Computers have brought about marvelous changes in how we live today. Unfortunately the downside of this new and prevalent sedentary lifestyle is contributing as one of the main causes of chronic back pain.
When we spend hours sitting while working on the computer, we slump creating tightness in our shoulders and neck, we disengage our abdominal muscles, creating compression on our lower back. The Pilates method strengthens the core abdominal muscles and creates a keen awareness of personal postural alignment. Some of the most basic mat exercises like; rolling up, rolling like a ball and spine stretch forward; massage and stretch the spine while simultaneously strengthening the core abdominal muscles that Joe Pilates called the powerhouse.
A sedentary lifestyle is not what we were meant to live. Our bodies require movement to have good circulation and muscle tone. Joe Pilates spent hours observing animals in a zoo and realized they managed to keep themselves supple by their instinctive desire to stretch and move, even if the space was rather confined. It was based on these observations that he began building on his body of work which is the method practiced worldwide today.
Once you learn the correct form for the basic mat exercises you can practice them in as little as 10 minutes per day. You will improve your posture and alleviate back pain that comes from too much sitting. The general sense of well being that comes from this is priceless.
