Editorial Review

Thin-but-fit supermodels like Amber Valletta and Shalom Harlow and actresses like Read more

Reviews (121)

Feel Good Workout
I had this book for three years and never really read it, but then on the recommendation of my chiropractor six months ago, I picked it up and plowed through it.
Easy to Use
This book was recommended to me by my Pilates instructor.It is true to Joseph Pilates' teachings.It is very easy to follow with excellent instructions, photographs, and things not to do.

Great...
I have been doing Pilates since I was 12 years old, and this has been a very refreshing and entertaining book...you just need lots of motivation to carry out the exercises. :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Mind and body    7. Physical fitness    8. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (6)

A so-so book for Pilates Instructor Trainees only!
If you don't know Pilates and would like to find out what really works in your body while practicing Pilates, don't buy it! The general part of the book is pretty good, although you start wondering at times if you should take the book seriously or not. I think the back of the book, with the exercises and all, is pretty useless. Most of the drawings of the exercises are faulty! Maybe someone with no or very little Pilates experience drew them and, somehow slipped by the authors who didn't stop publishing those bad drawings. The general part and, especially the posture part is very useful. For biomechanics I would rather suggest to look up one of Joseph Muscolino's books, especially his new book titled: "Kinesiology". Although, you could use this (Anatomy of Pilates) book to find out about the core abdominal muscles and pelvic muscles (a little!) and, how and which ones we use in Pilates. You can also learn about a couple of basic muscles that play a role in Pilates. It is still a far outcry from all the muscles and mechanisms that are involved in practicing Pilates. And just to point out some, does not do justice for Pilates! I am a Pilates instructor apprentice and, I think the book is a lot of fluff. If you are a trainee also, I suggest that for your anatomy and biomechanics turn to a more professional and credible source than this book. The book is very slim and quite expensive to just take a look at it! It is not a really good reference either! Very unprofessional at some level! Get this, they actually wrote this in the book:"Pubis - okay, it's the pubic bone". I am not joking, they actually printed it like that! I think that says a lot about the book!

Angry Customer/ 0 STARS!!!!!
I would love to rate this book. The only problem is I have not recieved it yet!!

Great information, terrible editing
This is an excellent guide in terms of information, but the numerous typos on pages 26 and 27 (I counted 15, I believe) are terribly distracting.As an instructor, I think this guide is a valuable, educational source.However, I advise that customers wait for the new corrected edition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness   

Reviews (4)

A Great Resource!
The Pilates Reformer is a great resource for pilate teachers and students.The photos are beautiful and the descriptions of each exercise is very helpful.I would receommend this book to teachers and students who are experienced.This book is not for the novice.

A Must Have for Pilates Professionals!
Being in charge of the Pilates Programming for Healthtrax in Pittsburgh, I have found this book to be an incredible resource for myself and my Pilates staff. Clark- and Romani-Ruby have made this book very user friendly and have not left one important detail out.All exercises are broken down step by step and include important breathing and alignment cues, visualization cues, pre-requisite moves (both on the reformer and on the mat which too is useful!)and spring requirements.What I like about the book is how various modifications are given for each exercise so that you can customize your classes (or training sessions) and give individuals exercises (and modifications)that are specific to their physical abilities that will help them to attain their goals.This book will help Pilates professionals take their classes and training sessions to a higher level and give them a more personable approach to teaching/training.Having taught Pilates for over four years and fitness for nearly 10 years, I've attended quite a few workshops, certifications, industry conventions and have seen many DVDs/Videos featuring Pilates.None have contained the obviously well-researched information included in this book.The background in Physical Therapy and fitness that these two authors possess has been well put to use in this manual.This book did not disappoint! It is a must have for any PILATES PROFESSIONAL!I highly recommend it.

