Need to lose weight but have sciatica

absfabs

What does your physiotherapist recommend?

I was advised to find a pilates for beginners class, and it certainly has helped with the core muscles. You have to make sure the teacher understands your problem and the class is at the right pace for you. Don't do anything that seems to strain your back or make the pain/numbness worse.

Swimming is great, experiment what suits you. Breast stroke makes us arch the lower back, which may aggrevate symptoms, so just try gently. Personally I find back crawl best, that's because I am hopeless at normal crawl, don't like putting my face in the water.

I used to like Yoga, but can't do it any more (dodgy knees as well), or maybe it was just too hard a class for me.
Pilates is more specific to strengthen these core muscles that protect from back strain.

Oh, and I got one of these flexiballs, too. Don't try sit ups at this stage. It's quite enough exercise for a beginner to sit on one, keeping upright ( sitting tall) and balancing, for 10 min at a time.

Do speak to your physiotherapist, they are really best person to advice.

TangledMemories_2

Thanks for all your advice.
Am definitely going to start swimming. It's the best exercise to fit into my day seeing as I work manic shifts and am also a carer for my OH.
I'm not greatly overweight, and I know for a fact I wouldn't suit the ideal weight for my height due to my bone structure, but I need to TONE up instead of lose weight - does that make sense?!

moomin_white

TangledMemories wrote: »

Thanks for all your advice.
Am definitely going to start swimming. It's the best exercise to fit into my day seeing as I work manic shifts and am also a carer for my OH.
I'm not greatly overweight, and I know for a fact I wouldn't suit the ideal weight for my height due to my bone structure, but I need to TONE up instead of lose weight - does that make sense?!

pilates is great for toning and strengthening the core muscles that support your back. When i did my back in-my physio gave me lots of pilates type exercises. Always a good idea to check with your GP/physio and the pilates teacher before starting though.

ikkle87

Swimming is definitely the way to go. Its not as strenuous on any joints or your back and I find it quiite relaxing. Not sure if your local council have one but in Leeds we have something called Leedscard, costs a couple of quid but gets you discounts at swimming baths, gym local museum things like that.

amerthyst

It's true that doing small bit's like walking etc does help sciatica I would personally do the walking in the water as it's resistance work rather than straight into swimming (plus there is less chance of you doing damage)after a while of getting my walking speed up for going from on end to the other then i'd try swimming widths then lengths why not go to an aqua exercise class talk to the instructor who will give you pointers on how to exercise in the water without doing yourself any harm I also have the same problem as yourself and have found this has helped me greatly.. I've not lost weight but i can see that i'm becoming toned which makes me very happy (although a BIG lottery win would deffiently make me even more happier ;o} lol )

elfboots

I've had back problems too and I really like a DVD called Yogalates
(I think there are a few available now, I've seen them on the lovefilm
list). As you can guess its a combo yoga/ pilates stretching type thing
and it really helps my back. Its not one to get you sweaty and fit, though!!
Just nice and relaxed!