Exercise video recommendations for lame 30-somethings with sore backs?

I like Mark Lauren's approach, but I only have the book and the app, and have not used the http://www.marklauren.com/videos.html. I'm still on "novice" level, and I have found that it's now no problem to lift and carry big stacks of books, the 40-pound bag of dog food, etc. I haven't tried anything that squirms, though.

I'm biased to yoga, but I would give it another shot. Try a yoga that is more focused on strength building - you'll build your core and your back muscles while also training your body to move and support itself in ways which are less straining, i.e. using your whole body to pick up the toddler and not just the back. I've always been partial to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0044CM7YC/metafilter-20/ref=nosim/. Not too woo, a great workout. Yoga Burn is really good.

Marking as resolved - I went to physical therapy, got some helpful exercises to realign my out of whack pelvis, and got the all clear to do pilates videos in my basement. I will be working through the recommendations above. Thanks, folks.

I also am trying to build core strength after having a baby (14 months ago!). I am not at all well versed in exercise DVD options but I really like the Gaiam Abs Yoga for beginners. It's kind of slow but challenging. The exercises are done sitting and laying on the floor and mostly use lifting of legs to work the core. I find this easier to do in safe form than crunches or fast routines. I need tips if lifting the squirmy toddler chunk now too! Good luck! Edit: yep, just checked the abs yoga is Rodney Yee!

It sounds like you need to exercise your back more than you need to work your abs. I think the reason that your back is sore is because it needs to be strengthened for all that toddler-lifting. A lot of people work hard on their abs and completely ignore their back, which can lead to more back problems. Abs probably receive more attention than they deserve (call it the "Six Pack Effect") and back often gets short shrift. I can't recommend any videos, because that's not how I workout. But I can recommend an exercise that requires zero equipment. The one I'm thinking of is called the superman. It involves lying almost spread eagle on your stomach, performing the exercise by elevating your head, feet and hands off the floor while keeping knees and elbows straight. If the basic move does not prove challenging enough, there are variations out there that are harder, and you can always strap on ankle and wrist weights to really get a burn going. I know I didn't answer the question you asked, so apologies for that, but I still think this could be useful information for you. I recommend checking out youtube instructional videos for proper form, as well as other variations and exercises for working the lower back.

I recently signed up for https://www.pilatesanytime.com/. It's fantastic. Lots of great videos for mat Pilates. I've loved every single one I've done so far! They have dance-based Pilates, 30-60 minute sessions, focusing on different parts of the body, etc. Lots of variety. It's about $18/month but being able to change it up makes it worthwhile for me.

Good call on the physical therapy referral! I will get that process rolling tomorrow and request some Rodney Yee videos from the library in the meantime. Thanks, all.

Also came in to suggest Pilates Anytime and also Yoga Anytime. There is also a great dvd by Dr. Eric Goodman called Foundations Training.

Seconding PT, and recommending looking into McGill's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsup3ZvzAjU. I wouldn't touch yoga with a 10-foot pole with a bad back.