The Joseph H. Pilates Method at Home: A Balance, Shape, Strength, and Fitness Program [Paperback]

Eleanor McKenzie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2000

First popularized in the 1920s and adopted by dance greats George Balanchine and Martha Graham, the Pilates technique is gaining worldwide recognition as an effective holistic exercise system. It combines elements of yoga and classical dance with principles of concentration and exercise that increase body awareness, release tension, and realign the body. The program is particularly popular with people who are moving away from the "no pain, no gain" mentality of the workout gym and seeking alternative methods of fitness. Pilates at Home offers readers a clear explanation of this conditioning system. Color photographs show users how to coordinate body, mind, and spirit by working with the body's muscles - not on or against them. Sections on posture, breathing, warm-up exercises, and the use of weights can be easily applied to everyday life.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Ulysses Press; 1 edition (November 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569752109
• ISBN-13: 978-1569752104
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,012,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I love it.. Easy Easy to Follow, February 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Joseph H. Pilates Method at Home: A Balance, Shape, Strength, and Fitness Program (Paperback)

I have 2 videos and 2 books now, and this one is good.. Videos are too fast and the concept is not learned. My other book is too advanced. But this book begins slowly and teaches the concept slowly using the first exercises to learn the technique.. of breathing and moving in sinc. By using Lynne Robinsons video to learn to breath and begin the process, along ith this book to begin the gentle moves.. I have found a system for me..

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Joseph H Pilates Method at Home, February 2, 2002

By 

sheepsdip "sheeptaco" (Richmond Hill, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Joseph H. Pilates Method at Home: A Balance, Shape, Strength, and Fitness Program (Paperback)

Absolutely delighted with the clear, concise way this book has been put together for teaching the Pilates method. Excellent photographs to show all positions. A book well suited to the older person especially those wanting to take control of their lazy tummy muscles again. (Tip: I use a child's soccer ball instead of the cushion or bolster which is suggested.) Congratulations to the instructor, author and publisher. A very delighted reader and practitioner at home who did not want to join a class.