Pilates and painful back problems during

[StillHurtin]

I bought a Pilates workout video and tried it for the first time and haven't done it since. The ab workout kills my back!!! I try my best to keep my arch of my back on the floor but it hurts. I was in a car accident several years ago and hurt my back. I went to the chripractor several times a week, but it's never been the same (especially since I am getting older). Anyone else find Pilates painful for the ab workout? Maybe I am still doing it wrong.

[gridiron]

Can you do exercises where you are lifting your knees toward your abs instead of the other way around, so that your back is on the ground at all times? I'm not very familiar with Pilates. If no one else can give you any advice, you may need to see if you can find a local gym that has a qualified Pilates instructor or just search for a private instructor.

[Meatball]

What kind of pilates do you do? I have been doing Winsor Pilates (I bought the tapes to do at home) about 6 weeks ago and I haven't experienced any back problems. Winsor Pilates also has exercise modifications for those with back problems, so you might want to look into that.