From Chelmsford Cathedral to Windsor Castle...

1. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy back. It helps to strengthen the muscles that support your spine as well as improve flexibility and range of motion. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week. Good exercises for your back include swimming, cycling, and walking. Yoga and pilates are also great options as they focus on core strength and flexibility.

2.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight can put extra strain on your back muscles making them more susceptible to injury. Losing weight can help to reduce the pressure on your back and improve your overall health. Aim to eat a healthy, balanced diet and to get regular exercise.

3. Improve Your Posture

Poor posture can put unnecessary stress on your back muscles, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Make sure to sit up straight, keep your shoulders back and avoid slouching. The most important element of posture, however, is to change it regularly! Avoid sitting for too long, and have regular breaks from the desk where you get up and move your body.

4. Be Mindful of Your Movements

Be mindful of your movements and avoid any activities that put unnecessary stress on your back. Use the mindfulness technique of ‘body scanning’ to pay attention to the physical stress in your body. Check the position you are in when lifting and carrying, or even when busy at a computer!

On Saturday 18th February 2023, Essex’s own MBE awarded Musical Director, Sandra Colston will be bringing Classical Voices Choir Live in Concert repertoire to the beautiful Chelmsford Cathedral. The one-off concert will feature exhilarating varied choral works creating sensational sounds; from classic cantatas, well known musicals including Les Misérables and alluring anthems, all brimming with rich, emotive harmonies.

The 70-strong choir is led by Musical Director Sandra Colston, founder of the traditional choir in 2017. Sandra is set to attend Windsor Castle just a few days after the concert to receive her MBE investiture for Services to Music, Community and Charity in East Anglia. Sandra discovered the news of the honour last summer and has since had the privilege of attending HRH The Queen’s funeral in September.

2018 saw the debut performance of the captivating choir at the iconic cathedral to a sellout audience, receiving two encores and a standing ovation. Sandra said, “it was such a brilliant concert and my pride was bursting for the singers, I’m sure this concert will be just as exciting if not more as we have the memories of the fantastic sounds from the previous visit.”

Classical Voices Choir enjoys performing whilst raising funds and awareness for needing charities. In February the concert will be in support of MIND, providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Campaigning to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

If you would like to book a seat at the concert Classical Voices Live in Concert, you can do so by visiting www.classicalvoiceschoir.com.