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The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body--Without Machines
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 613.71
EAN: 9780767903967
Edition: 1
ISBN: 076790396X
Label: Broadway
Manufacturer: Broadway
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 208
Publication Date: January 04, 2000
Publisher: Broadway
Release Date: January 04, 2000
Studio: Broadway
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Editorial Review:
Thin-but-fit supermodels like Amber Valletta and Shalom Harlow and actresses like Ally McBeal's Courtney Thorne-Smith and Liv Tyler swear by Pilates workouts to keep their figures toned and flexible. The Pilates Body is the latest in a string of books dedicated to this fitness program, which is now soaring in popularity nearly 100 years after it was first developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany in the early 1900s. While today's Pilates studios take advantage of patented and intimidating-looking equipment that costs thousands of dollars (and therefore charge accordingly for private sessions), each exercise in The Pilates Body can be performed with just an exercise mat. While all parts of the body are used in the exercises, the focus is on the abdominals, or "powerhouse," which support the back; this makes Pilates an ideal exercise for those with back problems--or those hoping to prevent them.
Author Brooke Siler, who trained with Romana Kryzanowska, the oldest living protégé of Joseph Pilates, organizes her book impeccably. After discussing proper alignment and ways to modify the exercises for those with neck, knee, or lower back pain, she jumps right into the 60-plus exercises, which are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. What differentiates Siler's book from the other Pilates titles is that she includes a disclaimer about the models: "The models in this book have been training in the Pilates method for years. Although their bodies may seem to represent an unrealistic ideal for many, they have worked hard to achieve their fitness goals. I hope in earnest that they do not intimidate but inspire." Also, each exercise is given a two-page spread of its own, and is accompanied by clear photographs and helpful graphics. For example, for the "inner-thigh lifts," there's an illustration suggesting that you imagine a stack of books on the lifting leg to help you increase resistance. Each exercise also includes what Siler calls "The Inside Scoop," or tips she's learned from training hundreds of clients. These include the main goal of the exercise; simple modifications for beginners; important keys to remember while doing the move; and no-nos to prevent injury. While it's important to concentrate and get the technique of each exercise down, Siler's book is perfect for anyone looking for a simple exercise program that promises results, requires a minimum of time, and can be done at home or while traveling. --Erica Jorgensen
The Pilates® method may be today's hottest exercise, but it has been endorsed by physicians for almost a century. Originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates to help strengthen and condition muscles, Pilates is the ultimate mind-body exercise for anyone who wants to tone, streamline, and realign their body without the bulked-up results of more conventional workout methods.Now, in The Pilates® Body, author Brooke Siler--one of the most sought-after personal trainers in the country and owner of New York's top studio for Pilates training, re:AB--provides a complete, easy-to follow program of Pilates exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime, and without machines.With step-by-step instructions, Siler guides the reader through the complete circuit of mat exercises, each of which is clearly illustrated by photographs, line drawings, and unique visualization exercises. With Pilates you will not only streamline your figure--you will dramatically improve your posture, flexibility, and balance, and enhance your physical and emotional well-being. The Pilates Body shows you how.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Good To Have
I always enjoy having a reference book/guide for things I am doing and this one is a good one if you have any interest in doing Pilates.
The photos and descriptions are detailed and there is great information on the general principles of Pilates and how it was developed.
A very good book to have.
Rating:  - Worth a read
Good picture demonstrations and instructions. The tips are well worth the book if you are an instructor.
Rating: - Outstanding Pilates book!
As a beginner to the practice of Pilates, I found the Siler book indispensable--motivating, easy to use, geared to exercisers at all levels. A great buy.
Rating: - The Best Pilates Book Out There
If you want to start a home Pilates program this book is the only one you should consider. It is well-written, with very detailed instructions and photos. I especially liked the bullet list of special tips included with each exercise and the categorization of the exercises into Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Very Advanced.
Rating: - Excellent book--but use it as a supplement to a good teacher
I had bilateral hip replacements three years ago (at 52), and now people think I'm in my 40's and I get called "well-preserved" (which makes me feel a bit like a pickled condiment, but still). My arthritis was particularly severe (and widespread) because it started in childhood, with a condition called slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Essentially, the hips developed distortion as I grew; I adapted to my limited range of motion over the years, and ended up with severe limps, incredible pain, and ... Read More
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