Pilates and yoga exercises are excellent ways to help prevent and decrease back pain, including persistent lower back pain. They strengthen core support for the back, teach optimal alignment and gently stretch tight back muscles. Even if you dedicate five minutes of your day to strengthening your back muscles by practicing simple Yoga and Pilates poses, you will notice a significant difference in your pain levels. Backs have three movements; stretching upwards, twisting and moving forward and backward. Regular Yoga and Pilates practice ensures muscles which support these movements are strengthened. We have put together our favourite back-strengthening poses below. Make sure you do these exercises mindfully – go slow, be gentle, and don’t do anything that hurts.