The Pilates Reformer

Rating:
Summary: A good introduction to the reformer
Review: Although videos are a great way to learn Pilates, serious students of the reformer will want to study each exercise in as great a depth as possible. Books abound on Pilates matwork techniques, but it is less easy to find instructional materials on the use of the reformer. Readers should not be put off by this book's subtitle, "A Manual for Instructors." The information found here is presented in a logical and straightforward style and would be helpful to any Pilates practitioner interested in exploring reformer techniques.

Clark and Romani-Ruby break up the exercises into beginner, intermediate, and advanced sections, provide proper sequencing and suggest workouts for students at each level. Each exercise is illustrated with photos showing proper form, the category it falls into (e.g., core strengthening), its benefits (e.g., hamstring flexibility), the proper breathing, variations to make it harder or easier, prerequisite exercises, how many repetitions, and how many springs to use. A box at the bottom of the page provides helpful cues. In addition, there is introductory information about Pilates principles, posture, class policies and guidelines.

I found the list of prerequisites especially helpful. A background in matwork is needed in order to comply with the prereqs. This opened up a new world of understanding for me, as I could better see how the reformer makes some of the matwork easier and some of it more challenging.

This book is a good supplement to videos and lessons and will help any serious student reach his or her Pilates goals sooner. It offers much greater depth than the reformer section in Sean Gallagher's "The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning." The reason why I gave it four rather than five stars is because I think the price is too high. Otherwise, this book is recommended for anyone wishing to better understand reformer work.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Have for Pilates Professionals!
Review: Being in charge of the Pilates Programming for Healthtrax in Pittsburgh, I have found this book to be an incredible resource for myself and my Pilates staff. Clark- and Romani-Ruby have made this book very user friendly and have not left one important detail out. All exercises are broken down step by step and include important breathing and alignment cues, visualization cues, pre-requisite moves (both on the reformer and on the mat which too is useful!)and spring requirements. What I like about the book is how various modifications are given for each exercise so that you can customize your classes (or training sessions) and give individuals exercises (and modifications) that are specific to their physical abilities that will help them to attain their goals. This book will help Pilates professionals take their classes and training sessions to a higher level and give them a more personable approach to teaching/training. Having taught Pilates for over four years and fitness for nearly 10 years, I've attended quite a few workshops, certifications, industry conventions and have seen many DVDs/Videos featuring Pilates. None have contained the obviously well-researched information included in this book. The background in Physical Therapy and fitness that these two authors possess has been well put to use in this manual. This book did not disappoint! It is a must have for any PILATES PROFESSIONAL! I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A good introduction to the reformer
Review: This book is a complete waste of money ... your money would be much better spent on buying pilates reformer DVDs. The book contains about 144 pages, pages 24 - 143 of which illustrate exercises - information that is better obtained from a video/DVD presentation. The first few introductory pages are very disappointing and contain bare-bones 'flash card' type information. Given the experience level of these authors (and the price ...), I thought I was purchasing a book detailing the anatomical benefits and theories of pilates, in addition to direction with its practical application. What I got, instead, was an elementary introduciton to pilates, equivalent to books that can be picked up from the bargain shelf of your local book store ...

Rating:
Summary: Review of The Pilates Reformer book
Review: This book is a complete waste of money ... your money would be much better spent on buying pilates reformer DVDs. The book contains about 144 pages, pages 24 - 143 of which illustrate exercises - information that is better obtained from a video/DVD presentation. The first few introductory pages are very disappointing and contain bare-bones 'flash card' type information. Given the experience level of these authors (and the price ...), I thought I was purchasing a book detailing the anatomical benefits and theories of pilates, in addition to direction with its practical application. What I got, instead, was an elementary introduciton to pilates, equivalent to books that can be picked up from the bargain shelf of your local book store ...