The Healthy Back Programme

Produced by: Marcus Walia BSc (Hons) Ost and Viviane Hardy MCSP Reviewed by: Lesley Hampton Published by: Way of Health 2006 ISBN: 0955 195 802 Price: £13.99	Available from the BackCare Shop
The Healthy Back Programme is an audio CD offering gentle home exercises intended for anyone needing relief from back pain. Inspired by pilates and yoga, the programme is designed by Marcus Walia, an osteopath and yoga teacher, and Viviane Hardy a chartered physiotherapist and pilates instructor. The audio CD is designed to be used in conjunction with a supporting booklet, an approach I found far more accessible than a standard DVD where the user has to watch a TV screen whilst still trying to follow routines. The CD itself has Marcus talking us through the routines; the instructions are clear, easy to follow and unhurried. The accompanying background music is calming and unobtrusive.
The booklet, although small, gave a superb Introduction full of practicalities and good guidance on the basic principles of posture, core strength, natural breathing and relaxation. Positions were all illustrated and photos of participants were superimposed with anatomical graphics to show correct spinal alignment. I found this CD easy to follow and accessible. Unlike other exercise DVDs or tapes, I never felt out of my depth or hurried. It states on the jacket that this exercise routine also reduces stress. (I felt far more relaxed after my first time following the programme!) After several sessions, I can also see an improvement in suppleness and posture. I can envisage this appealing to a wide range of people, both in age and ability. As with any exercise programme, it is advisable to consult your GP before commencing.