Reviews (3)

Companion to Pelvic Power
If you have read Pelvic Power you must read this book also.This goes hand in hand with Pelvic Power. Together they offer a total understanding of the body.You will be amazed at what you learn about how everything is tied together.I highly recommend this book along with Pelvic Power.Read these book before you begin Pilates and you will reap the rewards that Pilates has to offer.

Unique program
Sifting through all the 'Pilates' books can be confusing - will the real 'Pilates' please stand up?I should have read the editorial reviews a bit more closely to catch the words "Ultimate pilates is a unique program....", meaning it is not the original Joseph Pilates exercise routine.I just latched on to the fact that the author was personally trained by Joseph Pilates, so I assumed this author was passing on his first-hand knowledge of the techniques.Not so.That aside, this program is a unique set of gentle exercises designed to develope a sense of balance, proper alignment, correct posture and graceful movement - sounds like something a dancer would be concerned with.I was not looking for another exercise program to wade through and learn, I just wanted more enlightenment on the original pilates method, however this book may be something I will be motivated to do in the future when I get bored with other programs.This book is beautifully written and designed, artistic in it's own way to compliment a dancer's fitness program.The best thing I came away with, which was mentioned also in the previous review, is the 'special midpoint lift' which makes a tremendous difference in how you carry yourself.When I practice this, it makes me feel like I am floating like a dancer as I walk around the house or as I do my errands.This is so much more comfortable and practical than 'navel to spine', which it replaces.Honestly, it is so very subtle, that it took me a while to really 'get' what part of the body he was talking about and what to do with it.This one piece of information, as the previous reviewer also said, was worth the price of the book.This trainer works with many actors and people who are in the public eye who must present themselves with poise and grace.I got the impression this was a program for people who wanted a gentle workout, because the main model was probably in her 50's.Don't be fooled by the cover picture, that advanced move is not part of the program.

excellent but advanced!
This is a book for those who want to get things right. The exercises are EXCELLENT and you will feel the results quickly, but the technique takes some time to master. You need patience here and work properly. It mentions quite thouroughly the pelvic floor, which is of an outmost importance in stability and getting the core in place. Just ask a (good) ballet dancer. It also discusses the PELVIC FLOOR VS NAVEL TO SPINE issue. This discussion alone would justify the buy! (Navel to spine is a NO! And don�t get the ribs together! It is so refreshing to read his correct observations!!) Also observe body alignment on the floor and on the wall! Good guidance and advice, great understanding of human body. Way to go!
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Subjects:  1. Channeling    2. Consumer Health    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Pilates method   

Reviews (7)

Good, But Often Hard to Comprehend
Theer are oodles of books out there that claim to teach the reader "pilates" of one sort or another.I was drawn to this text because it was a re-publication of an original manual by Joseph Pilates.On the bright side, the book has many exercises that, in my limited experience, would appear to build core strength and which make me feel very good.The limitation of this manual is, though, that the instructions on how to carry out the exercises frequently are very hard to follow.Often I read the steps of an exercise and found myself confounded."What- when am I suppose to inhale and in which direction am I to move my right leg?"Despite repeatedly studying the instructions and the few accompanying photographs, I still cannot understand how I am to carry out an exercise.It would have been nice if the folks who re-published this book included an appendix that provided clarifications.Alas, instead, they provided only a brief and not especially informative introduction.Too bad.

