Originally Posted by koffee brown
Sorry. Somehow I didn't see this.
A strong core is definitely necessary- you have to be able to hold yourself upright, and a strong core will also help prevent against back pain. Core training will do every person some good. A pilates class a few times a week would definitely work your core, but if you can't do pilates, try doing some ab exercises and some back exercises instead.
Koffee
The problem with Pilates is that it's done lying down, right? I agree it's good stuff, but it doesn't work functionally for people who are upright and hurt their backs because they haven't trained themselves how to squat, dead-lift or balance or perform activities that must be done standing or sitting while using the lumbar spine. Pilates is good, don't get me wrong, but it's just a start. More functional core programs are better IMHO.