Customer Reviews

Ellie Herman's Pilates Reformer, Second Edition

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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I was looking for a book that gave me as many variations of exercises on the reformer and Ellie's book is probably the best one out there. The book lays out movements in a clear, step-by-step pictorial explanation for different parts of the body. I could pick and choose what I wanted to do or I could follow the programs she set up from beginners to super advanced. I like this book because it gives you the options to advance as you become very good in using the reformer. The super advanced movements may be dangerous for the inexperienced but it is very motivating as you know you may get there some day.

Yes, it's hideously expensive, but I think the pages from 12 to 27 alone justify the price. They might be subtitled: "How Not to Cripple or Kill Yourself on the Reformer." Pages 12-13 cover the "Eight Principles of Pilates" and Ellie adds her own called "Body Awareness." Pages 14-19 include excellently described and photographed "Pilates Alphabet," in other words, the basic positions from which you generally move to or return from other exercises. Pages 20 - 21 cover "General Movement Vocabulary," again, excellently described and photographed. Pages 22 - 23 cover the famous "Neutral Spine, Neutral Pelvis," which are so critical to Pilates and, in fact, nearly all exercises, including things you'd think wouldn't relates to Pilates at all, like arm presses from a weight bench. and pages 24 to 27 cover what I have called "how not to cripple or kill yourself" on the Reformer. Here she covers "Spinal Flexion" and "Spinal Extension," each section including discusions about "General Contraindications," "Disc Dysfunction," and "Caution."

Because absolute precision of movement is so critically important in Pilates exercises (no "good enough for the weight room" here), these pages should be in every book, CD, or DVD ever published on anything even remotely concerning Pilates. For instructors, she also includes a brief description on "Assisting People." Surprisingly, that's where she has put some critical information on "teaching prone back extension exercises to folks with weak abdominals, glutes, and hamstrings." This one paragraph should be printed in large letters anywhere there's a Reformer available to the public. Now I know why health clubs don't leave Reformers out in the open. Although, come to think of it, you could do the same amount of damage with, say, a leg press sled. "Oh, I can do 250," I told my trainer one day. "Put on another ten." BUT can you walk the next day is the question.

The rest of the book is, as described by other reviewers, absolutely excellent. I think the highest compliment is to say, "It's actually worth its outrageous price." I'm glad I bought it.

As a recently certified pilates instructor I am constantly looking for information to aid in my learning experience. This book is a wonderful tool in my journey. Easy to read and understand I would recommend this to any instructor looking to add to their pilates library.

I've been practicing pilates on a reformer for about a year in a studio with a great instructor. I recently moved to a small town that didn't offer anything more than mat classes and not many of those so I bought my own reformer. After about a week I realized I had no idea what else to start doing besides the basic workouts I'd been used to in the last year. Finding this book has been my savior! Every single exercise you can think of is detailed with pictures, recommended springs and possible risks to the technique. This book covers everything about the reformer and illustrates HUNDREDS of exercises. It will allow me to progress above my basic level of training into advanced pilates. I feel much more confident now working on my own.

Great instructions for reformer use. I had looked everywhere for something, anything, re: reformer exercises, and while there were a few DVD's I could not find any written instruction specifically for reformer use ; that is, until now. Well written, with clear instructions and with beginner, intermediate and advanced exercises, this is the only book you need to progress and it is quite clear that Ellie knows her stuff and has well documented training over decades of Pilates. Fabulous book,quite expensive but well worth the price as it is ageless in the method and use of the universal reformer.

I like this book and refer to it for Ellie's spin on things from time to time. A bit pricey (especially when Rael Isacowitz' book is now but something like $20 and pretty much rocks), but worth it I think. I also like the Pilates props book she wrote.

I purchased an Aero Pilates Machine from Amazon (the $499 model). I love the machine but I wasn't sure about some of the settings and body positions after watching the DVD. This book was just what I needed and cost less than the cost of a private class. The author explains the settings of the risers for each exercise and the photos and instructions are clear. I also like that she includes at the end of the book exercise sequences for each level of student. I highly recommend this book.Stamina AeroPilates Reformer with Free-Form Cardio Rebounder

I bought this book after I had already read through it several times, I checked it out at the Library and then borrowed it from a friend of mine, this was over the course of a year and finally I decided this was worth the money to own, but $70 is a lot to fork out for a book, but believe me when I say it was worth every penny,this book has helped me tremendously not only for teaching my clients but for myself. I have one other Reformer book which came with my cert. and it is great, but this one really does have a lot more in depth exercises. If you are an instructor or just practicing on your own, this book will be very helpful.

Love this book and I am going to invest in the other Ellie Herman Pilates books. Her focus is on classical Pilates, with a simple introduction, nice reference and simple definition of each move. The photos are critical for explanation and are a great addition for anyone who is "into" Pilates, who is advancing and who want to make the most of their pilates experience. Highly recommend.

I was very impressed with the quality of the book. The content was very thorough, useful information. The pictures were well done and easy to interpret.