Pleased to see the real Pilates
This book is helpful for one reason - it's the real Pilates and you actually get to see his photo.So many people jumped on his bandwagon, rennovated his moves, and polished the picture, that it was nice to see what the man was actually talking about.Instead of one book, you get two short books.The first is Pilates' Return to Life Through Contrology (published in 1945; 95 pages) where he describes 34 exercises with 4 photos each (old B&W) and complete step by step written instructions. This is the part of the book that I used to compare with the modern day Pilates video I purchased.Only some of his exercises were included in the video as I suspected, and it was nice to see them all which is the reason I bought the book.I still use the video because I got used to the routine, but I plan :) to start incorporating his other exercises.The second short book (60 pages) is "Your Health" and describes his philosophy of health mixed in with a few real old photos of exercises.I did not get as much out of this part (published in the 1934 mindset), except for the fact that breathing means keeping the belly in instead of out like a balloon (yoga style).After all, if you don't work the muscles around the abdomen to "go in," they "go out," and that's the real gist.Thank you Pilates for teaching us about working the "core," because I can really feel the difference.The killer is that Pilates is easier than crunches, and it's the ONLY thing that really works the abs and makes them feel flat.

The Original Master
There are many Pilates teachers out there, but this particular book, "A Pilates' Primer," by Joseph Pilates is the one sure guideline for mastery of the practice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Fitness    6. Health   

Reviews (6)

Weekend athlete
I received this book as a Christmas gift from my daughter.I was skeptical at first that Pilates could help out a weekend softball player like myself.As a new years resolution I work out 3 times per week at home. Through the first 3 weeks of the year I have lost 10lbs via working out with IM=X and a new diet.It's a great workout and I don't have to worry about injuring my arm lifting heavy weights at the gym.Thanks to McNergney for this wonderful program.

Great for Golf
On the recommendation of my personal trainer, I started learning IM=X Pilates to improve my golf game.Through regular IM=X Pilates workouts I have been able to improve my core strenght an increase my drives by about 30 feet.
Pilates for Men
I highly recommend this book to any men out there who are looking to get in shape.Traditional Pilates was created for dancers as a rehabilitation program (which is not the general male population).
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Exercise Therapy    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Men's Health    7. Physical fitness for men    8. Pilates method    9. Exercise & workout books    10. Health & Fitness / Yoga   

Reviews (12)

Great combo book
AS an instructor of both pilates and yoga- I found this a great and simple way to apply both practices to my classes....the author really explains nicely...

Great book, prefer the video
This is a great book, but I have a lot of trouble following books and so I bought the video, which allowed me to learn better.Both the book and the video are great.Yogilates is a calming yet invigorating workout.Not too easy, not too hard.And one of the few exercises I've actually been able to stick with consistently.Enjoyable and well-taught.

It's eary to learn and very usefulness
If you buy this DVD, you won't disappointment.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Hatha Yoga    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Pilates method    8. Yoga    9. Health & Fitness / Yoga   

Reviews (15)

Excellent reading for understanding Jesus' period
If you are going to pick up this book, you are probably very familiar with Pilate's role in the Passion of Jesus already. What this book will really give you is a very readable explanation of politics in Jesus' time as illustrated by Pilate's career. If you have been confused before by the succession of Julian emperors and Herodian kings, or by who ruled when in which part of Palestine, or by what was Roman policy in Palestine at which time, this book will make it all clear to you.
One Roman leaders whose name is in infamy
Paul L. Maier is obviously a scholar, and his novel about Pontius Pilate is the evidence. Providing endnotes to his facts, Maier paints a picture of a Pilate who is interested in preserving his own neck while making the correct political moves, yet too often the prefect ends up making the wrong alliances as well as the wrong calls. The novel is a little slow in some spots--even getting a little complex as one needs to keep track of the many characters, especially the "Herods"-- but it's worthwhile sticking with it till the end. I only wonder what Pilate's fate really was, as Maier himself admits that his end is left up to speculation. All in all, Pontius Pilate is good reading, especially around the time of Lent and the days leading up to the Easter story.

