Kathi Casey, Wellness Coach, Author, Baby Boomer Fitness, Pilates and Yoga Instructor - Kathi's Blog

Review of Pilates Products for Back and Neck Pain

I'm always researching the latest and best exercises for lower back and neck and shoulders for my own presentations on these topics, so I’m very happy to have recently found three good Pilates audios! Lynda Lippin, a fellow Pilates instructor, recorded "Neck Pain Pilates", and " Lower Back Pain Pilates", which use no special equipment, and another excellent recording called "Ring and Roller Pilates” where she explains in detail how to use a Pilates ring and a foam roller. 

 In “Ring and Roller Pilates”, Lippin's leg exercises with the circle will most definitely shape and tone your thighs – my own were burning!  And her behind the back squeeze with the circle is an easy and terrific tool for releasing the tension that creeps into our shoulders. She then switches to the foam roller for releasing tight spots in our thighs, hips, back and legs.  Wow, you just want to sink into the floor when she's done!  For those who like to use gadgets, I highly recommend this very well done audio for a work out where you'll "feel the burn" and see the results!

 “Neck Pain Pilates” is a slow and easy stretch and release of neck, shoulder and upper back muscles that is designed with your neck pain in mind.  Lippin talks you through each exercise thoroughly and explains in great detail how to improve your posture, breathing and relax those tense muscles. If you have one of those “pains in the neck”, you'll love this audio download!

 “Back Pain Pilates”, like her “Neck Pain” work out, is a purposeful, powerful treat for your back, combined with some fabulous exercises to strengthen muscles that are rarely used, but can help prevent lower back pain, like the Gluteus Medius.  I love that she includes a supine (lying down) spine stretch – many professionals refuse to do any twists with low back pain, yet the spine benefits so much from these twists and when the back is supported by the floor, it's protected. This is a perfect work out for anyone who is afraid to exercise due to chronic back pain. Your fears will be reduced and your back pain eliminated!

 In all three audios, Lippin's calm and reassuring voice explains in detail Pilates breathing patterns and how to keep a neutral spine. Many other programs leave these instructions out, endangering a customer's back and neck. I was very impressed with Lippins attention to detail.

If you've been searching for some slow and easy Pilates exercises to strengthen without causing more pain, Lippin's got you covered!

Best of Health,

Kathi