Episode 104:
How to build a strong core for health and happiness
Is back pain impacting your health and happiness? You’re not alone.
“Part of the challenge why many women are unhealthy is that they aren't approaching health in the right way, they're approaching it with restriction, with deprivation, with denial and the shoulds: I should work out, I should do a class, I should go to the gym, I should be sweating and out of breath, otherwise I haven't worked hard. And yet that isn’t coming together in this holistic umbrella -like approach to taking care of yourself that is really giving you what you need.”
— Nicola Farndell
“As we age and hit menopause, I think that's a time when a lot of people do reflect on change, because it's happening within you and you know something different is happening. So it's a great time to reflect and think: what habits am I bringing forward into this period of time?”
— Charlotte Wood
Did you know that back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting around 90% of the global population at some point in their lives? Here in the UK it’s estimated that some eight million UK adults suffer from chronic back pain, costing the economy around £10bn per year from the seven million lost working days.
This week is Back Care Awareness Week week, an event raising awareness of back pain, educating on prevention and management, and encouraging people to prioritise their spinal health. Charlotte Wood a workplace wellbeing specialist and pilates teacher is joining me to discuss the pervasive issue of back pain, its impact on daily life, and the importance of spinal health.
We’re sharing personal stories of recovery, emphasising the role of movement, posture, and the mind-body connection in healing. Charlotte highlights the benefits of Pilates for back health and encourages you to adopt a holistic approach to your wellbeing.
In our conversation today we talk about:
The widespread problems many people are facing with chronic back pain.
How chronic back pain can have a significant impact on mental health.
Using pilates as a powerful tool for recovery and strength.
How movement is essential for spinal health and overall wellbeing.
Building core strength is essential for back health.
Listening to your body is key to maintaining health.
Mindset plays a crucial role in the healing process.
Practical tips for maintaining a healthy back as women navigate menopause and midlife changes.
The different types of everyday activities you can do that are great opportunities for back care.
Why taking a holistic approach to your health is vital for long-term wellness.
About Charlotte:
Charlotte Wood is a Pilates Teacher and Workplace Wellbeing Specialist on a mission to banish back pain in the workplace by teaching posture for peak performance using her ‘Happy Back’ workshops.
Having worked on public health projects, for more than twenty years, Charlotte has extensive experience in designing impactful health interventions within the workplace. She has worked in the public and private sectors, including local government and the NHS. Also a personal trainer of over twenty-five years and a qualified Pilates teacher from 2018 after undergoing spinal fusion surgery.
Connect with Charlotte:
Are you feeling the aches and pains as you shift into your perimenopause season of life?
Perimenopause can cause lots of changes to your joints and ligaments, with your back being one of the most common places to feel pain and changes to mobility.
In my FREE guide you get simple tips to help you bring more movement into your life and daily routines to build physical and mental strength to help you feel better.
You don’t have to suffer, and it starts by downloading -
‘10 Ways to Feel Good Again: Your Perimenopausal Revival Guide’
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“I just thought I had to fight through menopause and didn’t realise
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