The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method and over 670,000 other books are available for Amazon Kindle – Amazon’s new wireless reading device. Learn more

Buy Used
Used - Very Good See details
$3.98 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Fulfilled by Amazon

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
   
Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method
 
 
See all product images
See 1 customer image
Share your own customer images
Search inside this book
Start reading The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method on your Kindle in under a minute.

Don’t have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.

Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method [Paperback]

Karon Karter (Author)
3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)

Available from these sellers.


22 new from $2.00 100 used from $0.01

Formats

 Amazon Price New from Used from
Kindle Edition --   $13.99 --
Paperback --   $2.00 $0.01
Unknown Binding --   $11.04 --

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Pilates for Dummies

Pilates for Dummies

by Ellie Herman
3.9 out of 5 stars (13)  $14.95
The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body--Without Machines

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

by Brooke Siler
4.7 out of 5 stars (154)  $12.89
Ellie Herman's Pilates Props Workbook: Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide

Ellie Herman's Pilates Props Workbook: Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide

by Ellie Herman
4.2 out of 5 stars (16)  $10.85
Get On It!: BOSU Balance Trainer Workouts for Core Strength and a Super Toned Body

Get On It!: BOSU Balance Trainer Workouts for Core Strength and a Super Toned Body

by Jane Aronovitch
4.9 out of 5 stars (9)  $10.17
Pilates

Pilates

by Rael Isacowitz
4.8 out of 5 stars (31)  $13.57
› Explore similar items

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This book teaches the basics of the Pilates method of fitness, a whole body workout that strengthens the abs and back and straightens the posture. Practiced worldwide by dance companies, physical therapists, and health clubs, the method is especially good for pregnant women, for people who have special fitness needs because of chronic back pain, joint stress, or obesity, and for anyone wishing to prevent osteoporosis.

From the Back Cover

This book teaches the basics of the Pilates method of fitness, a whole body workout that strengthens the abs and back and straightens the posture. Practiced worldwide by dance companies, physical therapists, and health clubs, the method is especially good for pregnant women, for people who have special fitness needs because of chronic back pain, joint stress, or obesity, and for anyone wishing to prevent osteoporosis.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Alpha (January 16, 2001)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0028639839
  • ISBN-13: 978-0028639833
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #979,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

More About the Author

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

› Visit Amazon's Karon Karter Page
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Search Inside This Book:
Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
Would you believe me if I told you there is a workout that can give you longer, leaner legs and buns to die for without weight-room bulk? Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
fix your frame, deep abs, powerhouse strength, neutral pelvis, press your heels, hips stacked, ideal fitness, leg circles, bony blocks, low barrel, much arch, butt cheeks, belly bulge, pinky toe, stabilizing muscles, leg series, spine stretch, lift your chin, more muscle fibers, neutral spine, core stability, body correctly, lower your head
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Pilates Scoop, Joseph Pilates, Pilates Precaution, Pilates Lingo, Pilates Primer, Side-Kick Series, The Least You Need, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Open-Leg Rocker, Leg Pull Back, Shoulder Bridge, Spine Corrector, Universal Reformer, Hip Circles, Leg Pull Front, Arm Circles, Double-Leg Stretch, Neck Pull, Single-Leg Kick, Double-Leg Kick, Swan Dive, Single-Leg Stretch, Spine Twist, Double Straight-Leg Stretch
New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats
Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Search Inside This Book:

Books on Related Topics (learn more)
 
 

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method
49% buy the item featured on this page:
Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method by Karon Karter Paperback 3.8 out of 5 stars (20)
Pilates for Dummies
17% buy
Pilates for Dummies by Ellie Herman Paperback 3.9 out of 5 stars (13)
$14.95
The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body--Without Machines
15% buy
The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body--Without Machines by Brooke Siler Paperback 4.7 out of 5 stars (154)
$12.89
Pilates
10% buy
Pilates by Rael Isacowitz Paperback 4.8 out of 5 stars (31)
$13.57
› Explore similar items

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
 
(1)

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags
 

Customer Reviews

20 Reviews
5 star:
 (11)
4 star:
 (2)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:
 (2)
1 star:
 (3)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
3.8 out of 5 stars (20 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars Take a class instead, May 28, 2001
By Allorahlei (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method (Paperback)
Pilates is difficult enough to learn through the "help" of a book, let alone one that is as wordy and convoluted as this one. If you're looking for a good book that details pilates moves with helpful pictures, diagrams and less superfluous chatter, I suggest "The Pilates Body" by Brooke Siler.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


 
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars If you buy just one book on Pilates  THIS SHOULD BE IT!!, February 1, 2001
By "mg_bailey" (Dallas, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method (Paperback)
Help! I've lost the keys to my Cadillac! I need to go to reform(er) school!