The Pontius Pilate Paradox
Paul Maier's 1968 novel "Pontius Pilate" is an interesting and creative narrative.Its 372 (paperback) pages through 32 chapters offers considerable learning from his experience with various ancient writers and biblical witnesses.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religion    4. Religious - General    5. Fiction / Religious    6. Religion: general   

Reviews (13)

Worked for me
I started using this book in June 2004.I am 41 years of age and wanted to tone by body.I have followed her workouts in this book primarily using the 10 minute routines for upper body, abs, lower body, back, ball and resistance bands.My goal primarily was to one my body.I have dropped a full clothing size and lost 10lbs.I tell everyone I can about this book and the philosophy of exercise.I consider myself a very busy person, I am a mother, I work full time, but every weekday morning I find 10 minutes to do my exercises and it has clearly paid off for me.These results come from exercise.I don't believe in fad diets and have continued to eat food in moderation and control portion size, but I eat what I want.If toning up is important to you, invest the money and the time you will not be disappointed.

Pilates for Every Body by Denise Austin
This book is a useful supplement to your existing health and Pilates for Advanced Everybodies
I tried this Pilates tape that is supposedly for everybody. Denise is as full of sunshine as she alwasy ever. It gets irritating fast when you realize that you can't begin to do half the stuff she is talking about. I have done Pilates before so I know that Denise is doing advanced positions that could cause beginners to injure themselves. She doesn't even give alternate or adjustment poses too often.
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Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness    4. Health/Fitness    5. Pilates method    6. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (2)

Interesting reading
I think that the book gives you some insight as to what kind of a person Joseph Pilates was, and where so many of his exercises stem from.. thinking of that era, and what was available at the time. It's always good to look back to see where we have come from and how we have progressed and changed. It may be a book that I would refer back to, but does not make for "light" reading.

Pilates - Your Health
I have been studying the Pilates Method for about 3 years now.This book along with "Return to Life Through Contrology" has enabled me to more fully understand the Pilates method of exercise.It is not justexercise - it is a way of life.If you are a beginner it would be wise tochoose one of the newer books to help you get started but, I would alsopurchase this book and Return to Life Through Contrology so that you canmore fully understand the principals behind the method.I refer to mycopies often for information and instruction.These are small, paperback,black and white books...but, they pack a great deal of information intotheir little package! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health/Fitness    4. Pilates method    5. Reference   

Reviews (3)

Perfect for beginners
The book "Pilates for Beginners" is just what it says.It is a great way to start, for someone who has never been exposed to this type of exercise.The book even gives you two ways to do the Pilates, one is the regular correct way, and the other is an abbreviated easy way.Perfect for beginners.It has pictures, easy description, everything.

Highly recommended!
Very well thought through. Easy to follow and understand. Exceptionally well done!
Although I have practiced yoga for many years, I am new to Pilates. I am not someone who likes to go to classes, but I can't afford private lessons, so I have been looking at a lot of books to see which would be best for self-teaching Pilates. This has been challenging, because Pilates stresses precision, which is a difficult feat to accomplish on one's own. This is a unique book, as it is spiral-bound and stands up easel-style so it's easy to use and refer to during practice. The photographs are large, in color, crisp, clear, and very well done. There are visualizations and tips with each exercise and techniques for flowing one exercise into the next. The Beginner's program (the book is not just for beginners, despite the title, but it is probably too introductory for the advanced student) has a fair amount of detail, yet not so much that it confuses the reader. It is informative without being overly didactic, and answers a number of "how to" questions that are not even addressed in other books. As I embark on my Pilates journey, THIS is the book I will be keeping by my side. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Physical fitness    8. Pilates method    9. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (1)

Fabulous fitness fun!!
This is a great book.It is practical in its instruction and easy to follow.I highly recommend it for getting rid of that post-partum extra jiggle. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Exercise For Women    4. Exercise for children    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    8. Parenting - General    9. Physical Fitness    10. Pilates method    11. Exercise & workout books    12. Pregnancy, birth & baby care   

Editorial Review

Pilates is an exceptional exercise technique for core strengthening, flexibility, and developing a lean, strong physique. But is it right for pregnancy? Yes, says Pilates trainer-to-the-stars Mari Winsor. Pilates is a safe way to reduce stress and increase comfort and balance during pregnancy. Additionally, Pilates will make your pregnancy and delivery easier, your recovery quicker, and it will benefit your baby by keeping blood circulating to the abdominal area, says obstetrician Uzzi Reiss, M.D., in the foreword.Read more

