Customer Reviews

Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Pilates is difficult enough to learn through the "help" of a book, let alone one that is as wordy and convoluted as this one. If you're looking for a good book that details pilates moves with helpful pictures, diagrams and less superfluous chatter, I suggest "The Pilates Body" by Brooke Siler.

Help! I've lost the keys to my Cadillac! I need to go to reform(er) school!

Before I read Ms. Karter's book, I had a different interpretation of that statement. I was initially curious about the concept of Pilates - but was always intimidated by the equipment and the complex look of the moves. However, after seeing her demonstrate the exercises on TV and listening to her on the radio, I decided to buy the book. Best thing that I ever did.

This book takes away all of the mystery - and is written in a fun, witty, and clear manner. The photos are extremely helpful - and a lot easier to understand than the other Pilates books I have read. It kept my full attention from start to finish. I have recommended it to all of my fiends, and bought several copies as gifts.

If you buy just one book on Pilates - THIS SHOULD BE IT!!.

I've studied Pilates with a private trainer for over a year and have made good progress; I almost didn't buy this book because of one reviewer's opinion about it being "needlessly wordy" or something to that effect...I totally disagree with his/her assessment. What I found to be the case is that for the first time since tackling Pilates, I truly understand the cognitive fundamentals one must understand in order to succeed. I've read them many times written by many authors, but I guess I'm a complete idiot because this is the only one that got through to me!

I've love this book. I've been wanting to learn more about pilates for a long time, and when I saw this book, I thought it could introduce me to this new form of exercise that I knew nothing about. Karon explains everything in detail and it is easy to understand. The pictures are excellent examples as well.

I suggest this book to anyone wanting to know more about pilates. This is the book for you!!

As a dedicated and avid runner, I've always had a closed mind to any other form of exercise....UNTIL reading Ms. Karter's Pilates book. With her help, I now fully understand the benefits of Pilates and incorporate it into my daily exercise regimen. Her clear and concise instructions made the learning process both easy and enjoyable. Thank you, Ms. Karter, for widening my horizons and lifting my spirit.

This book is a waste of money. It is poorly written, the author seems more fanatical than actually knowledgeable about the subject, and I'm sure there are much better books out there that give a good introductory lesson to Pilates. While I'm sure the actual exercises are correct, and the pictures are helpful, this author's style of writing has completely turned me off from the subject! If I'm ever going to enjoy Pilates, I'll have to buy a different book!

a little too convoluted. What really bugs me though is that practically half the book is a total waste of time - personally speaking! There are chapters on using the equipment and on setting up your own teaching practice - fine, if you want to teach or have access to reformers, cadillacs and so on - but if you don't it feels like a rip off.
Her explanations are good, a little too roundabout but nonetheless good. If you haven't managed to get into the system using anything else, this will help. Personally, I recommend buying a good video - and the best I found is Moira Stott's Essential matwork to start off with - and using a couple of books to really get into the mindset. Brooke Siler's is excellent, but the crit about her Fundamentals being slightly limited is true. Try Pilates: Body in Motion by Alycea Ungaro, or Jennifer Kries' excellent book (her Precision Toning video should be good too), or for a more man-friendly approach try Michael King's workbook.
and go for it! I was a back spasm sufferer - practising Pilates saved me!

Being one who is not inclined to exercise and who needs easy to follow instructions with pictures, I am pleased to read about tried and practiced methods presented in a cleaver and engaging style. The book should be helpful to all who read it and appreciate someone who cared enough to share their gift with us.

Nothing against Pilates, but this book is horrible! It is poorly written and the instructions do not match the pictures. I'd recommend trying another book instead (any other book).

I rather eat glass than exercise! But I heard good things about Pilates--yet it seemed so hard until I read Karon Karter's book. She writes in detail about the concepts, why we should be doing Pilates, and how to do the moves along with modifications (which I very much needed.) Thank you for writing a book that really teaches us the meaning of the word Pilates!