Publication Date:August 30, 2006 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
Isacowitz PilatesSeptember 11, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Amazing detail and written instruction for those wishing to pursue Pilates in any shape or form, from the mat to the various machines used. It is very in-depth about the importance of the body's posture and alignment, and about how to prevent and strengthen/heal injuries.
Perfect PilatesAugust 9, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I very nearly bought this book for its cover, which is beautiful in its simplicity. But instead, I read the reviews, all the reviews. THEN I bought the book. And, when it arrived, I discovered that I had bought one of the most thorough books ever written, about any exercise, ever. I'm going to try to avoid talking about what other reviewers have already written.
First, this book is thorough. Very thorough. There are generally two types of exercise books: those that provide lots of pretty (or, manly) pictures but little explanation and those the provide endless explanation but few illustrations. This book, like those by Sue Luby (no, we don't know why Amazon doesn't carry her yoga and fitness books; they're excellent) falls neatly into the center: just enough photographs and just enough discussion. Even more critical is that, unlike almost every Pilates book I've seen, the author provides photos from various levels, including those from above, to show, for example, how far apart your feet should be in various positions and explains what and where you should direct your concentration.
The book is divided into twelve chapters. The first three, which are ABOUT Pilates (Enhancing the Mind and Body; Alignment, Posture, and Movement; and Powerful Pilates Practices) are not only informative but also deeply inspirational. If you don't feel like hitting the empty spot on the floor (assuming you have one; we're certainly running low on emptiness) and opening up every joint and muscle in your body, send the book back because you won't be happy with the rest. Chapters 4 through 11 detail exercises on various bit of equipment. Chapters 4 and 5 cover mat (chapter 4) and Reformer (chapter 5) routines. The next six chapters cover other pieces of equipment, ranging from the most expensive (chapter 6: Cadillac) through the Wunda Chair (chapter 7), Barrels (chapter 8), Ped-a-Pul (chapter 9), Arm Chair (chapter 10), and the magic circle (chapter 11). This division by equipment is quite useful. If you don't happen to have the Cadillac (or the several thousand dollars it's takes to buy one), just skip that chapter. I have found, however, that many exercises usually performed on more elaborate equipment can be modified using simpler equipment. For example, I am daily impressed with the extraordinary range of exercises you can do using a simple resistance ball.
Finally, Chapter 12, provides an excellent set of "Sample Exercise Routines" for mat, reformer, and cadillac, further organized by time and skill level. In this chapter, the photographs from various angles are used to greatest effect.
In sum, I think this is a perfect Pilates book. And I say this as a long-time addict of Moira Stott's various books and videos. I think just about everyone can get something out of it. It's certainly worth giving it a try.
VERY THOROUGHFebruary 15, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Wow. This is one thorough treatment of Pilates. Whether you're a beginner who needs to start out with the basics, or an experienced practitioner who needs some of the more advanced moves, it's all here for you. You can use this book for mat work or for the various types of apparatus work. You get a basic idea of which muscle groups get worked by the various exercises, and the proper visualizations to get you where you need to be. A very well-written, easy to understand, easy to follow guide. I highly recommend this book.
Pilates - multiple waysFebruary 8, 2008 2 out of 3 found this review helpful
No other book this comprehensive can beat the price of Rael's Pilates book. This is a good book for people who practises pilates in various ways including the cadillac. It is a step-by-step guide to the pilates exercises. But honestly how many people who do pilates on the reformer goes back to the mat? I just bought a reformer and it's worked out for me better than the mat exercises. It's nice that it offers everything within the book but if you want to focus, Ellie's book is better. I use this book for reference but in terms of reformer exercises Ellie's book cover pretty much everything including the box and stick. That's just my experience.
Pilates is one of the most comprehensive book on PilatesDecember 30, 2007 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The book is well written, comprehensive and very informative. The philosophy behind the work of Joe Pilates and repertoire is first explained in detail. the vast Pilates system of exercises from mat to Reformer and all the other basic apparatus, is then broken down and presented in logical chunks that really make sense. I am both a student of Pilates and a trainer. I loved the organization of the work presented by an author whose authoritative knowledge and love of the Pilates Method is infectious. Rael I. explains the context within which each exercise works, in relationship to the whole body, and then explains how to incorporate it in a Pilates session. I love the book, and I carry it around with me for inspiration.
