The Book of Pilates: A Guide to Improving Body Tone, Flexibility, and Strength

By Joyce Gavin and Gavin Joyce

Book Overview

Would you like to look and feel better, leaner and fitter? Do you want to bring new vitality, harmony and confidence to your life? This comprehensive and instructional guide includes: * A carefully structured exercise program * The history and philosophy of Pilates *Understanding how the body works * Breathing techniques and mind focus * Visualization, relaxation and motivation * Physical exercises to stretch, strengthen and tone

• Format: Spiral-bound
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1405431679
• ISBN13: 9781405431675
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Parragon Publishing
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Excellent illustrated guide to Pilates floor work

This was my introduction to Pilates, and it is very complete with respect to floor work. The book does not use a reformer, or any other apparatus all you will need is a yoga mat to get started. The book is subdivided as follows: 1. Introduction 2. Body and Mind 3. Warm-ups 4. Introductory Level Exercises 5. Beginner Level Exercises 6. Advanced Pilates 7. Glossary or Terms Each exercise is shown in a step-by-step illustrated manner. This includes the following: 1. An introduction that outlines the aim of the exercise and the areas it benefits 2. The step by step instructions 3. Illustrations (photographs) which help you to achieve the correct movement and position 4. Variations which so you progressions to the position for a better workout You can learn Pilates floor work from this book alone. And, it is nice to be able to go at your own pace, and not need to keep up with an instructor on a DVD. I found it necessary to get a DVD to compliment this once I was comfortable with the positions. Overall I would recommend this to anyone that is new to Pilates and wants to understand the principles, posture, breathing and positions so that they do not get hurt.