The Joseph H. Pilates Method at Home: A Balance, Shape, Strength, and Fitness Program - Softcover

McKenzie, Eleanor

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1569752109 ISBN 13: 9781569752104

Publisher: Ulysses Press, 2000

Synopsis

First popularized in the 1920s and adopted by dance greats George Balanchine and Martha Graham, the Pilates technique is gaining worldwide recognition as an effective holistic exercise system. It combines elements of yoga and classical dance with principles of concentration and exercise that increase body awareness, release tension, and realign the body. The program is particularly popular with people who are moving away from the "no pain, no gain" mentality of the workout gym and seeking alternative methods of fitness. Pilates at Home offers readers a clear explanation of this conditioning system. Color photographs show users how to coordinate body, mind, and spirit by working with the body's muscles - not on or against them. Sections on posture, breathing, warm-up exercises, and the use of weights can be easily applied to everyday life.

About this title

Review

The Pilates method has gathered modern devotees because of the way it strengthens the core stabilization muscles of the abdomen and back, improves posture and balance, and works the body and mind together. The Joseph H. Pilates Method at Home has clear explanations and vibrant photographs and is a helpful adjunct to a class, video, or private session with a trainer--but does not replace them. In fact, the author explains what the reader should expect from an instructor, and never offers the book as a self-contained substitute. She admits that "instruction from a teacher will take you beyond anything you can teach yourself." An instructor will tailor the program to your needs, taking into account any injuries or imbalances, and will work with you to correct the intricacies of your movements, for example.

The Joseph H. Pilates Method at Home will be most useful if you're already taking Pilates classes and want to learn more and practice at home. It presents the history, philosophy, and key elements of this method and illustrates 17 exercises that you can do at home with no equipment except a mat and sometimes a pillow and light weights. The 128 pages are filled with 185 photos (mostly color, and mostly of different stages of an exercise), and much of the text is large print with lots of space. It's a pretty book, and you'll understand the theory and learn some of the simpler exercises, but to get the most benefits from Pilates, take a class or buy a video, too. --Joan Price

About the Author

Eleanor McKenzie is the author of many books on health and sexuality including" Chi Kung: Cultivating Personal Energy, Healing Reiki, "and "The Kama Sutra Year: 52 Sensational Postions For Erotic Pleasure."

Edition details

• Publisher: Ulysses Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1569752109
• ISBN 13: 9781569752104
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128