APPI Pilates for Lower Back Pain DVD

I ordered this on Friday and it came today (Tuesday). It was recommended by my pilates teacher (and physio) as it's the same method she uses at her practice.I tried it this evening (instead of going to the class as it's a miserable, wet evening) and it incorporates the same types of exercises I would have done in the class. I usually go to a "clinical pilates" class twice a week as I have been diagnosed with spondilolithesis and a disc protusion in my lumbar spine. The benefits of the classes have been tremendous but unfortunately going twice a week is a bit outside my budget so a DVD seemed the next best thing.The DVD itself:-First there's a run through of the key elements of pilates (posture, breathing etc); a warm up, the class itself (which you can choose to do in its entirety or just do a section or two of it (such as pelvic stability, abdominal work etc) if you're stuck for time. Then there's a cooldown.The instructor uses a no-nonsense approach and has a nice soothing aussie accent. She has two assistants, one of whom demonstrates the exercises with modifications for those like me (with back trouble) and the other whom demonstrates them at slightly higher levels.There's also an extra section which concentrates on the modifications in a bit more depth. I think I'll get a lot of use out of this and I like the idea that it is like having one to one pilates at home.

I have only managed this a couple of times so far, but have woken up in less pain each time. Watch the whole dvd through before starting.Ditto what other reviews have said re annoying music that almost drowns out the instruction, and when she says (quite a lot!) "set your centre", "neutral spine position" - dunno about everyone else's dvd, I've watched all of the sections again and she never told me how to do that in the first place! I've also noticed sometimes she doesnt do the count right, you end up doing more on one side than the other sometimes.Also do get a proper diagnosis and recommendation before embarking on this. Some of the exercises should be absolutely avoided for certain back conditions.

Great exercises for the back - do them and they will help lower back pain enormously.I have dropped one star because the instructions that are given by the instructor come quickly and it takes quite a few watches of the DVD before you master what to do.It's hard for those creating these DVDs to hit the balance between giving enough exercises to make the DVD interesting each time you do it, and having too many exercises so that you're trying to exercise on the floor and watch what she is doing on the screen at the same time! In one or two areas, this became difficult and I have been doing exercise classes for many years, so a newbie would struggle.

I rarely set 2 min aside to write reviews... But I could not keep quiet about this dvd...I has been recommended by my NHS physiotherapist as part of my rehabilitation routine following a two debilitating episodes of sciatica and constant back pain. The quality of the exercises is priceless! It addresses every bone and muscle in your body , particularly those of the lower back. It makes you almost instant aware of the posture one should have and it makes you realise what you're doing wrong in your daily life, that cause the back pain, it retrains your spine and muscles back to the physiological, neutral posture it should be.This routine is designed and presented by highly qualified physiotherapists. The presenter is very pleasant and clear in delivering the advices.I could not recommended highly enough this dvd for the ones that need clinical, safe rehabilitation of their injured back. However, DO SEE a qualified specialist before engaging to follow this routine. Thank you APPI for this priceless Pilates routine!! Many thanks amazon for suer-fast delivery! A qualified NHS nurse that has developed back pain/ sciatica over the years, due to long hours standing, twisting and pulling the spine through nature of my profession and due to poor posture.

Since a fall several years ago, I have experienced lower back discomfort that has meant a gradual reduction in my usual activities. I've been working with an APPI-trained physio to help resolve pelvic instability and piriformis issues which has been effective but costly. I bought this DVD so I could continue and extend my Pilate practise. Although it is create by APPI, and is well-taught and clear, I think it's a little too early in my recovery to use this. Each time I try it, my back complains. I've returned to the "Back for Life" book and exercise sheet provided by my physio but hope to return to this DVD when my body is stronger.

I've only used this dvd once but feel a bit disappointed that it states for back pain and beginners. I think it's quite demanding for beginners. I've been doing yoga for 3 years but have prolapsed discs and really need to watch what exercises I do. There isn't any real guidance given for different back problems. Considering the physiotherapist has been practicing for many years, I would have thought some level of guidance is needed. I ached for 2 days after using it and I didn't do levels that were harder and omitted exercises that I know aggrevate. My normal yoga class that I attend does not cause aches and pains so I'm not sure that its worth spending out on this dvd if you have back problems.

I have suffered from back pain for over 2 years after the birth of my little girl. I have been to the doctor, Physio and chiropractor and nobody had been able to help. I have been taking maximum dosages of painkiller for over 2 yrs :-/. My Physio friend teaches Pilates and suggested this to me....I don't have time to attend a class so a DVD was perfect. I only do the warm up, the 1st part of class and warm down once a week (probably for about 5 weeks by now) and have felt a huge improvement already....I cannot recommend this DVD enough and am quite amazed by the difference it is making!