The Complete Guide to Joseph H. Pilates’ Techniques of Physical Conditioning: With Special Help for Back Pain and Sports Training
This second edition of the best-selling THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO JOSEPH H. PILATES’ TECHNIQUES OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONING, offers strength-building and flexibility exercises for anyone who wants to get in shape. The exercises also are perfect to complement the training program of anyone who plays sports, as well as those who want relief for back or knee problems.
The book contains:
* A thorough introduction to the history and philosophy of Joseph Pilates’ unique techniques
* 88 Pilates exercises in basic, intermediate and advanced routines
* Over 240 photos and illustrations
* A chapter addressing pain relief
* A routine for relieving lower back pain and strengthening weak abdominals
* Worksheets for monitoring progress
The second edition contains the following new material:
* The Stamina Stretch — to increase breathing capacity and support core abdominals
* The B-Line Core — to give support for routines, a trimmer waist, plus relief from back pain
* How to change the way you walk to prevent back pain and tension headaches
* New back strengthening routines for rotational sports like golf, tennis, racquetball
* New upper body exercises for computer users
Another tool for the toolbox. I would recommend it for all wellness professionals
Sorry but I believe this was said by Archimedes, not Aristotle.
Not really important obviously but if you can't quote a simple quote correctly, well, we'll assume then that you still know the rest of what your talking about. Still give it a 5 as I've seen the book and a few actual instructor manuals for Stott and whatnot and this looks like exactly what it should be.
The thing that has impressed me about pilates is how they make me feel afterwards. Even with the very light beginning workouts I felt great afterwards the first day! (And though I do other exercises I never got that endorphin high others talk about. :-( ) Pretty quickly I noticed more flexibility and easier movements, too.
I figure anything that makes me feel so good, has gotta be good for me.
Some people don't know what pilates are. In case you are one of them, I think they are a lot like Yoga without the eastern mysticism mumbo jumbo. Also, if you like, you can get a more intense cardiovascular workout with pilates at the higher levels than is likely with even advanced yoga.
What does else will pilates do for you? They cause an increase in oxygen due to the deep breathing, which is great for oveall functioning and stamina and is highly correlated to a lower incidence of cancer. They greatly help to improve your posture and align your skeleton and neuoromuscular system in general. You know "the knee bone's connected to the..." and one problem in one area can cause problems in lots of other places.
Piates can also build up your body strength, though not as much as the usual weight bearing exercises, and certainly can make you look sleeker. Try them, you'll like them! :-)
The first part of the book is directed to the basics and fundamentals ideas behind the physiology of body control and body awareness. You will learn how to maximize your mental control over body movements. The second part is dedicated to the actual exercises and techniques associated with the Pilates method.
One of the best features of this book is that all the routines and exercises are fully illustrated and described, with photographs, clear and detailed explanations, tips on posture and execution. The best of all is that every single exercise can be performed at home without the need of expensive or special equipment.
My back felt great and my abs much stronger. His posturing formulas are second to none - and certainly none that I have come across in other pilates books. His Feedback Scales make you work to the max on every exercise without compromising your personal safety while achieving ultimate results.
A great improvement on an alredy great product - can't wait to get hold of the videos/DVDs mentioned in the back of the book.