Pilates on the Ball: A Comprehensive Book and DVD Workout [Paperback]

Colleen Craig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 10, 2003 | Series: Book & DVD

Features a 45-minute DVD and the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball

• Includes a visual demonstration of selected exercises from the Pilates ball workout described in detail in the accompanying book

• The book Pilates on the Ball has sold 90,000 copies since October 2001

In her bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, certified Pilates trainer Colleen Craig combines the effectiveness of the Pilates workout with the unique capabilities of the Swiss exercise ball, providing an innovative and low-impact way to stay fit. Now she offers a DVD in which numerous exercises from the book are demonstrated, accompanied by Craig’s vocal coaching that explains each step of the exercises. While the book Pilates on the Ball contains over 160 photographs and detailed step-by-step instructions, many users prefer to see the exercises demonstrated live in real time. The accompanying DVD allows readers to see exactly how to position the body throughout each phase of the exercise and also to see what pitfalls can occur and how to easily prevent them. Most important of all, the DVD allows the user to follow along as if in a class setting.

The Pilates on the Ball book and DVD workout shows users of all levels of fitness how to maximize the use of the ball in order to increase athletic performance, build long lean muscles, and tone the abdominal core. The DVD allows readers to take the exercises to new levels of understanding and effectiveness as they put the exercises contained in the book into practice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Craig offers a unique and exciting synthesis of the Pilates Method of body conditioning and the Swiss exercise ball, providing a new, low-impact way to get fit."
(Arizona Networking News, April/May 2002 )

"A unique and exciting synthesis of two highly-acclaimed fitness techniques. . . provides a new, low-impact way to get fit."
(Total Health, September/October 2001 ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

PILATES / EXERCISE

Certified Pilates trainer Colleen Craig offers us a unique and exciting synthesis of the Pilates Method of body conditioning and the Swiss exercise ball, providing a new, low-impact way to get fit. Using the exercise ball, there is no need for the expensive equipment or studio time required in Pilates training.

Developed in the early twentieth century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method--named by many lifestyle and fitness magazines as the hottest workout of the decade--aligns the body, builds long, lean muscles, and develops core abdominal strength. The exercise ball, used by Olympic coaches, dancers, and athletes to heighten body awareness and enhance performance, provides a perfect base for performing the graceful, strength-building Pilates movements.

Throughout her program Craig integrates the mind and body, offering breathing and relaxation techniques that accompany the ballwork. The personal stories and inspirational quotes included in the text illustrate how Pilates can improve your way of life. A handy exercise log makes it possible to track your workouts and monitor your individual progress. And, most important, step-by-step instructions and more than 300 photographs detail the Pilates principles and challenge all ability levels.

Intense enough to engage seasoned athletes yet gentle enough to alleviate chronic pain and help heal injuries, Pilates on the Ball builds strong, flexible bodies and healthy minds in an innovative way.

COLLEEN CRAIG is a Certified Pilates Trainer and writer. She lives in Toronto and teaches workshops throughout the world.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press; Pap/DVD edition (September 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892810955
• ISBN-13: 978-0892810956
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,695 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Pilates

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

147 of 152 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Definitive Text for Pilates-style ball exercises, November 27, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Pilates on the Ball: The World's Most Popular Workout Using the Exercise Ball (Paperback)

First, I must say that this is a beautiful book. Each exercise is described in text and with a sequence of pictures. Exquisite care was taken to layout these photographs in a practical and eye-pleasing fashion. The small drawings of muscles are quite instructive -- in the style of _Anatomy of Movement_. Generous margins are available for notes and comments.

Coleen is clearly an expert in her field. She first describes the fundamental principles of Pilates, laying a foundation for transferring those principles to the Exercise Ball. The exercises are described in detail with pointers on how to perform them safely and effectively.

My only complaints about the book are small. The book lacks an index. Given the meticulous editing/layout of the rest of the book, I fondly hope this gets addressed in a future revision. Also, the book doesn't mention the well-respected Exercise Ball body of work that Paul Chek has created. Whether or not the author endorses that work, it deserves at least a mention in the "Resources" section of the book.

In any case, I think this is a landmark book -- and well-needed. Exercise balls are being massively marketed right now; there is a crucial need for instruction on how to use these devices safely and effectively. Providing these students with a well-grounded introduction to Pilates makes it all the better.

66 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New idea in exercise, November 6, 2001

By 

John Gibson (Toronto, Canada.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pilates on the Ball: The World's Most Popular Workout Using the Exercise Ball (Paperback)

As a family doctor, I have always recommended Pilates exercises to my patients. It is a safe, effective and medically very logical exercise program.
Colleen Craig has taken the Pilates system a big step further by utilizing the exercise ball. Her book has clear text, good photos, and helpful case histories to explain the techniques. It has everything needed to embark on an excellent exercise program.
Highly recommended.

J. Gibson M.D., C.C.F.P.

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific book that took my exercise routine to the next leve, June 19, 2005

By 

Jessica Lux (Rosamond, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pilates on the Ball: The World's Most Popular Workout Using the Exercise Ball (Paperback)

I carefully poured over the reviews before selecting this book. I bought an exercise ball and I quickly got tired of the 30-minute DVD that came with it, so I wanted new challenges.

This book delivers challenges for beginners, intermediate ball users, and the advanced. I am still on the beginner workout and haven't gotten tired of it yet. I like the idea that there are two more levels for me to move into, so I'm not worried about advancing too fast and "using up" the useful knowledge in this book.

Each exercise is painstakingly explained in a standard format. It's very easy to learn the moves and follow along with the pictures. Then, the end of the book has 3 different workouts that use the exercises in different combinations. You can use the page number references to refer back to how to do an exercise if you forget. I've mastered about half of the beginner's workout and it's a terrific exercise every time. I'm going to buy some handweights to move on to the rest of the beginner workout.

Many exercises have a basic and advanced version, so you can do the one you are comfortable with until you are ready to progress to a move that requires more skill at stability on the ball.