Simply Pilates Book & DVD

Rating:
Summary: Easy introduction... mostly
Review: This is an excellent introduction to Pilates (Pilates, not Yoga, as the Editorial Review above states!!) for the beginner who wonders what all of the hype is about, but doesn't want to drop a few hundred on classes or a private instructor. It's a good taste of things to come, and not a half-bad core strengthening program. Ms. Pohlman's book and DVD (I use the DVD almost exclusively when traveling, since I can play it on my laptop) are very clear and easy to follow.

The single criticism I have is for the last exercise - Rollovers. Since this, in all other aspects, seems to be a very elementary book, I have no idea why such an advanced maneuver would be included. A second edition should probably replace it with the Seal or Rolling Like a Ball. (Rollovers are extraordinarily difficult for anyone not lucky enough to have a flat chest, Ms. Pohlman!!)

However, that aside, it's an excellent intro, and unless you have neck or back problems, it's very comfortably situated in the beginner category.