Reviews (6)

I enjoy this book
I just bought this book a couple of weeks ago and have really been enjoying it.I feel like my posture is great after a single workout and feel very strong in my core.I always look forward to my Pilates workout.
I use this every day
I really like this book. I had been doing Pilates matwork for about 18 months when I became pregnant. I didn't start using the book's routines until I was about 16 weeks pregnant, because before that time my regular Stott Intermediate Matwork video routine seemed fine. I really like the second trimester routine Mari has outlined -- although I don't do the entire routine because of time -- I skip some of the side-lying work and the rowing moves. I'm now 33 weeks pregnant and still doing the second trimester routine because it still feels good (although last week I dropped a couple of the moves that were beginning to get uncomfortable). I have no problems exercising while on my back -- and I have been told that as long as I don't feel dizzy or nauseated, that exercising on my back is fine. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to try Pilates during pregnancy, especially those women who already have at least a basic understanding of the moves.

Not realistic
I am long-time Pilates practitioner and bought the book out of curiousity when I became pregnant to see if there were any different ways of doing the traditional exercises. Windsor keeps the method "traditional" to a fault. There are not enough modifications shown. Also, too many of the exercises are done lying on one's back. This is just not realistic after a certain point in pregnancy. I felt lightheaded and dizzy from lack of oxygen lying down! I would have liked to see more sidelying exercises, magic circle routines or standing exercises. The forward of the book if well written and there is no doubt that Pilates can relieve many of the discomforts associated with pregnancy. It really can keep you in shape and help you regain your body after a baby. However, this book is only suitable for an experienced practitioner who knows how to safely modify the exercises. I would never recommend it to a novice. Rather I would steer them in the direction of a good yoga for pregnancy book or video. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. General    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Physical fitness    7. Pilates method    8. Pregnancy    9. Pregnancy & Childbirth    10. Women    11. Health/Health Care   

Reviews (1)

Excitingly different
In the early 1900s, a sickly young German lad decided to strengthen his body. Developing his own philosophy of exercise that embraces body, breath and mind, Joseph Pilates turned himself and his body around, turning himself into one of the exercise gurus of the early 20th century. This book is an updated example of the Pilates method, filled with lots of illustrating pictures. Overall, my wife and I have found this to be an excitingly different approach to exercise, one that incorporates stretching and breathing with strengthening exercises, and (so far anyway) is proving successful at alleviating her back pain. We both give this book our highest recommendations! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Physical Therapy    2. Back Pain    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Exercise    5. Exercise Therapy    6. General    7. Health & Fitness    8. Health/Fitness    9. Orthopedics    10. Pain Management    11. Exercise & workout books   

Reviews (9)

Good book
Has some good moves in there! I had no idea that Pilates could be done standing.Nice and convenient book!

A Nice Addition to the Pilates Repertoire
I'm giving the book a thumbs up more because I like the Standing Pilates work than because the book is all that great.(In general, I'd rather watch a DVD to learn new exercises, but so far there isn't a decent DVD for Standing Pilates.)Nevertheless, it is well illustrated with numerous photographs that help explain the exercises.If possible, take a Standing Pilates class, then use the book as a reference and reminder of how to do the exercises.

too hard to follow
The instuctions were simply too complicated and hard to follow, you really NEED an instructor to do this kind of exercise, which explains why about 1/2 the book is a list of studios and teachers.I did not find this book helpful, I am very sorry to say. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diets - General    3. Exercise    4. Exercise Therapy    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Physical Fitness    8. Pilates method    9. Family & Health    10. Health & Fitness / Exercise   

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Health & Fitness    3. Health Care Issues    4. Health/Fitness    5. Exercise & workout books    6. Popular medicine   

Editorial 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. Read more

Reviews (2)

The Joseph H Pilates Method at Home
Absolutely delighted with the clear, concise way this book has been put together for teaching the Pilates method. Excellent photographs to show all positions.A book well suited to the older person especially those wanting to take control of their lazy tummy muscles again.(Tip: I use a child's soccer ball instead of the cushion or bolster which is suggested.) Congratulations to the instructor, author and publisher. A very delighted reader and practitioner at home who did not want to join a class.