A good introduction to the reformer
Although videos are a great way to learn Pilates, serious students of the reformer will want to study each exercise in as great a depth as possible.Books abound on Pilates matwork techniques, but it is less easy to find instructional materials on the use of the reformer.Readers should not be put off by this book's subtitle, "A Manual for Instructors." The information found here is presented in a logical and straightforward style and would be helpful to any Pilates practitioner interested in exploring reformer techniques.Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Diseases - Skin    4. Exercise    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Physical fitness    8. Pilates method    9. Study and teaching   

Editorial Review

Whether you're recovering from back surgery or looking for a decent full-body workout, Pilates has something to offer--and this practical kit from well-known guru Brooke Siler pulls a complicated system together with finesse. Emphasizing equal stretching and strengthening of the muscles (especially those throughout the torso, referred to as "the powerhouse"), Pilates mat work is conveniently portable thanks to its total lack of fancy equipment. Combining a video with Pilates is asking for poor muscular alignment and a lot of mental distraction, so while the kit's components may seem a little old-fashioned, they're both effective and appropriate. Two CDs and 70 illustrated flash cards work together to supply visual and oral cues for each exercise; a simple book and exercise journal complete the package. With a portable player, you'll have private instruction in public gyms or hotels without expensive classes or tight schedules. The first disk provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals and progresses up the ladder. Many postures are possible for everyone, regardless of fitness level, and it's also a good backup for advanced students if an accident or illness forces you to start again from scratch. The second disk takes you through the intermediate exercises, some of which may be difficult (or impossible) at first but remain inspiring--Siler's gentle authority and creative metaphors make it easy to visualize a day when we'll all be as lean, strong and flexible as she is.Read more

Reviews (43)

Helpful for a daily routine
I love this CD. It is like actually doing a mat class in my house. The pacing is great. The exercises and their order are exactly what I get in my classical Pilates mat classes. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is that I want a few MORE mat classes. At this point I do the same 22 minute workout every day. I think it would be fairly easy to put a couple more on the CD with varying exercises. I am an intermediate Pilates student, and I feel that I need more workout than this CD offers. I'd like to try some more exercises at home, but I prefer to have a guide. However, having this straightforward class to do at home has been great! I am now doing Pilates every day!

wonderful set!
I love pilates and have used variety of pilates equipment, dvds, books, , but was confused how to feel and move from powerhouse, also how to breath position my body correctly. I knew something was lacking from my form and the various dvds and books did not help, either they were confusing, or the workouts were tedious, joyless.After using this set, I realized that you cannot "see" the fine details of pilates, by looking at someone else doing the movement,You have to find them through tuning into your own body.Pilates is subtle, complex. and wonderful to do when you grasp the basics.This set shows me what it must be like to train with top trainer. Wow! what a gift.It is like having one of the best trainers in your room, giving you private instruction! Now I understand and feel my powerhouse and know how to breath and how to use my breath and powerhouse to do the exercises.and have much clearer understanding of correct positions, movements of exercises than I ever did from the other sources.Plus she makes it fun.What a difference!If you've never seen the pilates exercises, then it might be helpful to borrow video or dvd from library and to see the basic movements. then take it back,and use this set to learn the details, to learn how to do them correctly, with joy, from one of the best trainers out there.

Objectively the best
i'm not a big reviewer but think its time to put in some effort. I have her Book and i also have the Essential Mat DVD, Alycea's Portable Pilates and also On the Ball with Lizbeth garcia.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Healthy Living    6. Exercise & workout books   

Reviews (44)

For beginners
This basic manual for Pilates is especially helpful because of the cautions about avoiding poor form while you're doing the exercises. The limitations of any book attempting to teach you how to do physical movements is offset by the authors' knowledge of what mistakes typical beginners make.

Not good for a complete novice.
I'm training for a certain activity and was told that Pilates would be great to do because many people in the sport do it.I knew _absolutely nothing_ about Pilates.I asked around at local fitness clubs but couldn't find any instructors.Lacking local instruction, I bought this book based on the recommendations here.
A treasure chest of Pilates exercises for a hard body
Joseph H. Pilates, the German inventor of the Pilates exercise method must be smiling in the heavens. The lifelong pacifist who was born in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1880... devoted his life to the study of physical education.He moved to the United States in 1926 and afterwards became active with the New York City Ballet."Pilates; body in motion," by Alycea Ungaro of Tribeca Bodyworks is a treasure chest of Pilate exercises for a hard body.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Exercise Therapy    4. Exercise for men    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Men's Health    8. Physical fitness for men    9. Pilates method    10. Exercise & workout books    11. Health & Fitness / Exercise    12. Men's studies   

Reviews (11)

Good book - works for me
I'm a golfer that has frequently had some degree of lower back pain.Suffered a severe lower back strain four months ago.Bought the book and started the routine after that.It has made a big difference for me.My back feels better than it has in years.I strongly recommend the book.

