Pilates Method of Body Conditioning: Introduction to the Core Exercises [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Sean P. Gallagher (Author), Romana Kryzanowska (Author), Steven Speleotis (Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

There's a photo of Joseph Pilates on the back cover of this book. He looks like a strapping young James Dean, with rippled abdominal muscles and defined--but not creepily large--quads, pecs, and biceps. He could pass for 30, but he was almost 60 years old when the photo was taken.

Pilates (Pi-LAH-teez) started an exercise program called Contrology, a low-impact series of hundreds of exercises designed to maximize abdominal strength while toning and increasing flexibility in the rest of the body. Once used primarily by professional ballet companies, the Pilates Method is now taught in major cities in 17 countries and is considered to be the world's fastest growing exercise program. Enthusiasts swear that for little effort--you're not very likely to break a sweat during class--the muscle-toning benefits are outstanding. The Pilates Method is especially useful for many people for relieving chronic back and joint pain. Some famous heavenly bodies rely on the Method, including newly buff Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, Julia Roberts, Jessica Lange, and Sharon Stone. Dancers Martha Graham and George Balanchine were also devotees.

The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning was cowritten by Romana Kryzanowska, the last living disciple of Joseph Pilates. With more than 300 step-by-step photos of 70 exercises, it's a solid and safe introduction to the core exercises of the program. Most can be performed on an exercise mat, but some require special Pilates equipment, such as resistance springs, which can be ordered from the resources in the back of the book. If you'd rather not make the financial investment in the equipment, you'll still very much appreciate the dozens of pointers on posture, technique, and breathwork for use during classes. --Erica Jorgensen

From Library Journal

Shortly after World War I, Joseph Pilates, an accomplished nurse, gymnast, skier, and boxer, perfected a rehabilitation and conditioning program of "Balanced Body" exercise by combining both Eastern and Western philosophies. For almost 70 years his low-stress program, which concentrates on proper breathing, body alignment, and improved concentration, was used primarily by performing artists and athletes, but it is now becoming popular with the general public because it provides a no-impact workout appropriate for all fitness levels from the sedentary intellectual to the professional dancer. The Pilates Method can also be used safely by pregnant women and seniors. Gallagher, founder of the worldwide chain of Pilates Studios and professional physical therapist for ballet companies, and Kryzanowska, a master trainer and personal friend of Pilates, have compiled a comprehensive resource that details more than 70 exercises with over 300 photos. A section on frequently asked questions, a summary of core exercises, a glossary, weekly exercise plans, web sites, lists of certifying centers and certified instructors, and a "how to" list for purchasing equipment all add to the value of this excellent handbook. Recommended for all fitness collections.ARebecca Cress-Ingebo, Wright State Univ Libs., Dayton, OH
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: BainBridgeBooks (PA); illustrated edition edition (February 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891696084
• ISBN-13: 978-1891696084
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #229,138 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

491 of 496 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Can't recommend it, though the information is fine, January 23, 2000

By 

qqqq (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pilates Method of Body Conditioning: Introduction to the Core Exercises (Paperback)

The information included in this book, along with the explanation of exercises, is an accurate representation of the Pilates method and can be used by those knowledgeable about the exercises from studio instruction by a certified Pilates instructor.

However, if you're wondering what all the fuss is about with Pilates, this is not the book to start with. I began my Pilates study a year ago in a local Pilates certification studio. I needed a *lot* of instruction and correction to my form before I felt ok doing matwork on my own at home.

I also needed a lot of cash to learn Pilates - and if I had it to do over again, I would rethink my path.

Expense of in-person training is the sole drawback of this excellent method of toning and strengthening. I hope that Pilates won't have to remain available only to privileged people who can afford specialized studio instruction.

Here's an alternative: try Jennifer Kries' "Precision Toning" video. This video provides an outline of basic Pilates work, with very precise and intelligent instruction, and costs less... Ms. Kries describes the basic Pilates movements, and a minimal expenditure will give you an idea if this is something you'd like to pursue further. I heartily recommend working with a certified trainer, if you've got the dough. But if you can't (or won't) spend upwards of $600, try this video.

And by the way, I hate exercise videos but feel passionate enough about Pilates to try to lend the benefit of my (expensive) education to others. I'm in my late 30's and struggling with what my friends and I delicately term "Booty Spread 2000". Pilates has helped keep me feeling strong, toned, and from needing a new, expanded-size office chair.

Also recommended is Mari Winsor's "Pilates Powerhouse" book. Again, it's not a substitute for visual and hands-on instruction, but each of my two picks outperforms Sean Gallagher's book. His book is dry, dull, and lacking warmth - but in fairness, it presents accurate information.

57 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful guideline by no replacement for live instruction., May 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Pilates Method of Body Conditioning: Introduction to the Core Exercises (Paperback)

I had taken Pilates(R) lessons for quite some time before this book came out. I bought it more out of curiosity, and to show family and friends what Pilates is because it is hard to explain to the uninitiated. While the book is comprehensive, and does a good job explaining the exercises and the core theories of Pilates, it is no replacement for instruction with a qualified teacher. I have been taking lessons in Seattle from Atahsa Avery at Seattle Body Works, LLC. Having tried many teachers, I found that she is perfect for my learning style. Not all teachers are the same, but all are better than relying solely on the book. The potention reader should be cautionsly encouraged to explore the Pilates method through all avenues, not just the book. With that said, the book is a wonderful way to expand a congative understanding of the method. If you have questions and apprehensions before jumping in and buying the book, contact an instructor or studio near you. All good instructors, in my opinion, will take time to throughally explain the method and answer your questions. The book is helpful because in the back it contains a list of instructors certified by the Pilates Guild. However, the listings are already out of date. For instance, my instructor, Atasha Avery, is listed under Arizona, while she now operates a studio out of Seattle.

50 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A big advertisment for their equipment, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Pilates Method of Body Conditioning: Introduction to the Core Exercises (Paperback)

The pictures & descriptions are okay if you're beginning but if you want to learn more advanced exercises then you are forced to buy another book, probably by Gallagher as well. There are many other companies out there selling merchandise and books but they are not allowed to advertise themselves under the pilates name because Gallagher has copyrighted the name. Sorry, but I'm not willing to invest thousands into the equipment that he is pushing which is why I opted for the book in the first place. I have since learned that there are many other resources out there to learn the method from & I'm disappointed by the author's attempt to confine readers to his book and his products.