Before I read Ms. Karter's book, I had a different interpretation of that statement. I was initially curious about the concept of Pilates - but was always intimidated by the equipment and the complex look of the moves. However, after seeing her demonstrate the exercises on TV and listening to her on the radio, I decided to buy the book. Best thing that I ever did.

This book takes away all of the mystery - and is written in a fun, witty, and clear manner. The photos are extremely helpful - and a lot easier to understand than the other Pilates books I have read. It kept my full attention from start to finish. I have recommended it to all of my fiends, and bought several copies as gifts.

If you buy just one book on Pilates - THIS SHOULD BE IT!!.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


 
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars This book makes me excited about getting in shape!!, March 2, 2001
By Becky Bynum (austin, tx) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method (Paperback)
I've love this book. I've been wanting to learn more about pilates for a long time, and when I saw this book, I thought it could introduce me to this new form of exercise that I knew nothing about. Karon explains everything in detail and it is easy to understand. The pictures are excellent examples as well.

I suggest this book to anyone wanting to know more about pilates. This is the book for you!!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Great Book!!
I just got this book a couple of days ago and have been reading it cover to cover. I love it! I would consider it one of the best books on the basics of pilates that I have... Read more
Published on July 14, 2007 by Susan

2.0 out of 5 stars Just couldn't figure it out
I'm usually someone who learns really well from books, even physical skills, so when I borrowed this book and the "Pilates Workout for Dummies" DVD from a friend I was pretty... Read more
Published on March 23, 2006 by L. Brodzik

5.0 out of 5 stars What I started with
I started doing Pilates 5 years ago at the age of 16. I actually started with this very book, believe it or not. Read more
Published on May 28, 2005 by Brenna E. Arthur

1.0 out of 5 stars Badly written
This book was badly written, and the writing interferes with the content. It is poorly organized with no central theme in each chapter, and there are often two adjacent sentences... Read more
Published on December 2, 2004 by N. D. Plume

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good information
This is very detailed, but was not the "easy to do" guide that taught me how to do it anywhere, anytime. Read more
Published on July 15, 2003 by A. ODonnell

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for supplementing a Professional Class
I agree with the other posters who say you should go to a professional trainer, at least for basic instruction (tried to do Calanetics from books and never quite got some of the... Read more
Published on June 20, 2002 by Atalanta

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, butttt
a little too convoluted. What really bugs me though is that practically half the book is a total waste of time - personally speaking! Read more
Published on April 22, 2002 by Cikk

5.0 out of 5 stars A very global presentation to Pilates Method
Very well presented. Brings a wider knowledge of Pilates, not just exercises: quotes from Joseph Pilates, warning for exercises, historical facts, scientific facts, positive and... Read more
Published on November 27, 2001 by Hélène Roy

4.0 out of 5 stars Get this Book!!
This book has great explanations, and contrary to other reviews, I didn't find it too wordy. For example, Karon devotes an entire chapter to breathing correctly, which helped me... Read more
Published on September 24, 2001 by cj100

5.0 out of 5 stars Cracking the Secret Code of Pilates
I've studied Pilates with a private trainer for over a year and have made good progress; I almost didn't buy this book because of one reviewer's opinion about it being... Read more
Published on August 26, 2001 by Francophile

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions
   


Look for Similar Items by Category

Look for Similar Items by Subject

Search Books by subject:














i.e., each book must be in subject 1 AND subject 2 AND ...
 

Feedback

If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us.
 Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
Is there any other feedback you would like to provide?

Your comments can help make our site better for everyone.



Your Recent History

 (What's this?)

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.