The Official Body Control Pilates Manual: The Ultimate Pilates Guide for Fitness, Health, Sport and at Work

Everything about this tome by the leading Pilates authorities is official, marking it out as a serious, in-depth guide to the fitness system which creates lean bodies through building muscle, tone and flexibility.Unlike many fitness books (including yoga), there is nothing superficial, glamorous or intimidating about the visuals. Photos (from various angles) are cleverly backed up with extra diagrams where needed, plus illustrations of the relevant muscles. Instructions are simple and surprisingly easy to follow.At first glance this might seem more like a teacher's manual. After a detailed introduction, it is divided into beginners, intermediate, advanced and prescriptions. On closer examination, with the huge emphasis on explanations of how different muscles work, and the level of detail, it is a cross between a medical and fitness handbook. Indeed to many the health benefits of Pilates will be an additional, welcome, surprise.In the end, however, it is an indispensable health guide, appealing both to hard-core Pilates fans as well as newcomers. The final section (Prescriptions) on work, play, health and even the performing arts, provides simple and invaluable advice, and even if you have never been to a Pilates class, you can benefit hugely. You are unlikely to ever sit or stand the same way again with this book in your home! --Lorna V.

Leading Pilates specialist Lynne Robinson works with Gordon Thomson, one of Britain's pre-eminent Pilates teachers with over 3 decades' experience. Helge Fisher runs two Body Control studios in Brighton and Body Control Pilates Austria. Jacqueline Knox is their consultant physiotherapist, who incorporates Pilates into her treatment. The Body Control Pilates network of teachers offers training and accreditation. Besides two London studios it is introducing Pilates to David Lloyd Fitness Centres nationwide and establishing centres abroad.