Pilates will strengthen your abdominal and back muscles, improve body movement and correct your posture.
Pilates is pronounced puh-LAH-teez and was invented 70 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates.
(Des Moines, IA) – If your new year’s resolution is to strengthen and tone your body, exercise or just overall improve your health, sign up for Pilates at Des Moines University (DMU).
DMU physical therapist, Kari Smith, D.P.T., will offer three options for 12-week Pilates classes, beginning in January, that focus on strengthening the abdominals, spinal muscles, pelvic floor and diaphragm. Smith trained at the All-American Pilates Institute in Florida. These classes are open to all ages and any skill level.
“Pilates suits all ages and stages because it is non-impact, non-aerobic and enhances the mind and body connection,” Smith explained. “By focusing on correct movement patterns, core stabilization and postural correction, it strengthens the abdominal and back muscles for people with poor posture, arthritis, sports injuries or back pain.”
The classes will include plenty of repetition to improve participants’ movement abilities, as well as variations geared for differing skill levels. Class sizes are small so each participant gets personal feedback from Smith about correct movement patterns.
“The Pilates method is great for the prevention and rehabilitation of back injuries. In order to prevent reoccurrence of back pain, it is essential to retrain the deep abdominal and spinal muscles along with the pelvic floor and diaphragm,” Smith added.
The classes will be in Des Moines University’s state-of-the-art wellness center at 3300 Grand Avenue. Each twelve-week session costs $100, or $50 for Des Moines University alumni, faculty, staff and students. For more information about registering, contact Kari Smith at 271.1717.
Available classes:
Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. , January 9 – March 27 (Advanced, with mat and ball)
Tuesdays, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m., January 9 – March 27 (Multi-level with mat and ball)
Thursdays, 12:50 – 1:35 p.m., January 11 – March 29 (Multi-level with mat and ball)