I love it..Easy Easy to Follow
I have 2 videos and 2 books now, and this one is good..Videos are too fast and the concept is not learned.My other book is too advanced. But this book begins slowly and teaches the concept slowly using the first exercises to learn the technique.. of breathing and moving in sinc.By using Lynne Robinsons video to learn to breath and begin the process, along ith this book to begin the gentle moves..I have found a system for me.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Body, Mind & Spirit    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Exercise    5. General    6. Health/Fitness    7. Pilates method    8. Yoga    9. Exercise & workout books    10. Mind, Body, Spirit    11. Popular medicine    12. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (1)

Excellent source those needing modified pilates
The author has simplified and easily explained Pilates excercises that an individual with physical limitations, either from chronic pain conditions or physical disabilities, can perform. I took this book to my physician and chiropractor and discussed which exercises I could safely practice without further injury or exacerbation of my physical condition. Both were amazed and so excited about the content that they purchased this book for their practices. I am now able to increase core strength using basic and modified Pilates with physicians' blessings and guidance. This text is an "all-star" work for those not able to practice Pilates which many times is somewhat vigorous and difficult for persons with physical limitations. I highly recommend exploring this text with your physician prior to attempting the exercises. In this manner the book can only improve your core strength and allow improvement of your physical, mental, and emotional condition(s). For a better quality of life, give this book serious consideration. Thank you Alan Herdman!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Diet / Health / Fitness    3. Exercise    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health/Fitness    6. Sale Books   

Reviews (10)

binding problem resolved with new copy
Like a couple other readers, I also got a book with poor binding. The pages started falling out as soon as I opened the book. But instead of just complaining about it, I contacted the publisher who sent me a brand new copy for free - and the binding seems to be fine. I was told that there had been a "bad batch of books" printed and that the distributor made a mistake in sending the wrong ones out. I'm really happy with the way this got resolved and with the company's customer service, because it really is a great book. I've enjoyed using it a lot!

Also purchase hole-punch and binder
I got my BRAND NEW copy of Balance on the Ball yesterday.When I read a book, I READ a book, but I have never before had a book self-destruct within 24 hours.Such a large number of the pages had pulled off the binding, most partly, some totally, that I have already torn the whole thing apart, punched holes in the pages, and have put it in a ring-binder.I can't say I wasn't warned - other reviewers had commented on the low-quality binding.Aside from that, this book is desperately in need of an index, as another reviewer wrote.The sample workouts are too short, in my opinion.I would have preferred longer workout sequences with at least small picture reminders next to the name and page of the exercise, OR for the book to be organized sequentially into beginner/intermediate/advanced workouts like some of the other exercise books I have, because that is the most user-friendly organization style I have come across.This is all quite unfortunate, because otherwise, this is a beautiful book with very nice exercises.Because of all the work I have had to do to get the book into a two-ring binder, as well as writing up my own index and work-outs, I can only rate this as a two star, and that is being generous.Amazon, shame on you for selling a book that many people have said falls apart fast - here is another dis-satisfied customer (the other books I received were fine - I'll continue to purchase from Amazon because it's fun and convenient).

