What is Pilates?

You may have heard about Pilates (pronounced puh LAH teez), a form of fitness training, but how does it help your body?

Pilates.

Pilates combines strength and flexibility training, using exercises that tone and condition the entire body. Particular attention is paid to building and developing the area of the body called the “powerhouse,” the core region of the body that includes the abdomen, pelvis, lower back and buttocks.

Pilates also creates a powerful mind-body connection, developed through proper breathing technique and concentration on smooth body movements to achieve better mental and physical health and reduce stress.

Some of the benefits of Pilates include:
  • Increases flexibility and agility
  • Develops muscle strength, without “bulking” up
  • Reduces stress
  • Provides effective rehabilitation for injuries
  • Flattens abdominals and strengthens back muscles
  • Provides a gentle, low-impact, whole body workout
  • Increases energy, invigorates the body
  • Strengthens the mind-body connection
  • Alleviates back pain
  • Improves body posture and movement

Many gyms offer Pilates classes and Pilates tapes are available in stores that sell videos and online. You might want to rent one and try it out before investing in it. It only takes a few weeks to produce a noticeably toned body and it may very well be the workout that works for you!

Dr. Bowman Asks some important questions of interest to West Des Moines residents - Chiropractor West Des Moines Dr. Bowman Asks...

Can babies with colic be helped with chiropractic?
It's probably one of the times a parent feels the most helpless. But based on the research, chiropractic and colic relief appear to go hand in glove. With success rates in the mid-90% range, more and more West Des Moines parents are seeing a chiropractor. If you have a baby with colic learn how chiropractic may help.
Would you rather feel good or be healthy?
Ask most people in West Des Moines and they want to feel good. Careful! Would you take medicine that makes you feel good, rather than vomit to expel improperly prepared food? Every chiropractic patient knows that you can't measure your health by how you feel. True health is when your body works as it should.