Amazon.com Review There's a photo of Joseph Pilates on the back cover of this book. He looks like a strapping young James Dean, with rippled abdominal muscles and defined--but not creepily large--quads, pecs, and biceps. He could pass for 30, but he was almost 60 years old when the photo was taken.
Pilates (Pi-LAH-teez) started an exercise program called Contrology, a low-impact series of hundreds of exercises designed to maximize abdominal strength while toning and increasing flexibility in the rest of the body. Once used primarily by professional ballet companies, the Pilates Method is now taught in major cities in 17 countries and is considered to be the world's fastest growing exercise program. Enthusiasts swear that for little effort--you're not very likely to break a sweat during class--the muscle-toning benefits are outstanding. The Pilates Method is especially useful for many people for relieving chronic back and joint pain. Some famous heavenly bodies rely on the Method, including newly buff Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, Julia Roberts, Jessica Lange, and Sharon Stone. Dancers Martha Graham and George Balanchine were also devotees.
The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning was cowritten by Romana Kryzanowska, the last living disciple of Joseph Pilates. With more than 300 step-by-step photos of 70 exercises, it's a solid and safe introduction to the core exercises of the program. Most can be performed on an exercise mat, but some require special Pilates equipment, such as resistance springs, which can be ordered from the resources in the back of the book. If you'd rather not make the financial investment in the equipment, you'll still very much appreciate the dozens of pointers on posture, technique, and breathwork for use during classes. --Erica Jorgensen
Helpful guideline by no replacement for live instruction.May 30, 1999 55 out of 59 found this review helpful
I had taken Pilates(R) lessons for quite some time before this book came out. I bought it more out of curiosity, and to show family and friends what Pilates is because it is hard to explain to the uninitiated. While the book is comprehensive, and does a good job explaining the exercises and the core theories of Pilates, it is no replacement for instruction with a qualified teacher. I have been taking lessons in Seattle from Atahsa Avery at Seattle Body Works, LLC. Having tried many teachers, I found that she is perfect for my learning style. Not all teachers are the same, but all are better than relying solely on the book. The potention reader should be cautionsly encouraged to explore the Pilates method through all avenues, not just the book. With that said, the book is a wonderful way to expand a congative understanding of the method. If you have questions and apprehensions before jumping in and buying the book, contact an instructor or studio near you. All good instructors, in my opinion, will take time to throughally explain the method and answer your questions. The book is helpful because in the back it contains a list of instructors certified by the Pilates Guild. However, the listings are already out of date. For instance, my instructor, Atasha Avery, is listed under Arizona, while she now operates a studio out of Seattle.
Great Pilates Reference BookFebruary 14, 2001 Rhonda Murray(Jacksonville, FL United States) 25 out of 29 found this review helpful
I have been taking 2 hr. private Pilates classes weekly since August working toward becoming a Pilates Guild (TM) Certified Instructor. I guess I'm a "purist" and am convinced the original method and standard of training is the best way to go. Like it or not, there is no substitute for instruction by a properly certified instructor. Working on your own is certainly better than nothing, but there's no way you can achieve precision without hands on help. That's not a sales pitch for expensive equipment or classes. It's a statement of fact. One of the main principles of Pilates is precision to get the most benefit.
I have 8 Pilates books written in the US and in England, but the one I continually refer to is The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning. I like the fact that it is to the point and doesn't add needless verbage. It's clear and concise and is the only book I've seen that includes how to use equipment as well as mat work. Exercises on the equipment aren't essential, but I feel I gain a lot by working on it. The book also lists certified instructors, where to buy equipment, and certifying centers, as well as specialized routines for special needs.
By the way, recent litigation overturned the trademark and has declared Pilates to be a generic term, which means that anybody doing anything even remotely like Pilates can legally call it that and charge the same as someone properly certified. Also, some "certifications" consist of a seminar or 2 days of testing as opposed to 3 5-day seminars, 3 levels of testing, and a 600 hour apprenticeship. Which instructor would you rather have train you? BUYER (i. e. student) BEWARE! Ask 1) Is the instructor certified and 2) What did the certification process involve?
Good Luck!
ExcellentNovember 13, 2000 12 out of 14 found this review helpful
This book was incredibly helpful. The excercises were easy to follow. I have lost 22 lbs. and I feel so much better. I recommend this book to anyone interested in getting into shape without straining yourself. Obviously, some of the reviewers must be Pilates instructors who are being self-serving by trying to suggest that people need one-on-one instruction. I wish they would be honest in their review of this book.
This book helped me out alot!!March 16, 1999 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
The exercises were easy to do and understand. The pictures were clear and easy to see, and the book was well written. All in all it is a fantastic exercise book!
Covers all aspects of a pilates workoutOctober 25, 2001 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I really like this book. I have several other books on pilates, and this one is my favorite. It covers matwork, reformer, barrels, wall, cadillac, chair, and circle work. Most other books only focus on one aspect, such as matwork. People have complained that this book talks too much about pilates equipment, but the truth is, pilates is based on using many types of equipment, and this book discusses exercises for each apparatus. Frankly, the book would be incomplete if it didn't discuss the equipment. This book contains excellent pictures and descriptions for each exercise, along with telling you which part of the body you are working and the benefits. If you want to have a full pilates experience (not just matwork), this book is the ticket!
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
