Customer Reviews

The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body--Without Machines

5 star:		(126)
4 star:		(28)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Phenomenal and most of all do-able. This Pilates book has the best explanations and illustrations of all the ones out there. I know, I was in the mall and I checked them out.

I bought this book over 6 months ago, as I felt I needed more than just a regular workout on an elliptical machine. I wrote a review on it shortly after I started and I wanted to update that as a number of people have emailed me for more information.

Some background. I'm 43, female and 25% overweight, not exactly your svelte exerciser, so I knew I needed a routine that wouldn't hurt but would would get results. I work in an office and nothing is worse than sitting at your desk all day aching from the previous day's exercises.

I started as recommended with Modified beginner exercises, the seven basic exercises and did this for about 3 weeks. No pain but some tightness I could feel in my abdomen. As I became confident, I moved onto the regular beginner exercises. Basically, I used my ability to do the "hundred" as a measure of when I was able to move on. I could see my progress from day to day. It was really neat. I did the exercises at least 5 days/week.

As time went on I added more exercises from the full program. One or two each week depending on if they were similar or really hard to do. Some were, some weren't. Still no pain. I am now doing almost all (over 95%) of all, but the advanced exercises at least 5 days/week along with my elliptical machine routine and some weight lifting for my arms. I don't have time, I make time. In my opinion, this is as important as paying my bills. In someways, this is just what I'm doing.

One question, I have been asked is am I seeing muscle definition. The answer is definitely yes. I am still overweight. I'm working on that too (I've lost 25 pounds through just exercising), so I'm not seeing a washboard stomach, as the fat above the muscles are still obscuring them, but I can see definition of my ribs and hips, along with distinct muscles in between. This is nothing I've ever seen before, even in my skinny high school days.

One interesting measure of how far I've gone is watching my teenage children trying to mock me doing the exercises. Both are slim and in good shape, but neither can dive in and do the intermediate exercises that I'm doing with the same ease I am. In fact they are shocked they can't do more than a couple repetitions. Not because it hurts so much, but because they have not build up the strength.

That is another thing that I mentioned in my previous review, these exercises provide the feedback you need to continue on. You see it in each day in each exercise as they become easier. Also you see it in your day to day tasks.

For me, it was an excellent investment.

I've been interested in Pilates for a long time, but don't live anywhere near a trainer (and couldn't afford it anyway)

I read article after article until I finally purchased Sean P. Gallagher's book on Pilates.

I was so disappointed.

There was so much to concentrate on for each exercise, and so many to go through. And no matter what I did it meant purchasing expensive equipment within a few weeks (thousands of dollars worth...) I tried for a few days and then gave up in disgust.

Then I read a review for "The Pilates Body." What can I say, everything that has been said is true!

Siler recommends taking all the time you need to learn the movements, she provides modified exercises for beginners to build up to the actual exercises and she gives a much more indepth account of Pilates system than I've ever seen before.

The information on visualization and the mental aspect of a workout is not present in any other materials I have seen.

There is no strict program provided (a plus or bonus depending on how you look at it...) instead the reader is encouraged to progress at their own pace, not moving on until they have the previous movements down. Finally, instead of trying to sell the expensive equipment, Siler is the ONLY Pilates trainer I've EVER seen who says that the original system never had equipment, and that the matwork alone can give a complete workout.

I now have confidence in my ability to perform the exercises properly and effectively (though it'll take a long time, I think it will be worth it)

This has become one of my favorite books, it is so well written and effective, and most of all Warm and friendly.

Ms. Siler's book is probably the most inspirational exercise/spiritual motivator that I've come across in a while. Siler has developed a program that is easy to follow, feels great and (most important) is something I really enjoy fitting into my day. I've dabbled in Pilates before but since moving to a small town, I haven't found the program locally. I'm delighted to have access to it again through The Pilates Body--the exercises are easy to follow and the book is well laid out. Check out the "no-nos" that alert you to ways you may be doing the exercises incorrectly. Most exercise books don't include these types of tips. I highly recommend Siler's book.

The clear, well written directions in The Pilates Body led me to immediately retrain my breathing. As I sat at my desk at work I could practice. Then I could easily recall that simple direction as I stood to walk. By concious awareness of the directions given by Ms. Sidler, I was able to eliminate pain from my knee and arthritic hip. And that's before I even got home where I could practice the basic exercises in The Pilates Body.

