Pure Pilates [Hardcover]

Michael King (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2000

Pilates is the exercise and movement form currently taking studios and health clubs across the world by storm. Originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1930s, the low-impact technique is designed to strengthen and lengthen muscles safely and without adding bulk, resulting in better posture and perfect body shape! This book concentrates on the 'pure' Pilates matwork exercises as originally taught by Joseph Pilates in clear, easy-to-follow steps. Each exercise is illustrated with a series of specially commissioned duotone photographs, showing clearly how the body should be positioned. Special tips will allow you to modify the exercises for the beginner, and charts of exercise programmes provide guidance on appropriate levels of exercise. Pure Pilates gives both men and women the pure, original way to a lean, toned body, perfect posture and calm mind. - Clearly demonstrates the original matwork exercises by Joseph Pilates - they require no equipment and contain no modification of the authentic Pilates' techniques - Author has taught Pilates for over 20 years, both in Europe and the USA - Each exercise is illustrated step-by-step with top-quality photographs - Packed with tips on technique, motivating thoughts and ideas for fitting the programme into your week

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 and studied with third generation teacher Alan Herdman, subsequently qualifying as a Pilates teacher. He first taught at London's Pineapple Dance Studios and then worked with the Houston Dance Company for eight years before moving to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, Michael was an instructor at Voight Fitness and personal trainer to a celebrity clientele, including Faye Dunaway. He is now director of the Mind-Body Studio at Holmes Place health club at the Barbican, teaching Pilates and Matwork classes.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Mitchell Beazley (March 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840002662
• ISBN-13: 978-1840002669
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,266,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book on Pilates, November 24, 2006

By 

JK (Albuquerque, NM USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pure Pilates (Hardcover)

Michael King is one of the primaries of the Pilates Institue, which promotes an effective modified form of Pilates. This book appears to pre-date his tenure with the institute.

The book has several sections. It is a good book on the history and theory of Pilates. The section on actually doing the exercies has effective explanations and photographs of how they should be performed.

The color of the text makes the book hard to read. Other than that I have been happy with it. I would reccomned taking a class with a good instructor before trying Pilates on your own. There are many subtlties and Pilates focuses on quality rather than quantity.