Back Works Class

Stronger Back. Solid core. Unstoppable you.

BackWorks is a small group exercise class designed specifically for people managing low back pain, led by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Whether you’re just starting your recovery journey, dealing with persistent discomfort, or working your way back to daily activities, BackWorks offers the targeted support you need to move better, feel stronger, and build confidence in your body.

What does BackWorks involve?

BackWorks is all about helping you move with less pain and more confidence. Each class is tailored to your unique situation. You’ll follow a personalized exercise plan that focuses on improving mobility, core strength, posture, and movement habits, all under the guidance of a qualified Exercise Physiologist who truly gets it.

You’ll be in a small, supportive group of people who are on a similar journey, working through a mix of gentle mobility exercises, functional strength training, and guided movement practice. Whether you prefer a circuit-style setup or a follow-along format, your sessions will be adapted to your current abilities and goals—and will progress as you do.

Who is BackWorks for?

BackWorks is designed for anyone experiencing low back pain, whether it’s a new issue, something you’ve been managing for years, or part of a broader condition. It’s ideal for people who:

Are recovering from a back injury
Experience ongoing or chronic low back pain
Want to build strength and prevent flare-ups
Are looking for a safe, expert-led way to return to movement or exercise

No matter your fitness level or experience, you belong here. You don’t need to be “pain-free” or “fit” to start—just ready to take a step toward feeling better.

How do I get started?

Before joining your first BackWorks session, you’ll have a one-on-one assessment with our Accredited Exercise Physiologist. This helps us understand your back pain history, current limitations, and what you want to achieve. From there, we design a plan that feels good, makes sense for your body, and sets you up for real progress.

Important Information

When: 1pm every Wednesday

Where: Fitstop gym right next door to Ashgrove PhysioWorks

What to Bring / Wear: Clothes that you feel comfortable moving in, a water bottle and towel!

Cost: $30 per session. Your private health insurer may provide some rebates for these classes under the HICAPS Item Code 502 – please contact your insurer to determine.

Booking *HERE*

Exercise and Low Back Pain: What the Research Says

In Australia, low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, with almost 4 out of 5 Australians experiencing it at some point in their lives. It’s a leading cause of disability worldwide—and for many, it can feel frustrating, persistent, and limiting. But here’s the good news: exercise is one of the most effective tools we have to manage and reduce low back pain.

So, what does the research show?

Exercise is safe for people with low back pain—and it’s often more helpful than rest.
Regular, guided movement helps reduce pain, improve function, and prevent flare-ups.
Exercise improves strength, mobility, confidence, and quality of life.

In fact, the Australian Clinical Care Standard for Low Back Pain (2022) recommends active approaches like exercise over passive treatments (like rest, scans, or medication) for most people. That’s because movement-based programs—especially when guided by a trained professional like an Accredited Exercise Physiologist—can:

Decrease pain and stiffness
Improve posture and movement patterns
Build strength and resilience
Support a return to work, sport, and everyday life
Reduce reliance on medication or ongoing therapy

Why personalised support matters

Everyone’s experience of back pain is different. That’s why the best outcomes come from individualised exercise programs that are gradually progressed based on your needs, comfort, and goals—not a one-size-fits-all routine. Programs like BackWorks are designed with that in mind, offering safe, supportive, and research-backed care that moves at your pace.

References

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2022). Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/clinical-care-standards/low-back-pain-clinical-care-standard

Lin, I., O’Sullivan, P., Coffin, J., Mak, D., Toussaint, S., & Maher, C. (2019). Disabling chronic low back pain as an iatrogenic disorder: A qualitative study in Aboriginal Australians. BMJ Open, 9(6), e025003. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025003

Shmagel, A., Ngo, L., Ensrud, K., & Foley, R. (2016). Prescription medication use among community-based U.S. adults with chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional population based study. Journal of Pain, 17(3), 294–301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2015.10.011

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2020). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng59

Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). (2022). Exercise & Chronic Low Back Pain Position Statement. https://www.essa.org.au/Public/News_Room/Position_Statements.aspx