(Des Moines, IA) – The public can now benefit from Pilates classes taught by Des Moines University’s Kari Smith, D.P.T. Recently opened to the community, each session will be taught by Smith, a Des Moines University physical therapist who trained as a Pilates instructor at the All-American Pilates Institute in Florida.
“Pilates suits all ages and fitness levels. Pilates is non-impact and non-aerobic but it does enhance the mind and body connection,” Smith explained. “By focusing on correct movement patterns, core stabilization and postural correction, it is a great way to strengthen the abdominals and back muscles for people with poor posture, arthritis, sports injuries or back pain.”
The classes will provide plenty of repetition to improve participants’ movement abilities.
“This beginner Pilates mat class is a series of floor exercises designed to strengthen the body with concentration on abdominal and back muscles to improve core stability and posture,” she said. “Modifications to the exercises are possible to allow for challenges at each individual’s skill level and ability.”
Class sizes are small so each participant gets individual feedback from Smith about correct movement patterns.
“The medical world is now realizing the benefits of the Pilates method 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,” she said.
The classes will be in Des Moines University’s new state-of-the-art wellness center at 3300 Grand Avenue. Each session costs $100.
To register, please visit https://www.dmu.edu/RSVP/Pilates/
For more information about the class, contact Kari Smith at 271-1047.
Session options:
Tuesday 4:30-5:15 beginner (March 7 – May 23) at DMU wellness center