Rating: 
Summary: Not for all!
Review: Althoug I read the book, I must say that this book is like many others books on yoga and pilates only for those that are already flexible. I did use some of the easy excersises, but most of them are impossible for me to do untill I will get a little more flexible. I am sorry that I had to give it a 3 star rating.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent introduction to Pilates matwork
Review: Although I am not new to Pilates, I picked up this book hoping to increase my knowledge of technique and form, and I was not disappointed. This book provides an excellent introduction to the Pilates method for both new and more experienced Pilates practitioners. It begins with an excellent review of Pilates terms and concepts using clear and concise language. Next, the book offers four different levels of matwork programs, from introductory (which contains modified versions of the exercises for those just starting out and who have less flexibility), beginner (a short starter program for once you have mastered the introductory series), intermediate, and advanced.
The main highlight of this book is the full-color, 2-page (or 4-page for more complicated moves) photographic layouts for EACH exercise. Every layout provides information on repetitions, cautions, and visualizations to facilitate your performance. The wonderfully descriptive photos and accompanying narrative instructions offer a step-by-step guide on exactly how to perform each movement, while the "at a glance" section provides both a visual summary and breathing guidelines. The layouts also include a "head-to-toe checklist" which emphasizes salient points, and a final photograph offers pointers on what NOT to do during the movements. At the end of the book, there are additional exercises on using the Pilates magic circle to provide further upper body work.
If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to the Pilates method, this book (along with Brooke Siler's The Pilates Body) should be one of your top choices. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Hate to Exercise? This makes it easy!
Review: As someone who hates to run, doesn't own weights, and can hardly follow an exercise video, I thought that Pilates might be the way to tone my tragically unfit body. After spending hours in bookstores trying to find a book that looked easy to follow, I discovered Pilates: Body in Motion. The table of contents easily breaks down the routine depending on how well you know the Pilates exercises: introductory program, beginner's program, intermediate program, advanced program. Even though it takes time and practice to learn all the moves, the book makes learning easy. Beautiful pictures, head-to-toe checklists of how to perform the moves, and step-by-step instructions make Pilates accessible to even the most uncoordinated of individuals. After a couple weeks my lower back was diminished, my posture was better, and my flexibility had increased. Also, I feel comfortable enough with the program that I could even join a Pilates exercise group without being intimidated.
The only drawback to this book is the binding. It doesn't stay open while you exercise and try to learn each move, making it difficult to really get both hands involved.
Rating:
Summary: Another rave review!
Review: Does this book need yet another rave review?! I have purchased several books on the Pilates method, some were not the 'real' original Pilates exercises (I felt deceived), some were beautiful but lacked in-depth guidance, some had a difficult-to-use exercise section, but this book is everything you could want in a Pilates book. For learning how to do Pilates correctly in every aspect, this book provides copious tips, pointers, explanations, as well as cautions - so that you are reminded of absolutely everything you need to remember when performing these exercises. You will find step by step pictures for each exercise, plus the routine sequences themselves well laid out with the page number referenced underneath every exercise pictured in the sequence. Highly recommended. It probably deserves 6 stars.
Rating:
Summary: good companion to Classical Pilates DVD
Review: I bought this book because Alycea Ungaro is the commentator on the Classical Pilates DVD, and I found the Classical Pilates DVD to be very good. Here the exercises demonstrated on the Classical Pilates DVD are put onto paper so that you can look at them again. This book also describes some of the things people do wrong when they do pilates, and the exercises are explained in this book more than they are on the Classical Pilates DVD. The book functions as a good companion to the DVD, and I recommend this book with the Classical Pilates Mat Workout DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Shape up or die! ;-)
Review: I was a bit skeptical about Pilates at first, especially when you see TV ADS about Pilates. However, my son and I learned that the #1 Hockey Goalie in the United States Hockey League (USHL) Tier 1 Jr's used Pilates to recover from an injury and maintain core strength and maximum flexibility. Pilates definitely was a reason for his great balance, flexibility and strength levels. If it was good enough for him, we thought we'd try it. In 2 weeks of following this books easy illustrations and easy to follow program dad (age 42) has lost 4lbs, and my son (age 16, hockey goalie) has improved his core strength and flexibility...which translates into fewer pucks going into the net. No more nasty sit-ups and bad backs and necks. Infact, the mind portion deals with focusing on completing the exercises in correct form. You're not there to blow off 20 or 30 reps in 2 minutes in this program. Each exercise is a concentrated effort, focus, breathing and movement and it takes alot of focus to continually do all this...therefore, making it a challenge which is great. You'll see results quickly if you're doing the exercises right. The time flies by and you'll feel better about yourself and actually the book is right, you can't wait to do the next session, and advancing to the next level. If you can't afford 10 minutes a day then don't buy this book. IF you want to change your life, get trimmer then buy the book. Also, you can't be eating 4 candybars a day, drinking a ton of soda and plowing down a six pack of beer. You must have a sensible diet too. :)
The book takes your thru a series of 7 exercises in the introductory phase which is 4-6 weeks long, then the beginner phase which builds on the intro phase. I'm having a blast with this program. IT was well worth the $$$$. Highly recommend the book. Trying to get my wife into it now.
