Suw: Maybe the times I’ve seen you face-to-face you’ve been especially careful, but I’ve always thought you had really good posture. The idea of a club to encourage each other sounds good, though I’m not sure how to nag constructively.

Anna: Hmm. I’ve been trying to convince myself I’m too blokey for Pilates (I know… who am I kidding) but it does sound increasingly interesting. I think I’ll start with Alexander Technique and go from there though.

Sorry to hear about your back problems – sounds pretty nasty. I’m glad that they are getting better now though. I can recommend Pilates. I started doing it once a week a year and a half ago, and it makes lots of difference to me. I used to regularly have pain in my lower back, but I don’t get it any more. Also, when you start doing it you have this freaky feeling the next day where it hurts more if you don’t hold your stomach in than if you do! Awesome :)

Get well soon!

I’ve heard very good things about “Treat Your Own Back”, so I’m going to get a copy too. I’ve also heard good things about Alexander Technique, and am going to my first session tomorrow! Pilates I’ve been doing, albeit half-heartedly, for a few years and it does seem to help when I can get up off my arse to do it. I focus on abdominal exercises for “core strength”, which helps support the spine, and which in turn helps me maintain good posture. (Or rather, it did until I was naughty and got out of the habit.)

Oddly, I partially trained as a remedial exercise instructor, years back, so I know exactly what I should be doing to protect my back and maintain good posture. But being crap and fallible, I rarely do it. Maybe we should start a Posture Club and egg each other on to be good? I’m sure our backs would love us if we did!