Denise Austin Quotes

Jumping on the trampoline for even a half an hour is a really good workout. You get really tired. The next day, you're feeling it. And you really have to use your core. If you don't, your lower back hurts the next day.

People don't realize that when they 'throw out' their back, it's often because of weak abs. These muscles are essential for lower-back strength and good posture.

In my case, I was placing extreme pressure on my lower spine from rotating my hips too much. This is a common cause of bad backs - and bad shots - for golfers of all levels. In addition to resting, I worked with my trainer, Joey Diovisalvi, on strengthening the weaker lower-body muscles that contributed to my overactive hips and back pain.

I found that doing Pilates consistently three to four times a week had an amazing effect on really toning and shaping a tight waist and legs.

I exercise three to four times a week, doing the Tracy Anderson Method, which involves toning and strengthening our small muscle groups.

What I would say is I've only had one injury in my NBA career that was probably was because my core wasn't strong enough, when I had a stress fracture in my back.

Pilates is my favorite core strengthener. I do it three or four times a week. With all the strengthening and lengthening, it's like ballet. Plus, you get to do it lying down!

When competing a lot and traveling, I have problems with my lower back because I'm always on the plane or sitting. That's something that does bother me from time to time, but I try to stay on top of it.

Men and Pilates - it's like the hardest thing on the planet to them! They're not used to getting those muscles. Core and butt and stuff - they're so confused.

Banish aches and pains by strengthening and stretching the muscles that affect your back.

Strengthening the lower back helps develop that sexy curve everyone wants from your back to your bum.

I'm just trying to avoid any future surgery. I'm just trying to stand up straighter. And the hip and back are better.

A lot of fitness is about contractions - you're doing squats, or you're on a bike and your knees are bending but never stretching all the way, so your muscles get strengthened but look short and thick.

I've had chronic back pain since I was a preteen - like, 12. I have really funny posture. I developed this funny posture where I hunch my back a little bit when I'm playing, and I overuse my back muscles instead of my abs. My posture has put a lot of strain on my lower back.

Prolonged sitting can cause stiffness in your lower back.

That's why I got into Pilates: because I can reduce the stress and impact in my joints while still being able to increase strength and flexibility, and it's going to pay dividends.

Ballet Beautiful has made my pregnancy a joy. I've avoided back pain and swelling by keeping my core strong and body moving.

I also discovered Pilates when I got pregnant, as people kept saying it's a great way to stay in shape, and now I can't get enough - it's amazing. It helps with aches and pain and, even for non-pregnant people, it's a great way of getting those lean muscles.

­Do back exercises. Pain is distracting.

I've changed up my training over the years; I don't lift weights as much as I used to, so I'm built for the cardio now.

Pilates has been around a long time but maybe was taboo in this sport. I think it's only a matter of time before you see a reformer in every big league clubhouse.

I've upped my size tremendously. Forearms strength, shoulder strength has gotten crazy strong. I've been working hard on that.

In other fitness pursuits, you may have learned to go through the motions first and perfect your form second. In Pilates, it's the other way around. You learn to control your abs first and then proceed through a series of more progressive movements. At all times, you should feel in control of your body.

Because there's no bouncing, jarring, or stress to your body, Pilates offers the ideal form of exercise for people who, because of joint pain or muscle weakness, shy away from exercise.

Moves that build powerful core muscles (abs, back, hips, and pelvis) help support your spine, so you stand straighter. They also improve your balance, which starts to deteriorate in your 40s as these stabilizing muscles weaken.