I found it easy to look at the pictures and directions while moving through the routines.

I especially appreciate the beginning beginners section. It encourages me to go on when I might become overwhelmed by the full routine. The conditions in my left leg have made most exercise difficult or impossible. But with the above mentioned improvement, I have recommended the book to others, and plan to give it to my daughters.

The choice of paper stock use for the cover and body of the book is so enjoyable to touck; it just adds one more dimension to the total pleasure this books brings to my life.

As a complete novice on Pilates and its background I started looking at all the books I could on the subject a few months ago. I had read about Pilates in the Daily Telegraph - the first time I had ever heard of the programme.

There are two points I have to make as a novice - 1 -I'd never heard of Pilates before - and so I wanted to read as much as I could and try things out before I bought and - 2 - there are some very very good books out there on the subject . So I am definitely not an expert opinion here but just an enthusiastic amateur. And I am enthusiastic about it.

First off - if you haven't tried Pilates before - like I hadn't - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by just how easy and fun the exercises are. Every book I read emphasised the need to move up the level of difficulty slowly - which means I have made very noticeable improvements, but I really enjoy the exercises each day. Its a bit like yoga and certainly uses some parts of yoga in the exercises - only I find I domy Pilates exercises where I never really liked yoga that much.

Why do I like this book better than the others I used? Well I found the programme and the explanations which Siler used the best. Each Pilates book I read seemed to have slightly different combinations of exercises and different orders - but all the exercises are essentially the same so I don't know if there is really that much basic difference in them. In the end I just preferred the order and the presentation of Siler's book. She has all the philosophy of and explanations of Pilates in the first few pages. What I liked best though was the is a two page 'order' of exercises - where each exercise is a small picture to remind you of where you are up to.

Following that each exercise is given a double page spread with one page devoted to what to do put in simple bullet points, and the facing page a bullet point list of things to concentrate on while doing the exercise.

So while I did like many of the other Pilates books I found this one the best.

Pilates is a highly-touted exercise program used by some of the world's most admired bodies: those of dancers, models, and actors and actresses. Although Wellness and Fitness Centers have entered the American marketplace on a grand scale, there is a scarcity of certified Pilates instructors. This means that there is a real need for books and videos introducing the Pilates program to the public.

"The Pilates Body" is an excellent source of information about this complex workout system. It is complex because it involves unique postures and movements that utilize several muscle groups to perform. Breathing is important, as is the positioning of various parts of the body such as one's chin, feet, and shoulders.

"The Pilates Body" provides detailed information about these exercises. Brooke Siler starts out with an inspiring and motivating introduction, in which she emphasizes the importance of "combating the mind's self-deprecation" in order to succeed. She covers the fundamental principles of Pilates matwork, lists "key elements to mastering the mat," and answers frequently asked questions.

Devoted solely to matwork that can be done at home, the book is organized by type of exercise: modified beginners, the full program, advanced extras, standing arms, and cooldown. Exercises are categorized by difficulty: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and very advanced. Step by step instructions are included, as are sequences of photographs that depict a model performing the poses. Stiler includes a visual image to guide each posture; this is illustrated in the upper right corner of each page with, for example, the picture of a mermaid, of someone with a balloon tied around her chest, or someone with straps holding down her legs as she rolls up. In this way Stiler emphasizes the importance of the mind-body connection for Pilates success.

Further instructional points include the goal of the exercise, keys to success, and no-nos to avoid. The back of the book includes a directory of Pilates Studios, a glossary of terms, and information about the author.

This book is so thorough that it should answer any question about Pilates that may arise in an individual's mind, except for one: how are the equipment and accessories associated with Pilates used? That answer is found in "The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning" by Sean P. Gallagher and Romana Kryzanowska. The two books used together are an excellent resource for the would-be Pilates practitioner who does not have a Studio nearby. "The Pilates Body" is highly recommended for anyone interested in this compelling fitness program.