An Excellent Guide to Exercises on the original Pezzi Ball!
This book is easy to read and understand for introducing the user to the various types of exercises on the Pezzi Ball.The author has divided each set of exercises into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced so that all users can choose the regimin that best fits them.The author has also taken the time to explain the benefits of muscle strength, flexibility, balance & coordination, posture, body awareness, playfulness, and cardiovascular conditioning...all foundations of any exercise on the ball.I personally gained valuable knowlege after a major back injury from this book. This is a "must read" for anyone interested in better Back health or for anyone in the Physical Therapy & personal training arena!There is also a link in the book to order your own Pezzi Ball. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Health    2. Exercise    3. Health & Fitness / Exercise    4. Medicine balls    5. Pilates method    6. Balls    7. Fitness    8. Health & Fitness    9. Health & Fitness / General   

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Reviews (3)

watch your body transform - again!
No longer will friends receive an adorable outfit or spa certificate upon their return from the hospital. I will be giving every new mom I know Ms. Adamany's book Post-Pregnancy Pilates. I was introduced to Pilates prior to my pregnancies and have successfully managed to return to pre-pregnancy (minus a few pounds) weight in six months, and am feeling fantastic. That said, I recently quit my job to spend more time with my wee ones and have no income to support private sessions or expensive classes.
ABsolutely FABulous
As a Certified Pilates Instructor, I recommend this book to all of my clients who are mothers (recent or not so recent). They love that it is easy to read and understand. From a trainer's perspective this is important for motivation and the ability to stick with a program that needs to be squeezed in between feeding time and bath time. Adamany -based on her own personal experience - covers the absolute fundamental basics needed to re-discover the core muscles that are so abused during pregnancy and delivery. Once some abdominal awareness is regained, she does a great job progressing the reader through more challenging exercise sequences while also leaving room for "quick-fix" exercises, say a simple neck or lower back stretch. Please enjoy!

fit body after baby
I purchased this book for my 2 daughter-in-laws who have recently had babies.They love the approach Adamany takes to getting back in shape - using personal experience and giving extra tips with each chapter.The clear instructions and photos make it easy to follow. I use her first book - The Pilates Edge - and have found it helpful especially for biking and skiing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise For Women    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Health & Fitness    5. Health and hygiene    6. Health/Fitness    7. Mothers    8. Physical fitness for women    9. Pilates method    10. Pregnancy & Childbirth    11. Women's Health - General    12. Health & Fitness / Women's Health    13. Bargain   

Reviews (19)

Just couldn't figure it out
I'm usually someone who learns really well from books, even physical skills, so when I borrowed this book and the "Pilates Workout for Dummies" DVD from a friend I was pretty confident that I'd be able to learn something from them both.
What I started with
I started doing Pilates 5 years ago at the age of 16. I actually started with this very book, believe it or not. I have since had experience with others - a VHS by Ana Caban, Yogilates by Jonathon Urla, Winsor Pilates, Brooke Siler. I would have to say that the best out there are from this book and Brooke Siler's The Pilates Body.
Badly written
This book was badly written, and the writing interferes with the content.It is poorly organized with no central theme in each chapter, and there are often two adjacent sentences in a paragraph that don't seem to connect in any way.There are also a number of typos and grammatical ambiguities that compound the problematic organization, rendering the book incomprehensible in some parts.
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Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - Physical Therapy    2. Consumer Health    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Exercise    5. Exercise Therapy    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Physical Fitness    9. Pilates method    10. Complementary Medicine    11. Health & Fitness / Exercise    12. Yoga for exercise   

Reviews (2)

Looking at geneology
I purchased this for the wonderful photo history. The pictorial is wonderful although some of the historical information is slightly incorrect. Despite that I am very pleased to own this little bit of family history, and will gladly pass it on to my children and grandchildren.

A picture is worth a 1000 words
This book is a testament to Joseph H. Pilates and his unique system of exercise. To be able to see pictures of Joe and his more advanced students is a guide and an inspiration to students of Pilates. This book will appeal to those who practice Pilates with access to equipment. To these people it can be a manual well worth its price. Observing the form in pictures helps to do the exercise in proper form and learn new techniques. The volume and variety of exercises is also great. Once again a great book for pilates students. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art