While yoga and Pilates are raved about for improving muscle tone, strength, and flexibility, it’s not all good. Surprisingly, some yoga and Pilates moves are actually bad for your spine! This isn’t to scare you by any means. Instead, it’s to help you gain awareness and create a healthy and effective yoga or Pilates routine—one that won’t interfere with your spinal health or alignment.
So, what should you know? What yoga or Pilates moves should you avoid? And which ones are okay to do and won’t wreck your spine?
Yoga and Pilates Moves You Should Avoid
The big problem with some yoga and Pilates moves is that they pull the spine and bones forward. Some other not-so-great poses also overextend the spine. In turn, this creates misalignments, which may lead to pain and other issues.
As chiropractors, we don’t want you to undo all the good you’ve done at each chiropractic appointment. This is why we recommend avoiding these yoga and Pilates exercises:
- Child’s pose
- Forward fold
- Shoulder stands
- Downward dog
- Upward dog
- Bow pose
On top of the six listed here, we also recommend avoiding exercises that involve a conventional sit-up, such as many moves in Pilates.
However, don’t let this get you down! There are some moves that we highly encourage. Keep reading to find out more.
Yoga and Pilates Exercises We Recommend
For the most part, any exercise where you are on your side is okay, such as a side plank or leg lifts. The table top position assumed in many yoga and Pilates classes is also alright to do as it won’t necessarily push your spine forward. Lastly, any exercise pose where you are lying on your back and lifting your legs should be okay to do.
Are you experiencing pain or discomfort? Or are you unsure what exercises you should be doing for optimal spine health? Book your FREE discovery call with your local Finsbury Park chiropractor. BOOK NOW.