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Summary: One of the better books so far...
Review: As a teacher of Pilates-based exercises I suggest people use this book as a reference guide only--not to learn Pilates from scratch. The exercises are clearly laid out, and her visual images are certainly helpful. However, the explanations of the fundamentals leave out key pieces. While she discusses them to a certain extent, she does not go into enough depth, which means that without a teacher, a lay person would not fully "get it". I wish she went into the basics of the anatomy of the "powerhouse", explaining the low back muscles, psoas, and transversalis. Without fully understanding these principles, most people end up using their abs in the wrong way. Therefore, I recommend this book only to people who have a personal trainer as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Amazing!
Review: I bought this book and started the beginner progam. After 2 weeks & ten sessions I have had wonderful results (especially my arms and stomach) and feel stronger and more graceful. Don't be fooled into thinking it's easy, it can be a real workout. But I am getting better results than trainning with weights.
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Summary: This book is the best to get you jumpstarted!
Review: I initially used another book to begin my pilates workout. It never got me started. Then I found Siler's. This is the greatest book to walk a novice through the workout. I loved the fact that I could begin slowly (initially 15 min at a time) until I felt ready to add more. It has given me the confidence I needed to continue with the workout. And each time I have completed the movements, I feel GREAT! No book will give you the same results as if you had a live trainer, but this books sure seems to be close. I whole heartedly recommend this book if you are looking for a different way to use your body to feel wonderful. After working out in a gym with weights for over 7 yrs, this is a fabulous addition to wake up my off-gym days. After 15-30 minutes, I feel taller, more graceful and agile! And who doesn't want that! Keep in mind it takes time and patience to accomplish anything work having; this is worth it!
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Summary: The Best Book Available on Pilates Method
Review: This book is fantastic. Divided into sections for beginner, intermediate, and advanced, it also provides a thorough overview of the Pilates philosophy, glossary of terms, additional exercises for upper body, and offers helpful visualization tips to ensure you're getting the most out of each exercise and doing the movements correctly. I really hope Ms. Siler does an audio and videotape based on this work.
Rating:
Summary: Buy this book!
Review: If you've ever wondred about trying the Pilates method, this is the book to buy. The book is laid out in an extremely logical fashion and is quite easy to follow. Brooke Siler uses visual cues to help you engage your imagination in your workout. I have a few videos that are based on Pilates but found the pictures and descriptions in this little book to be far more useful. The workout routine is clearly divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels with hints on how to move smoothly from one exercise to the next. The tone of the book is warm and encouraging without being patronizing. Check it out!
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Summary: Great book for beginners
Review: I can only speak for the beginners but the other reviews do well for the expert level. I've been working in an office behind a computer for the last 20 years. I'm an overweight over-40 female. This book had exercises I could start with and as I got stronger, could move onto to new ones. That is so rewarding, when you can do something you could not before. I'm at the intermediate level and that backache I used to have every day after sitting at desk all day is gone. I also (imagine this) see definition of my stomach muscles. I'm not fully using the book yet being at the intermediate level, so I'm very much looking forward to keeping it around for a long time still (isn't that great when you get such long term use out of something). I can't imagine what my stomach will look like when I get to the advanced level. Also, I never once experienced pain the day after the exercises. That is important when you sit at a desk all day. I always hated the aches and pains felt after a workout using other exercises. Who ever says no pain no gain, is a sadist. I'm not saying these exercises are easy, not by a long shot. However, you don't feel like you are going to tear or damage ligaments in the process. It is amazing how much value I have gotten out of this little book.
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Summary: BROOKE SILER DESERVES A MEDAL FOR WRITING THIS BOOK
Review: As the owner of a Pilates based studio in Los Angeles, I have been looking for ages for a book to recommend to our clients at ABSOLUTION, especially for those who can't afford to work out with us but who would like the benefits of a Pilates-based workout. It is with extreme pleasure that we endorse this book with every fiber of our hard-earned PILATES bodies!Beginning the practice of Pilates can be a life changing, truly joyful experience that does not require a model's figure or loads of cash... Who needs the added stress? FINALLY There is an instructor capable of translating (with boundless enthusiasm) the exercises for all who are willing to take the time to learn. As she explains, all that is needed is a positive attitude and enough space to stretch out your body at full length. ABSOLUTION is dedicated to sharing Pilates with all who wish to try it, so we will continue to insist that all our instructors and clients read this book if they are to understand the spirit in which Joe Pilates created this fantastic form of excercise. We have copies all over the studio. BRAVO!
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Summary: EXCELLENT DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
Review: This is my first Pilates book. I have problems with back strains and was looking for torso strengthening exercises. This is professionally written and exactly what I wanted.
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Summary: Best book I've seen on Pilates -- Incredible, Warm, Thorough
Review: I've been interested in Pilates for a long time, but don't live anywhere near a trainer (and couldn't afford it anyway) I read article after article until I finally purchased Sean P. Gallagher's book on Pilates. I was so disappointed. There was so much to concentrate on for each exercise, and so many to go through. And no matter what I did it meant purchasing expensive equipment within a few weeks (thousands of dollars worth...) I tried for a few days and then gave up in disgust. Then I read a review for "The Pilates Body." What can I say, everything that has been said is true! Siler recommends taking all the time you need to learn the movements, she provides modified exercises for beginners to build up to the actual exercises and she gives a much more indepth account of Pilates system than I've ever seen before. The information on visualization and the mental aspect of a workout is not present in any other materials I have seen. There is no strict program provided (a plus or bonus depending on how you look at it...) instead the reader is encouraged to progress at their own pace, not moving on until they have the previous movements down. Finally, instead of trying to sell the expensive equipment, Siler is the ONLY Pilates trainer I've EVER seen who says that the original system never had equipment, and that the matwork alone can give a complete workout. I now have confidence in my ability to perform the exercises properly and effectively (though it'll take a long time, I think it will be worth it) This has become one of my favorite books, it is so well written and effective, and most of all Warm and friendly.
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Summary: Pilates can change your life
Review: The Pilates Method changed my life, in more ways than I can list. The changes in my body, esp. my torso & arms are amazing. I'm extremely flexible and walk taller. I started noticing improvements within 4 sessions. However I have to tell you that I came to the program as a hardcore runner with 7% bodyfat, so the changes in definition were v. obvious and immediate. I used to run 35 miles a week and work out 6 days a week, stretching, push-ups & sit-ups. I used to do 300 crunches a night, it would take me about 30 minutes. Now, while I still run (it's one of my passions) I do Pilates in the evening. A full session will only take about 20 minutes. Done gracefully, with elegance, precision & speed, it's comparable to circuit training. While I love running, it's primary benefits are cardio and to the major muscles. Pilates exercises ALL the muscles in your body, it tones, strengthens and stretches you efficiently without tiring you out. In fact, a Pilates session done correctly will energize and refresh you, it's better than a double espresso in the morning. I am continually amazed that Joe Pilates could create such a revolutionary system, and plan to get certified so I can share this program with others. One day I'll write my own book. In the meantime, Brooke's book seems the friendliest for beginners. The instructions are clear and precise, and the photographs & models are inspiring. Now then: navel to spine, stretch those arms, anchor than neck, breathe deep (deeper) and begin!
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