Pilates: A Beginner's Guide

Improve your body shape and mental well-being with Pilates--one of the fastest-growing and most popular fitness methods in the world. With Pilates, which emphasizes working the mind and body together, you can gradually shape and tone your muscles, increase flexibility, and improve your posture, balance, stamina, coordination, concentration, and ability to relax. Illustrated with full-color photographs, this handy guide contains everything you need to get started on a Pilates program. Begin with a look at how the technique developed and how it complements modern medical thinking, and then explore the basic principles of Pilates. After you've prepared your mind and body through simple positioning, focusing, and breathing exercises, you're ready to get started on your fitness program. Every exercise is broken down into its component steps, and, where appropriate, lower intensity options are included. Featuring beginning, intermediate, and advanced routines, this introduction to Pilates is perfect for people of all fitness levels.

((category)) BODY/MIND/SPIRIT
Start creating a new you today. Feel fit in mind and body with Pilates, one of the fastest-growing and most popular exercise techniques in the world. Practice it regularly to become stronger, leaner, and more flexible, as well as to look and feel great. Soon the stresses and strains of everyday life will affect you less and put you more in control, yet relaxed at the same time. Even your usual aches and pains will lessen. This series of exercises--with every movement you'll make illustrated and explained--gradually shapes and tones muscles, and enhances posture and well-being. You may recognize elements of yoga, dance movements, everyday exercises from the gym, and childhood gymnastics. Anyone can begin right away.