Pilates Workbook for Pregnancy: Illustrated Step-by-Step Matwork Techniques [Paperback]

Michael King (Author), Yolande Green (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 19, 2002

Because of its emphasis on focused breathing, gentle stretching, and precise technique, Pilates is an ideal exercise program for expectant mothers. By following the clear explanations and photo sequences in this special lay-flat binding of Pilates Workbook for Pregnancy, readers will train and strengthen the body’s core muscles — without risking harm to mother or unborn child. Strengthening these muscle groups helps ease labor and aids in swift recovery after pregnancy. Pilates Workbook for Pregnancy uses original Pilates matwork techniques to create a program designed specifically for pregnant women. Appropriate for future mothers at all levels of proficiency, the book offers three versions of each Pilates movement: easy, for those with little exercise experience prior to pregnancy; moderate, for those who are fairly active; and challenging, for those who already practice Pilates.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael King has been an exercise professional for the past 20 years. He was first introduced to Pilates as a professional dancer. When an injury cut short his dancing career, Michael turned to Pilates, studying with second-generation teacher Alan Herdman and qualifying as a Pilates teacher. He is the founder Director of the Pilates Institute in London where he trains teachers to run classes for Pilates during pregnancy. Michael is the author of Pure Pilates, also published by Mitchell Beazley. Yolande Green has been a fitness instructor for over eleven years, and is a tutor at the Pilates Institute in London. She is currently studying for an M.Sc in health and fitness while researching exercise during pregnancy. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Ulysses Press (July 19, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569753105
• ISBN-13: 978-1569753101
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #471,137 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Exercise & Fitness > Pregnancy

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the safest and most thorough books...., July 19, 2003

By A Customer

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This review is from: Pilates Workbook for Pregnancy: Illustrated Step-by-Step Matwork Techniques (Paperback)

This book addresses a number of very important issues of Pilates exercise and safety for pregnant women, with extensive consideration of your overall physical condition before and after delivery. A number of other Pilates books for pregnancy do not focus on important aspects of abdominal muscle integrity and the effects of hormones like relaxin on your body during pregnancy and after delivery. The exercise focus during and immediately after pregnancy should be on proper breathing, aiding your posture and stability, rather than "working out". This is a time to develop greater body awareness and breathing techniques, not to try for major fitness goals. Some Pilates exercises simply should not be pursued after the 20th week of pregnancy. Michael King's book will allow you to assess your pre-natal and post-partum condition and evaluate which exercises will be safe for you to perform, as well as beneficial for your body. An Excellent book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for those new to or experienced with Pilates, February 26, 2005

By 

Anonymous Reviewer (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pilates Workbook for Pregnancy: Illustrated Step-by-Step Matwork Techniques (Paperback)

I did pilates for 3 months before I became pregnant and for the first 3 months of my pregnancy, until it became clear that neither of my two teachers knew how to adapt the exercises for a pregnant woman. This book is excellent: well written, with many good photos accompanied by clear instruction. The exercises are modified for each of the 3 trimesters and for 3 levels of experience with Pilates, from beginner to experienced. There is a complete section on postnatal conditioning as well. There are sufficient exercises for a good program, neither too long nor too short. The exercises are designed with extensive consideration for avoiding long- and short-term pregnancy and postnatal damage. This book DOES lay flat and will be appreciated by those who don't always want to work out in front of a video or as a more complete adjunct to a video. I do not know, however, whether a beginner can learn Pilates only from a book, without the feedback from an instructor. Women should also not expect an aerobic workout from Pilates; instead, you will strengthen and condition your core more in the style of yoga, tai chi, or weight training.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars there has to be a better pregnancy pilates workout, May 9, 2005

By 

T. Anderson - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Pilates Workbook for Pregnancy: Illustrated Step-by-Step Matwork Techniques (Paperback)

I have been doing Pilates matwork for three years. when I became pregnant, I still wanted to continue with the workout but knew I needed to make some modifications. I found that this book was not very informative or helpful. The exercises were limited and several of them were perfomed while you're on your back. There are better exercise books that also work your core.