After reading about the Pilates Method in magazines for months now, I decided to try it for myself. When I began to look through the book, the models really discouraged me. They looked so athletic and flexible. I kept thinking "theres's no way I'm going to look like this!" But then I actually began reading the book; the introduction and thorough explanation of the Pilates Method. The more I read, the more I was incouraged to start. I started out with the modified beginner exercises and within the first week, my legs and stomach felt tighter, yet flexible. I found this book an excellent way to introduce and instruct the Pilates Method. Each exercise is clearly described and pictured. Sure, the Advanced exercises are still intimidating, but I definitely feel better about myself at having started the program. I actually look forward to exercising every morning before work. Pilates has also helped relieve tension in my lower back. I would encourage anyone who is bored with sit ups and aerobics to read Brooke's book and try the Pilates Method. You'll be glad you did!

I initially used another book to begin my pilates workout. It never got me started. Then I found Siler's. This is the greatest book to walk a novice through the workout. I loved the fact that I could begin slowly (initially 15 min at a time) until I felt ready to add more. It has given me the confidence I needed to continue with the workout. And each time I have completed the movements, I feel GREAT! No book will give you the same results as if you had a live trainer, but this books sure seems to be close. I whole heartedly recommend this book if you are looking for a different way to use your body to feel wonderful. After working out in a gym with weights for over 7 yrs, this is a fabulous addition to wake up my off-gym days. After 15-30 minutes, I feel taller, more graceful and agile! And who doesn't want that! Keep in mind it takes time and patience to accomplish anything work having; this is worth it!

As the owner of a Pilates based studio in Los Angeles, I have been looking for ages for a book to recommend to our clients at ABSOLUTION, especially for those who can't afford to work out with us but who would like the benefits of a Pilates-based workout. It is with extreme pleasure that we endorse this book with every fiber of our hard-earned PILATES bodies!

Beginning the practice of Pilates can be a life changing, truly joyful experience that does not require a model's figure or loads of cash... Who needs the added stress? FINALLY There is an instructor capable of translating (with boundless enthusiasm) the exercises for all who are willing to take the time to learn. As she explains, all that is needed is a positive attitude and enough space to stretch out your body at full length. ABSOLUTION is dedicated to sharing Pilates with all who wish to try it, so we will continue to insist that all our instructors and clients read this book if they are to understand the spirit in which Joe Pilates created this fantastic form of excercise. We have copies all over the studio. BRAVO!

When I was trying to decide which ONE book to buy for learning the Pilates matwork, it was quite overwhelming. There are scads of books out there on the subject - I think I read the Amazon reviews on over 100 books with 'Pilates' in the title. Some were explanations of how to do the original matwork, like this book, and some were spin-offs on Pilates - same name, different program. It seemed that the top two contenders in popularity were this book and the one by Alycea Ungaro, called 'Pilates: Body in Motion'. I bought that one first, and then decided to buy this one to compare. This is my take on it: Ungaro's book 'Pilates: Body in Motion' has much more detailed photographs of the exercises, complete explanations to go with each step-by-step photo, a very full explanation of how-to, what to watch out for, tips, pointers, etc. In contrast, The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler has fewer pictures to guide you through the exercises. There is a full written explanation of how to do each exercise, with basically the same information as the other book, although sometimes she gives instructions that are not found in Ungaro's book (also, Ungaro sometimes gives tips that are not in Siler's book). The advantage in this book, and the reason I recommend buying it ALSO, is that it has more thorough coverage of advanced exercises - many are included here that are not in Ungaro's book. I would recommend that Ungaro's book be used for initial learning, and this book should be added for more explanation on how to do the exercises, plus for additional exercises in the advanced levels. Another thing I like about this book is that all the exercises are in the sequence of the advanced program, so you can just flip through the book in order, and leave out the exercises that are too advanced for you, where-as in the other book, the beginner exercises go together, then a useful sequential beginner routine is shown. After that, the intermediate exercises are shown grouped together, and then the sequential intermeidate routine is shown, but if you want to refere to any of the the detailed teaching pages of the beginner exercises that are also part of the intermediate routine (which builds on and incorporates the beginner routine), you have to flip back to the beginner section, and the same is true when you get to the advanced exercises. In other words, in Ungaro's book, the exercises are grouped by level, whereas in Siler's book, the exercises for the complete advanced routine are sequential, but labeled as beginner, intermediate or advanced, because this is a program that builds on the previous levels. This book can be obtained for a good price 'used' in Amazon, which is how I purchased it. I would recommend both of these excellent books for a more complete understanding of how to do with exercises.