A GOOD WHIPPING
This is an excellent book for dealing with this common problem afflicting so many people but it doesn't explain why Pilate ordered Jesus to be whipped. That is definitely not the way to relieve back pain!

Thoughtfulm, safe process, but does it work????
I felt that Dr. Vad's approach was safe and logical.He has you perform easy basic exercises for some time, and then graduate to more strenuous exercises.I must say, though, as someone is in pretty fair physical condition to begin with, I felt the exercises were too basic, and not at all challenging.There didn't seem to be an abundance of info on treatments or back pain causes either.I guess though, the real proof is, "Did it work? Did following the program letter for letter improve my back pain?"And, in my case, which of course is very individual, after following the program to the "T" for 8 weeks, it really did nothing me.Decent book, but I'm still looking for the magic bullet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment    2. Backache    3. Consumer Health    4. Diet / Health / Fitness    5. Exercise Therapy    6. Hatha Yoga    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Pain Management    10. Pilates method    11. Surgery - General    12. Treatment    13. Yoga    14. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (12)

Great sequel to her first book which is also excellent!
This book is really a sequel to her first book "The Pilates Body" although it could stand alone for people who are already familiar with the basics of Pilates.
Excellent resource for "kicking up" Pilates
Siler's latest book on Pilates is an excellent resource for those who have been exposed to Pilates.(Although it could be used by a beginner, there are better books to ground you in the material, particularly Siler's first book and those of Alycea Ungaro's.)If you want ways to bring Pilates to your gym routine, she has quite a few ideas for five popular pieces of equipment.If you want to know how to incorporate mat principles into your at home workout, there are ideas for weights and bands.Trying to improve your sports performance?Plenty of insights and specific exercises for four sports.Do you want to spice up your mat routine, but still in the Pilates-realm?Siler offers four different mat routines with exercises not usually seen in retail manuals.Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a good portion of the book is devoted to bringing Pilates principles into everyday life- whether driving, waiting in line, carrying your child, standing on the subway or a host of other everyday activities almost everyone finds themselves doing- via her trademarked Invisible Workout.
Pilates Body Challenge
This is a comprehensive book including use of machines at the gym,as well as home exercises without equipment. It also has beginner to advanced directions.It incorporates exercises for different types of problems.There are alot of helpful photos and drawings. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Pilates method    7. Swiss exercise balls    8. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (8)

Great book for back pain sufferers.Simple and effective!
This is a wonderful well illustrated book with easy to perform exercises that are effective for back pain.The descriptions are easy to follow and there is not an overwhelming amount of detail.
Great entry-level text for cranky backs
I had purchased Ungaro's Body in Motion and Siler's Pilates Body to begin doing pilates, as they were generally the most respected texts. But my back couldn't handle the most basic level of some of the introductory exercises. This book, however, along with King and Green's Back Strengthening Workout, has given me a sequence of exercises and modifications that (I can already feel after two weeks of use) will get me where I want to be. The introduction to this book is a little too technical on anatomical detail, and the Ungaro and Siler books are superior in terms of illustration and textual guidance at the advanced levels, but without this I'd be quitting and/or hurting before I ever got going with Pilates.

Pilates Basics
If you ever taken a mat class you will know these exercises front and back, if you haven't then this very basic book will show you how to do the moves without hurting yourself for the most part. The straight leg positions are not the most comfortable position to be in when your low back hurts you. I like the floor movements on your back. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Healing    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Pain Management    7. Physical Impairments    8. Exercise & workout books   

Reviews (13)

All inclusive... book and DVD
I'm glad I bought this book and DVD workout.
Great program!
I've been doing Pilates on the Ball by Colleen Craig for a year now. The book alone is not enough; the DVD is essential. I keep one eye on the TV, both ears on the gentle background music and Ms. Craig's voice, and my whole body relaxed, as Ms. Craig leads me through my 45 minute workout, both verbally and visually. I'm in my mid-60's, and this program is helping my posture stay young and my body strong. I've recommended it to several colleagues, and I'd recommend it to anyone. Ms. Craig speaks the instructions on the DVD, so you can follow the exercises even if you can't really focus on the TV screen as you do them. She speaks to bodies which have sore backs or sore knees, and advises people how to be careful so they don't get injured. I just love this program!

