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Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology—Revised Edition for the 21st Century


First published in 1945, Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology contains the authorized, legal, edited, and original Library of Congress version of Joseph H. Pilates’ and William J. Miller’s first complete fitness writings. It details the exercises, poses, and instructions fundamental to the matwork developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates. Based on his concepts of a balanced body and mind, and drawn from the approach espoused by the early Greeks, these are the exercises that continue to sustain a worldwide revolution in fitness strategies and exercise techniques. Joseph Pilates has been nothing short of revolutionary in his impact on the world of fitness and exercise. Readers will learn and view the original 34 exercises that Pilates taught to his students, many of whom have become exercise gurus in their own right. These carefully designed exercises constitute the results of decades of scientific study and research into the variety of physical ills that upset the balance of body and mind. Practitioners of Pilates’ forms and exercises in the 21st century continue to expand upon this earlier work by presenting a variety of creative new approaches involving circular movements, standing postures, and core strengthening exercises using props such as tubes, weights, poles, bands, magic circles, mini-balls, stability balls, foam rollers, and more.Now included in this Revised Edition are 18 additional pages of explanations of what has transpired since the original 1945 work, along with several photo/text sequences of the latest 21st-century enhancements in the Pilates world. There are new descriptive pages of text that first describe the fitness principles evolved from Pilates’ original Contrology work. This is followed by detailed text describing 21st-century evolutionary developments that present the key dancers, choreographers, and leaders in the Pilates Studio and certifying organizations through the present. This section ends with a discussion of evolutionary props and apparatus developments, plus 21st-century sample exercises drawn from our larger new book, Pilates Evolution for the 21st Century. Following this section are three complete prop-based demonstration exercises that include both photographic sequences (four per exercise) and step-by-step instructions for 21st-century Pilates exercises using the magic circle, elastic resistance, and the small fitness mini-ball.

71 reviews for Pilates’ Return to Life Through Contrology—Revised Edition for the 21st Century

