07/03/2026
The Lower Back Wellness workshop led by Helena Yan, which we hosted earlier today, just finished, and I wanted to share a few reflections.
One of the key reminders from the workshop is that many people believe they should avoid movement when experiencing lower back pain. In reality, appropriate exercise is often one of the most important parts of recovery. Joseph Pilates captured this idea beautifully when he said, “You are as young as your spine.”
After attending more than 800 hours of movement trainings over the years, I can honestly say that Helena Yan’s workshops are always among the clearest and most practical I have experienced.
Helena explained what is often happening in the spine when lower back pain appears, including topics like disc herniation and pain mechanisms, in a way that was clear and accessible. The workshop combined visual presentation, notes, and discussion, helping participants better understand how the spine functions and how pain can be influenced by multiple factors.
What I appreciated most was the practical part. Helena guided us through a full Pilates-based class organized in three stages of exercises for working with lower back pain. The stages reflect different levels of pain and capacity, helping practitioners understand how to introduce the right movements and progressively support recovery.
This approach helps remove the fear around movement and shows how the spine can gradually regain strength and confidence.
Another aspect I appreciated is that Helena’s PCC coaching background was present throughout the workshop. She created space for reflection, inviting participants to pause, identify their own takeaways, and think about how they might apply what they learned in their practice or daily life.
Many of the ideas presented also reflect what current research suggests: movement-based approaches, including methods like Pilates, can help improve pain and function for people experiencing lower back pain.
Workshops like this are valuable for anyone experiencing lower back pain who wants to better understand what is happening in their body and how they can support their recovery, as well as for movement professionals.
Thank you Helena for sharing your knowledge so generously.
Helena will be returning to the studio on the 29th to offer a workshop on menopause, another topic that deserves more open discussion and understanding.