Love it!
I am really enjoying this product.The DVD is and excellent guide to begin with and then the book allows for extra exercises and to adapt them to your ability. ... Read more

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Reviews (11)

Pilates - a superb reference
I borrowed a copy of the book from my local library and liked it so much I bought it for myself and for my daughter-in-law.
Great if you already have some body knowledge
This book was one of my mom's rejects for the reason that she couldn't make head nor tail of the instructions. I like it quite a bit, but I have a background in modern dance and was already familiar with isolating different muscle groups. I think if you don't have a good sense of your body already, this book might be too confusing to start with.
A good guide if you buy the Pilates hype
This is probably the best guide you can buy for Pilates. It is easy to understand and does not try to mystify or complicate the subject. It has good pictures and descriptions of exercises, most of which are good, but more than a few I think are really a strain on the back.I am not really enthusiastic about Pilates.I think basic callestenic exercises are just as effective if done mindfully and correctly. Nevertheless, if you are convinced that Pilates is magic and you want to purchase a guide this would be your best bet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Physical Fitness    6. Pilates method    7. Exercise & workout books    8. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Reviews (3)

A Bargin for new instructors
I was certified through body arts and science and after paying over $3000 for my education I could not fork over the extra dough for the workbooks that were an additional $250. I laugh now cause this book IS the workbooks, muscle focus and orgins and all for $20! This is a fantastic book for the newly certified insturctor looking for a study guide or even the more experienced one that looks at another instructor from time to time and says "what was the breathing on that again." Stay sharp to keep the practice respected and our students healthy and strong.

A nice Pilates paperback
I like this inexpensive paperback.There are plenty of exercises for the experienced & inexperienced.Lots of photos also.Where other books end at the mat, this book goes beyond that to other equipment.For those just starting out, it gets pretty challenging! If you are looking to improve muscle tone & flexibility, try it out. I recommend it.

Covering 210 exercises
Human Kinetics is the premier publisher for "user friendly" sports and fitness instruction manuals and guides. Rael Isacowitz is one of the leading pilates experts in the world and the owner/founder of Body Arts and Science International. In "Pilates: Your Complete Guide To Mat Work And Apparatus Exercises", Isacowtiz presents a methodical, organized, photo illustrated, in-depth instruction manual for perform pilates movements correcting and provides a unique set of challenging exercise sequences which allow the movements to flow and blend into one continuous motion. Along with straight mat work, Isacowitz introduces the aspiring pilates student into a range of pilates apparatus that include: Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Step and Ladder Barrels, Ped-a-Pul, Arm Chair, and Magic Circle. Covering 210 exercises, the positive results for the pilates student will include improved posture, enhanced muscle tone, increased core strength, and enduring flexibility. Rael Iscaowitz's "Pilates" is a strongly recommended exercise guide for personal and community library Health & Exercise training manual and reference collections.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Dressage    3. Equestrian    4. Exercise    5. Horses - General    6. Horses - Riding    7. Pets    8. Pilates method    9. Sports   

Reviews (2)

A Must Have For Pilates EnthusiastsAnd Teachers
This book is excellent , it's probably my favorite pilates book I have.There's tons of exercises for the foam roller , elastic band, magic circle/small ball and a few exercises with a pinkie ball and even one exercise with a towel.The book is very comfortable to use because of its lay flat binding and the writing is concise and easy to follow along with the pictures.
A really great exercise book
Ellie Herman's Pilates Workbook on the Ball was such a good book that I had to get this book of hers too.I am very pleased with the exercises, and like having now the variety of Pilates exercises on the big ball (from the other book) as well as Pilates on the roller, magic circle, and thera-band, from this book. Everything is well laid out and explained.I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

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Reviews (1)

Excellent resource for life transitions....
From The North Brevard Beacon, February 9, 2005
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Reviews (5)

Pretty good
This book has colored pictures that are large and easy to follow. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. The exercises are labeled as beginner, all levels, advanced, etc. There are variations to many exercises, which is great.Overall I am happy with my purchase.

