You are not alone if you suffer from low back pain.

Simple low back pain affects nearly 8 out of 10 people in the UK.

Poor alignment and improper recruitment of the correct muscles are the main issue of low back pain. Often the pain is the last symptom to show there is a problem in the body, for some time the wrong muscles have been recruited and the back has been in stress mode before it really started to hurt.

At The View Studio, our focus is in balancing and strengthening the muscles that surround the back (the core muscles) to promote injury prevention and healing of low back pain. All classes are planned and geared up to support the body and ensure the spine is in the correct alignment, which means all the lengthening and strengthening of the spine helps to keep it healthy.

If you are having a flare up, there are numerous ways to modify your exercises to eliminate low back pain. Here are our top three tips:

First of all Less is more
Moving in a small range of motion is usually the best way forward. It means the core muscles are being recruited without the lower back taking over. With any skeletal issues like a bulging or herniated disc, large range of movement can put enormous pressure on this area. It’s always best to listen to your body, remember everyone’s back pain is different, and work in a range of motion that suits you and your ability.

Changing position, taking a break frequently and stretching are also great ways to release the back. Always let your class instructor know if an exercise doesn’t feel right and a modification will always be offered to help protect the lower back.

Next Slow it down.
Fast movements tend to make us lose good alignment and we then recruit the wrong muscle groups instead of the correct stabilising muscles. Using the wrong muscle group can aggravate old injuries, or even promote new injuries. To protect the lower back, remember to slow movements down and avoid momentum. Move with intention using the mind and body to connect the move.

Finally Work higher.
Some exercises where hinging from the hips is required, like a squat, recruit the back muscles to hold the upper body in a lengthened spine position. These exercise are great for strengthening the back body. However if you are suffering from back pain we recommend working more upright to alleviate pressure on your back muscles and prevent them from going into spasm.

Please know that your class instructor is always on hand to help you work safely with your body.