Pilates Method of Body Conditioning: Introduction to the Core Exercises

by Sean P. Gallagher, Romana Kryzanowska, Steven Speleotis

Book Overview

Here's your opportunity to begin working out with the world's fastest-growing exercise program, originated by Joseph H. Pilates (Pi-LAH-teez). Once used mainly by performing artists and athletes, this... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1891696084
• ISBN13: 9781891696084
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: BainBridgeBooks (PA)
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Covers all aspects of a pilates workout

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!

Great Pilates Reference Book

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!

Excellent

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.

Helpful guideline by no replacement for live instruction.

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.

This book helped me out alot!!

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!