Publication Date:October 1, 2005 Shipping:Eligible for Super Saver Shipping Promotion:Save $10.00 when you spend $50.00 or more on Qualifying Items offered by Amazon.com. Enter code BMLSAVES at checkout.Terms and Conditions Availability:Usually ships in 24 hours
Great BookOctober 30, 2008 I agree with the reviewer that said that this book could have just as easily been written for women as well as men. I have several books on Pilates, but this one emphasizes strength development more than the others, while not at all downplaying the flexibility aspect. For instance, I had not seen the pushup in any of the other books I have on Pilates. For the number of pages, and exercises contained in this book, it is a great bargain!
A Very Good Book To HaveOctober 9, 2008 This is an excellant guide to pilates with clear illustrations and directions that help show pilates moves.
My wife does pilates and she looks at this book also from time to time, so women can also use this.
I love itAugust 3, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
So worth the money. The cover and layout of the book are attractive, and the content does not disappoint. The language is clear and intensely helpful, and the sketches of the movements, which actually depict every essential step of each exercise, are some of the most useful I've encountered in books like this. The author really gives you everything you need to progress on your own, at your own pace, and finding new depths to each movement as you go. My body has never looked better. If your kinesthetic sense is such that you can learn well from a book, and you have an interest in Pilates, you should own this.
Not just for menApril 13, 2008 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I've been practicing and teaching Pilates for years, and although I continue to be challenged by the original mat exercises, there are times that my students crave different exercises. I, too, have been increasingly curious about the Reformer on the Mat exercises, and though I've seen bits and pieces in other workouts, I haven't seen one that offers them in a cohesive system. This one does, showing not only the sequence the exercises should be performed in but also the different levels for each exercise (although most of them are quite challenging).
I do still have to shake my head and laugh at the need to market the system for men- anyone who has ever tried the Pilates pushups, Side Bends or Leg Pull Ups should already know that classical Pilates demands- and builds- upper body strength. However, in the text where Lyons notes that some of these exercises are exclusively for men- or individuals with significant upper body strength- I mostly agree. I happily cede the very tricky Headstand variations to male practitioners and instructors, although I will note that they are very similar to a number of movements from the Ashtanga Primary Series.
This is an excellent resource for male or female practitioners and instructors, and if it finally gets people to realize that Pilates is a real workout and not just a souped up abs and stretch routine, so much the better.
Excellent!February 27, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book is exactly what I needed. Exercises are well explained. No boring stuff around, goes straight to the point. I already feel better...
