rather than get a DVD?

Swimming and walking wearing MBTs will also strengthen the muscles without putting too much stress on joints etc.

Pilates aims to improve your core strength. I found it really helped with my bad back and even my unobservant DH commented that my posture was much better.

I use a book called Pilates - Creating the Body you Want by Anna Selby & Alan Herdman. The only equipment I've invested in is a pair of ankle weights, otherwise it's just rolled up towels and cushions. There are 3 levels of exercises and these days I pick and choose which ones I want to do depending on how much time I have.

The only drawback is that some of the exercises need a bed or table for support and ours are just the wrong height.

It would be best if you could find a class first to make sure you're doing everything properly.

HTH.

get a qualified instructor to show you some basic moves. Very important to get it right. I'm using pilates basic with ball atm for rehab for pelvic misalignment

Definitely find a good instructor and talk to them about your back problems first. They can advise you and make sure you are doing the exercises correctly.

Its certainly a good form of exercise for your sort of back problem though

I am no longer walking with sticks thanks to pilates so highly recommend it, it has made the world of difference to my life.

I would urge you to go to a class first as others have said - for your own safety and to make sure you are doing it correctly.