Rating:
Summary: An Essential for Pilates Enthusiasts
Review: I'd have to agree that this may be one of the best books on Pilates out in the market right now. Its edge over Brooke Siler's "Pilates Body" is that this book clearly breaks down each exercise step-by-step with corresponding colored pictures to guide you through the moves. If you don't have the benefit of an instructor, this makes it easier to understand how each exercise is supposed to be done. Still, I'd recommend this together with "The Pilates Body" because the latter covers more mat exercises (especially the advanced stuff) and is more detailed on tips on how to execute each exercise optimally. Together with "The Pilates Body", I think this is the only other book you'd need to really understand Pilates.
Rating:
Summary: An Essential for Pilates Enthusiasts
Review: I'd have to agree that this may be one of the best books on Pilates out in the market right now. Its edge over Brooke Siler's "Pilates Body" is that this book clearly breaks down each exercise step-by-step with corresponding colored pictures to guide you through the moves. If you don't have the benefit of an instructor, this makes it easier to understand how each exercise is supposed to be done. Still, I'd recommend this together with "The Pilates Body" because the latter covers more mat exercises (especially the advanced stuff) and is more detailed on tips on how to execute each exercise optimally. Together with "The Pilates Body", I think this is the only other book you'd need to really understand Pilates.
Rating:
Summary: How to do Pilates at Home.....
Review: Pick up Pilates:Body in Motion and you know you're actually going to work out with it. The photos are so beautiful and inspirational I found myself lying down immediately to attempt the routine. The introduction is thorough and simple to follow. The author sets the stage for the student to perform each exercise according to the principles she explains in the introduction. Several added bonuses which I found in this book that were not in any of the other books I looked at. 1) There are breathing instructions on every page for every exercise. 2) Ms. Ungaro is a Physical Therapist and so each exercise comes with a "caution" for certain injuries. I found this very helpful as I have an old knee injury. 3) There is an actual "TRANSITION" for each exercise to help you link one exercise to the next. Although I haven't gotten that far, I imagine that this routine will be very aerobic if you keep moving through the exercises without stopping. I have been doing the intro section now for just about a week and I think I have the "scoop" concept down pat. I plan to move on to the beginner section next week. I will write another review as my results become apparent.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Pilates Book To Date
Review: Pilates is a method of exercising, shaping and toning the body that's very different from a common workout. Two years ago I started doing Pilates aided by a very good book called The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler. In the first few weeks I had already lost some weight, was noticing the outline of my muscles and had stopped feeling hungry all the time. I have since dropped two dress sizes and I still do the workout daily.
After going through five other books I think that Pilates: Body in Motion is, without a doubt, the best Pilates workout book to date. Why? Well, first, the book is organized in a logical and easy-to-study format that helps to memorize and follow the different levels of the workout program without missing a single step, and allows browsing through them for quick consultations.
Second, it presents the complete sequence for each exercise photographed, and step-by-step instructions for each movement with detailed, but simple, explanations of posture, breathing and motion.
Third, it has complimentary information for each exercise: number of repetitions, warnings and alternatives for people who shouldn't perform particular exercises, modified versions to make sure the program is adaptable to almost anyone, dos and don'ts to insure proper execution, and transitional positions between following exercises to maintain the rhythm of the workout.
Fourth, it includes a thorough explanation of the key principles of the Pilates method, whose application is fundamental to achieve the benefits offered by the workout.
Fifth, it contains preparation exercises for each level (from beginner to advanced) that serve as a sort of test to indicate when to move on to the next level.
I recommend this book to anyone serious about maintaining a healthy, toned, and well-shaped body. I would also recommend buying The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler for additional exercises and The Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford for a natural and effective way to backup your workout on advice on how to eat.
|
