Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that combines deep breathing with gentle stretching to boost strength, balance, and mobility. If practiced with consistency, Pilates can help individuals stay strong, healthy, and happy.

Founder Joseph H. Pilates and his wife Clara developed the exercise to help World War I soldiers restore their inner strength (both literally and figuratively). Pilates puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. The core, consisting of the muscles of the abdomen, low back, and hips, is often called the “powerhouse” and is thought to be the key to a person’s stability.
Pilates is for everybody, regardless of gender, age, race, size, ability, or current fitness level. The Pilates repertoire, which includes mat and specialized equipment exercises, is made up of hundreds of exercises and variations. There’s something for everyone, whether you have a sedentary lifestyle, are a weekend soldier, are pregnant, are undergoing rehab, have anxiety, or if you’re a professional athlete. The benefits are endless. Such include:

• Increased core strength
• Improved posture
• Decreased back pain
• Injury prevention
• increased energy levels
• Enhanced body awareness
• Decreased stress
• Reduced menstrual pain
• Improved flexibility and mobility
• Improved balance
• Boosted immunity

Whether you are looking to begin or even continue your pilates journey, there is no partner like Dr. Sheila Ghovanlou. Not only is Dr. Ghovanlou a board-certified Pilates Rehabilitation Practitioner, but she is also a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She can therefore use her knowledge, expertise, and experience in both fields to help you achieve maximum health and quality of life.