Customer Reviews

Ultimate Pilates (Fitness Books from the Experts)

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Sifting through all the 'Pilates' books can be confusing - will the real 'Pilates' please stand up? I should have read the editorial reviews a bit more closely to catch the words "Ultimate pilates is a unique program....", meaning it is not the original Joseph Pilates exercise routine. I just latched on to the fact that the author was personally trained by Joseph Pilates, so I assumed this author was passing on his first-hand knowledge of the techniques. Not so. That aside, this program is a unique set of gentle exercises designed to develope a sense of balance, proper alignment, correct posture and graceful movement - sounds like something a dancer would be concerned with. I was not looking for another exercise program to wade through and learn, I just wanted more enlightenment on the original pilates method, however this book may be something I will be motivated to do in the future when I get bored with other programs. This book is beautifully written and designed, artistic in it's own way to compliment a dancer's fitness program. The best thing I came away with, which was mentioned also in the previous review, is the 'special midpoint lift' which makes a tremendous difference in how you carry yourself. When I practice this, it makes me feel like I am floating like a dancer as I walk around the house or as I do my errands. This is so much more comfortable and practical than 'navel to spine', which it replaces. Honestly, it is so very subtle, that it took me a while to really 'get' what part of the body he was talking about and what to do with it. This one piece of information, as the previous reviewer also said, was worth the price of the book. This trainer works with many actors and people who are in the public eye who must present themselves with poise and grace. I got the impression this was a program for people who wanted a gentle workout, because the main model was probably in her 50's. Don't be fooled by the cover picture, that advanced move is not part of the program.

This is a book for those who want to get things right. The exercises are EXCELLENT and you will feel the results quickly, but the technique takes some time to master. You need patience here and work properly. It mentions quite thouroughly the pelvic floor, which is of an outmost importance in stability and getting the core in place. Just ask a (good) ballet dancer. It also discusses the PELVIC FLOOR VS NAVEL TO SPINE issue. This discussion alone would justify the buy! (Navel to spine is a NO! And don't get the ribs together! It is so refreshing to read his correct observations!!) Also observe body alignment on the floor and on the wall! Good guidance and advice, great understanding of human body. Way to go!
I am instructing Pilates and am fortunate enough to have a world class ballet teacher. Take it from me: Dreas' exercises are superb (and difficult). Just do them exactly as instructed.
This is not a fancy book - it is a book with lots of useful explanations and even more useful exercises. The pace of the exercises is comfortable and requires a lot of concentration!! However, if you are an average trained person and want quick results, this book will make you a bit more humble. You will either find the exercises quite challenging or would not feel them at all (which more likely is your lack of body control). If you don't work properly from the core, you will loose the best part.
I get back time and time again to the exercises and find them useful. If you are/were a dancer and like to work concentrated on right technique, you will like the book! I love it!

"The program is planned first to address your body's structural problems and improve its posture, and then to integrate each change in to your way of moving, so that it becomes a part of your natural movement pattern." ~ Dreas Reyneke

When Dreas Reyneke retired from dancing, he began teaching at the first pilates studio in London. In this book, he presents his system to promote perfect posture, balance and well-being. This whole body approach is based on the original 34 exercises developed by Joseph Pilates who said they would "transform the body if practiced regularly." The main sections include:

Timelines & Historical Facts about Fitness
The Exercise Experience
Body Conditioning
Body Structure
Muscles and Movement
Dynamic Posture
Principles of Practice
The Exercises
Breathing to Reduce Stress
Planning Your Program
Level 1-3
Special Adaptations
Pilates for Pregnancy
Pilates from 55 to 105

Full-color illustrations and drawings explore the postures and what is happening on every level from the muscles being used to how the brain responds to new exercises. The section on Key Muscles gives illustrations for every main muscle you are using in the exercise along with names and pictures of the exercise. This gives you an inside view of what is happening as you exercise and this section will be especially appreciated by teachers of Pilates.

All the exercises are shown in detail with more than one picture to illustrate the posture or motion especially where exercises have various steps progressing from one movement to another. Variations and "Points to Watch" make the exercises safe and effective.

This book will compliment any Pilates routine and may give you additional exercises you may not find on a Pilates DVD. I can highly recommend this to Pilates teachers and students or to anyone who wants to understand how the body works while exercising. You may also enjoy:

Jennifer Kries' Pilates Plus Method: The Unique Combination of Yoga, Dance, and Pilates

New York City Ballet: Complete Workout 1 & 2 (2pc)

Jennifer Kries: Hot Body Cool Mind - Level 1

~The Rebecca Review

If you have read Pelvic Power you must read this book also. This goes hand in hand with Pelvic Power. Together they offer a total understanding of the body. You will be amazed at what you learn about how everything is tied together. I highly recommend this book along with Pelvic Power. Read these book before you begin Pilates and you will reap the rewards that Pilates has to offer.

Have about 15 books on yoga and Pilates in my library. Attended countless trainings and workshops. This book gets to the next level for both teachers and students. Amazing detail, easy to understand drawings and a creative presentation makes for a fun read and useful text.