Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: My friend showed me this book and I am glad she did. I was starting to get into Pilates through some DVDs and wanted some more information and clarification. This book is it.It gives a great history of Pilates in a concise, easy to read manner. There are actually not many "real" Pilates instructors writing books or making videos (many, including some popular products, are just trying to jump on the Pilates bandwagon), but the author is real. There are great little things that the author reminds you to generally keep in mind, which sometimes you may forget. For example, it is better to do one shorter exercise properly than doing things longer and wrong, which actually do more harm than good if your too tired. Sometimes I ignore this point, and it is reassuring to see it again so you know it is okay not to work out too hard. And of course there is great pictures and descriptions of the moves in Pilates and how you may do different things on different days to get the results you want. This is great to use with videos and class in case you miss something. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Good information
Review: This book is great for those who want to learn all of the manuevers. It's almost like a giant pilates glossary. The 4 star review is for the fact that it's impracticial to try & do Pilates and read the book at the some time. A supplement tape would help.
Rating:
Summary: It's all you need in a Pilates book!
Review: This is an all round Pilates book, covering everything you need to get started. It is excellently illustrated, and can be used over and over again no matter what level you are. I was pleased with my choice after searching through many books.
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Summary: Pilates Body
Review: This book is excellent! No more words are needed
Rating:
Summary: The Perfect Book to Start With
Review: I recommend this book with every "scoop" in my being. I bought this book when I first considered starting the Pilates Method, and every certified instructor I've worked with since not only recommends it, but also owns it for their studio. I am currently an apprentice scheduled to become a Certified Instructor in Pilates in fall 2003, and I recomend this book to all of my clients who ask my advice. Below is what I have found helpful: The Pictures - each excercise has detailed photographs of models that take you through each step of each exercise. There is a different model for beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Instruction - the book starts with a modified beginning series that is detailed with pictures as above, but includes ways to ease into the method at home, if you don't have a studio or instructor. Images - each exercise includes a mental image to help with an exercise. Very important as this is a mind/body method. Modifications/Advancements - These are ways to help you into the exercise, and ways to make it harder once you get the basics. Introduction - this gives a history of Pilates and explains the key principles of the method, as well as introducing the terminology. Index - this provides a list of instructors throughout the world, phone numbers, locations, contacts, etc... to help you find a studio near you. This is how I found my first studio, as well as the studio I train at (Excel Movement Studios located in Washinton, DC NE) This book has provided me with the most comprehensive guide to Pilates that I have found. I advise anyone interested in the method to at least pick it up and flip through the pages - you'll be hooked!
Rating:
Summary: Get Your Body Moving from Your Powerhouse!
Review: Everyone has heard the old adage, "If you don't use it, you lose it." Well, this book helps you use your body in ways that will help keep it spry and supple as your age advances with absolutely none of the jolt of high impact exercise.
Firstly, I would recommend at least five sessions with a registered Pilates instructor. Although it is possible to understand the body allignment necessary to perform these exercises optimally by reading the 'Key Elements to Mastering the Mat' chapter of the book, the process is expedited by someone who can 'show' as well as 'tell'. If instruction is impossible, I would recommend Jennifer Kries instructional tape "The Method:Precision Toning"; actually seeing the exercises in sequence with Ms. Kries gentle encouragement helps to assimilate the photos in the book into the reality of the motion. Note: the tape does not cover all the positions, but provides enough for a worthy introduction.
The book helps the exerciser to understand just what each movement is meant to feel like. It uses photographs that simulate each progression of movement and written copy that details the procedure step-by-step. In addition to this, tips regarding how best to engage and hence strengthen the muscles in your powerhouse (abdominals, hips, lower back and buttocks)are provided in bullet fashion. Most importantly, there are little sketches which help you to visualize the feeling the exercise is meant to arouse within the body. All exercises are presented in sequence so that they flow from one to another; each exercise is labeled 'beginner', 'intermediate' or 'advanced' and features a corresponding model which helps you to delineate based on current level. Sides series leg exercises follow the basic mat technique and extras using light weights complete the program. The author, Brooke Siler, cleverly includes a state-by-state list of registered Pilates instructors so that you can learn the basics from a pro.
I have used this book for over two years; I have found that the 15 to 30 to 45 minutes I spend on performing these exercises each morning---the time differences reflect wheither I do side series or weights---has enabled me to participate in more rigorous athletic activities without so much as blinking an eye. Recently I did a mountain bike ride--22 miles--an activity I have not participated in for quite a while----and felt absolutely no pain the next morning. You will find you use the techniques used to engage the powerhouse all the time, even when just walking down the block. The Pilates breathing becomes second nature as does all movement from the core. I will warn you that Pilates is not easy. If you have not participated in some form of body toning for a while, you will definitely feel pain in your abdominals even if you perform just the very basic routine. Don't let this discourage you--I have a C-section pouch that certainly does not help to ease any of the motions---the pain quickly passes and the developing strength provides a good base for all your other activities. Each movement incorporates toning with stretching--you will actually feel your muscles stretching from the powerhouse and reaching out in ways that traditional stretching never quite realizes. After performing just the basics for a week, you will immediately understand why professional dancers have used these techniques for over 50 years and why you should, too.
Siler's book is the best book on the subject, one that you will consult regularly as you make Pilates one of your exercise mainstays. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Great To Learn By/Review
Review: I have recommended this book over and over to everyone who asks me about starting Pilates. The descriptions along with the illustrations teach not only how to do each exercise but how it should feel.
I use it also to help with review as I go through my routine of exercises.
Of all the books and videos I have it is still the best review of the original exercises.
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Summary: An awesome Pilates book!
Review: A very good introduction to the exercises of Joseph Pilates. She explains how the exercises relate to the muscles, and the ideas and reasoning behind the workout. I found the book to be very comprehensive. I also liked the book because it is not isolated at a certain level. The modified beginner, full mat, and advanced workouts will allow a person completely new to Pilates to begin exercising, and be a good reference for people at a more advanced level. The reader can work with the book to exercise, rather than having to find something else when s/he is done with the moves.
Rating:
Summary: Still The Best
Review: I have now seen E-V-E-R-Y new Pilates book out there and insist that this one is still my favorite! The new ones may have pretty packaging but they lack the CLARITY and EASE of Siler's for use. And isn't that what counts? I like the integrity of this book and I still buy it for friends who are beginning to learn Pilates. It's a classic. Siler still remains an authority in her field and her book reflects that.
As the history and technique of Pilates has not changed in over 50 years it would hard for this to be considered "old news"...and if it is...wrap it up, I'll still take it over what's out there now!
Rating: 
Summary: Nice book but what's all the hype?
Review: I bought this book because it's clearly photographed and clearly written but I cannot say it is the absolute best book out there. I have read through many of these reviews and am frankly confused by the cult-like following the author seems to have gained. After a second trip to the book store I found several books that seemed far more comprehensive than this book - not to mention visually inspiring. There are some beautiful hard-cover full color books with wonderful instruction. All in all Siler's book is fine but I would have to say that it's pretty much yesterday's news. Since this book came out a few years ago there have many books written that far surpass it. Just goes to show you what good marketing can do.
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