Description:
The Pilates method has gathered modern devotees because of the way it strengthens the core stabilization muscles of the abdomen and back, improves posture and balance, and works the body and mind together. The Joseph H. Pilates Method at Home has clear explanations and vibrant photographs and is a helpful adjunct to a class, video, or private session with a trainer--but does not replace them. In fact, the author explains what the reader should expect from an instructor, and never offers the book as a self-contained substitute. She admits that "instruction from a teacher will take you beyond anything you can teach yourself." An instructor will tailor the program to your needs, taking into account any injuries or imbalances, and will work with you to correct the intricacies of your movements, for example. The Joseph H. Pilates Method at Home will be most useful if you're already taking Pilates classes and want to learn more and practice at home. It presents the history, philosophy, and key elements of this method and illustrates 17 exercises that you can do at home with no equipment except a mat and sometimes a pillow and light weights. The 128 pages are filled with 185 photos (mostly color, and mostly of different stages of an exercise), and much of the text is large print with lots of space. It's a pretty book, and you'll understand the theory and learn some of the simpler exercises, but to get the most benefits from Pilates, take a class or buy a video, too. --Joan Price
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