Modern Pilates: The Step-by-Step at Home Guide to a Stronger Body [Paperback]

Penelope Latey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002

Using the fundamentals of Joe Pilates’s work, philosophy, and exercises with modifications, this step-by-step guide for practicing the modern Pilates method offers a safe exercise plan for beginners as well as advanced enthusiasts, and for those of any age and fitness level, including pregnant women and post-traumatic practitioners. It explains the origins of the Pilates method, its transformation into modern Pilates, and exactly how it can benefit practitioners. Unlike the traditional method, which focuses on constantly holding in the lower abdomen and on extremely effortful movements, modern Pilates is firmly based on the functional movement possibilities of the body. The exercises in this book are influenced by developments in therapeutic massage, osteopathy, and the Feldenkrais method, Butoh (a Japanese performance art developed in the 1950s), and ante- and postnatal work. With easy-to-understand diagrams, drawings, and photos, it provides exercises for maintaining good posture, fitness, strength, grace, flexibility, and freedom from injury.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A method that offers safety as well as results." -- Star–Gazette

"A safe exercise plan for beginners as well as advanced enthusiasts." -- Healthwise

"Thanks to Latey, your first encounter with Pilates can take place in the privacy of your own home." -- Natural Health magazine

About the Author

Penelope Latey has a background in both classical and modern dance and has more than 20 years’ experience teaching the Pilates method. She has studied the method in the United States, London, and Australia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1865085987
• ISBN-13: 978-1865085982
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,086,256 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally something I can understand, April 30, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Modern Pilates: The Step-by-Step at Home Guide to a Stronger Body (Paperback)

Modern Pilates is the first book on any alternative form of exercise (Yoga, Pilates, Feldencrais and Alexander technique) that i have been able to not only understand but relate to my own body. It explains about posture, body types and metabolism and how the muscles work to hold and move the body. These explinations are detailed enough to assist me in making sence of my body but simple enough to apply to my daily routine (or occational lack thereof). Latey has modified the original techniques of Joseph pilates to suite anybody, not just the elite sports person. After trying Yoga and stretch classes at my gym and reading up on Alexander and Feldencrais technique and finally this book on pilates i have decided that now is the time for me to commit myself to the care of my body. Even through just reading Latey's book i have been better able to understand the neck and shoulder pain i get in the mornings and the soreness in my leg i get after running at the gym. I have been using some of her exercises over the last two weeks and suprisingly enough my morning pains have lessened. My next plan is to find time to go to a class which will be more of a challenge than finally finding the exercise for me.

So not meaning to be a cliche but if you have been confused and run around in circles by other techniques and books on pilates then have a read of this one it has changed my understanding of how my body works (and some times doesn't) and even how i see mysdelf in the mirror.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Modern answers to present day Pilates questions, June 20, 2002

By 

jane hastie (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Modern Pilates: The Step-by-Step at Home Guide to a Stronger Body (Paperback)

Penny Latey is clearly an expert in her field and the essence of the Pilates Method in the modern Pilates arena. In her book 'Modern Pilates' she has successfully taken the reader on an informative and stimulating journey from the original ideas and teachings of Joseph Pilates to the present day methods of the modern Pilates world.

The Pilates Method has often attracted captions such as 'the smart persons exercise' and the 'exercise for the mind and body'. This book clearly reveals why the Pilates Method is not just another set of exercisers but rather a method which explains and requires the relationship of the mind and body to be in full connectivity with one another.

In 'Modern Pilates' Penny has successfully conveyed the essence and practical application of the Pilates Method in this modern day climate. She has indeed answered many frequently asked questions regarding the Pilates Method.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great product, great price!, October 7, 2009

By 

L. Paul (Terre Haute, IN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Modern Pilates: The Step-by-Step at Home Guide to a Stronger Body (Paperback)

I ordered this book for my daughter for her college coursework. Great price, product was in great shape and shipping was fast. Thanks!