Play, not work!
Liz Gillies goes into a bit of background on the theoretical stuff. Although most of the exercises are not new, what stands out is the sense of fun she has when working out with the exercise ball, making it less work & more play. This makes me want to do more of them, & more often. This, coupled with exercises' effectiveness, has already made a difference in my posture & the way I carry myself, after only 3 weeks of 3x a week exercise. Thanks Liz. About that cat stance on the ball... I did it! Only for less than a second though, but in time...

Very Good!
I love this book...it covers all my needs for exercising on the ball so far.Great for beginners or advanced people.Just wish it were spiral-bound!It would be more durable and easier to use while I'm learning all the exercises. ... Read more

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Reviews (5)

A fitness first.
When I heard pilates on a ball, I was ecstatic! I was just impressed by the creativity used in coming up with such wonderful exercises.I attempted many of the exercises, and I just saw how valuable they would be to athletes, who have been using traditional exercises for a long time.This new system, is so dynamic, and I just love the fact that even seasoned exercisers would be challenged positively.
Excellent ab strengthening moves
After only a few reps, I can feel the work!I like how it builds on moves I am familiar with and has some new ones in there.

I only wish there was a DVD on this
I know that most DVDs are for most of the exercises that are done on any exercise endeavor, including those on the ball, I just wish there was a DVD to accompany this book. I believe that DVDs help to keep people motivated to exercise.
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Reviews (4)

Great tool for flexible and personalized pilates work-outs
Since I had a baby, I couldn't go to my pilates classes as often as I used to. I have been using this card deck. every week at home and this helped me get back in shape despite a busy schedule with the baby.
Not as useful as I expected.
On one side of the card is a picture, and on the other side is a fairly complete explanation.More pictures would have been better.One side has the exercise number and the other has the name.The name and number on both sides would have been more helpful.Pilates originally was not meant to be a mix-and-match method, but these cards make it into that if you are so inclined.(I generally prefer to stick with the original method because there apparently is a reason for the specific sequence.)For me, with 5 little ones who tend to get into my stuff, I fear them scattering the cards all over, so punching holes in the cards and using rings to hold them in the desired sequence may relieve my scatter fears - and would make it nice for flipping through the routine.All in all, I have not used these cards very much.All that said, even though the routines given are not the original Joseph Pilates routines, they are very nice routines which I enjoy doing, so the cards have been worth the buy just to get those routines.

Pilates Deck a terrific resource!
I am a pilates instructor and The Pilates Deck by Shirley Archer is one of the best resources I have found. The deck is perfect for beginners because it very clearly shows the basic body positioning for all exercises. I love that the Deck also includes a series of stretching postures and that it includes more advanced versions of the basic exercises so that the reader may progress. The explanations are succinct and the illustrations easy to emulate on the mat. I have wholeheartedly recommended The Pilates Deck to my students and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in pilates.Read more

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Reviews (1)

FANTASTIC!
As a (almost) 16 year old swimmer who has been swimming before I could walk, I am always looking for ways to improve my swimmimg (which is the core of my fitness program). This is an excellent book and I recommend it to anyone who LOVES the water! ... Read more

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Reviews (1)

Fantastic book!
This is the third book I have bought from Ulysses Press, and it is just as good as the other two ("Weight-bearing workouts for women", and "Weights on the Ball workbook" - which is particularly good, and I highly recommend).This book has the Ulysses Press trade-mark 'lay-flat binding' - so useful during exercise, and is well-organized, well-illustrated, very informative, with great exercises and a very nice work-out sequence.Ellie Herman has taken the original Pilates matwork sequence and has adapted it to the exercise ball, with a few additional Pilates exercises thrown in.This is a natural progression from the regular Pilates matwork routine, you can easily and quickly transfer to this program if you are already familiar with the original Pilates matwork.This book is easy to follow, well illustrated, and gives all the usual information associated with Pilates, as well as with using the fitness ball, including important safe-guards.I highly recommend this book.My next Ulysses Press purchase is going to be Ellie Herman's Pilates Props matwork book - based on how good this book is, I know that one is going to be a winner as well. ... Read more

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