  1. Tarnia
    August 7, 2023
    Pilates Book
    Great introduction to Pilates study and journey.
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    Luciano
    May 23, 2023
    Ótimo livro para quem busca compreender as técnicas a fundo.
    Recomendado para quem busca conhecer o método de Pilates clássico na raiz.
    Helpful? 0 0
    quienduda
    May 19, 2023
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mi opinión
    Creo que es un libro que debe leerse muchas veces, y complementarlo con su primer libro de 1934, porque permite encontrar fundamentos claros de cómo e...More
    Creo que es un libro que debe leerse muchas veces, y complementarlo con su primer libro de 1934, porque permite encontrar fundamentos claros de cómo el creador del método pilates pensó a su sistema. En este sentido, el capítulo introductorio es clave. Luego, para los ejercicios, sugiero estar atentos a posibles imágenes o instrucciones intercambiadas, es de ayuda en parte disponer de la edición de 1960.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Christina
    April 29, 2023
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Great for ppl interested in becoming an instructor or interest in pilates
    Helpful? 0 0
    vrushika Dave
    April 3, 2023
    amazing book
    Detailed book about Pilates’s contrology, all the 34 exercises are given in detail. Must read book. Evolution of the exercise is also given.
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    Tracy Byrne O Donovan
    March 25, 2023
    A must have!
    Was delighted to receive this book so fast! It’s a simple well laid out informative read. Great graphics of Joseph Pilates himself. Every Pilates Inst...More
    Was delighted to receive this book so fast! It’s a simple well laid out informative read. Great graphics of Joseph Pilates himself. Every Pilates Instructor should have a copy.
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    Kindle Customer
    September 8, 2022
    Great book
    Original exercises, this book is all you need, easy to follow, from easy to advanced and up to tutors standard of delivery
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    Arvid
    March 31, 2022
    Introduction to pure Pilates from origins
    I'd like to construct my own concept of self-restart for typical old male person. Without interpretations of current pilates-worldwide-business.
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    Auste Ovsiukaite
    December 5, 2021
    tolles Buch
    Sehr interessant zu lesen!
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    Nayeli Rivas
    June 2, 2021
    Lo recomiendo
    Buena herramienta para aprender Pilates
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    charliebang
    May 27, 2021
    good condition
    the book came in good condition. thanks!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Brittany
    March 13, 2021
    5.0 out of 5 stars Seeing results already
    I’ve taught all types of fitness for 15 years but wish I had discovered and done Pilates sooner! Brilliant and effective. Also, this book lists the ex...More
    I’ve taught all types of fitness for 15 years but wish I had discovered and done Pilates sooner! Brilliant and effective. Also, this book lists the exercises in an orderly manner. It’s everything I was wanting from Ashtanga yoga but was not getting. Seeing results already!
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    Derya
    January 19, 2021
    Love it
    Love it
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    Caz
    January 16, 2021
    My favourite book right now
    A good read with clear instructions on the exercises. Beginners may struggle as a number of the exercises are intermediate/advance but I suspect most...More
    A good read with clear instructions on the exercises. Beginners may struggle as a number of the exercises are intermediate/advance but I suspect most people who read it are use to Pilates already. After 1 week I'm already seeing g a difference.
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    Rachael Harrington
    November 23, 2020
    Highly recommend.
    Great read.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Devon Conrad
    September 16, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars I like it !
    I like it a lot!
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    The Trainer Hood River
    September 14, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars The “original” mr. Joseph Pilates! Get this!
    The “original” mr. Joseph Pilates! Get this! The Trainer (RN)*
    Helpful? 0 0
    Mary Jones
    June 19, 2020
    Execellent book
    I love the fact it's been updated, I have the original one and this one is really helpful. Thnak you
    Helpful? 0 0
    Chloe seoyeon Lee
    June 5, 2020
    Good
    Great!!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Dayne Brock
    May 24, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Filled with helpful stretches to increase mobility, flexibility and to improve blood circulation.
    This is a very attractive and slim book with good information. I've found one of the best quotes from this book is, "To breathe correctly you must com...More
    This is a very attractive and slim book with good information. I've found one of the best quotes from this book is, "To breathe correctly you must completely exhale and inhale, always trying very hard to "squeeze" every atom of impure air from your lungs in much the same manner that you would wring every drop of water from a wet cloth." Although I still struggle with breathing deeply all-the-time, this information, is undoubtedly very helpful in all aspects of life. I feel calmer, more relaxed and more at peace when breathing like Mr. Pilates has taught to do. The stretches are very super helpful and will definitely give you more mobility, flexibility and allow your blood vessels to transport blood all throughout your body. My favorite stretches in this book are, (these are the only stretches I practice as of now) the roll up, the spine stretch, the saw, the swan-dive, the scissors and the shoulder bridge. I highly recommend this book!
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    Jay Taylor
    April 15, 2020
    Value money
    Great brief of Pilates history
    Helpful? 0 0
    Annette Gilbert
    January 28, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Loved the book, gave it as a gift!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Jani
    January 18, 2020
    5.0 out of 5 stars Complete and Original book on Pilates
    Thorough, it’s a classic. This book is fundamentals in Pilates written by the founder. It’s so methodical and exact, inspires me.
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    A. Wentzel
    December 4, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Great ! Thank you
    Helpful? 0 0
    Teddy Bare
    October 24, 2019
    An essential book for Pilates teachers or anyone interested in Pilates the man.
    Brilliant. A very good read. Great resource for Pilates teachers.
    Helpful? 0 0
    gabrielle
    October 19, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gift
    A gift for my mom, highly recommended.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Ash the Ageless
    October 7, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars For Pilates Nerds
    I am a Pilates Instructor and Manager at a boutique Pilates Studio. This book will realt help me keep my Pilates knowledge sharp!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Suz
    September 3, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most important book for pilates instructors
    Must read/study
    Helpful? 0 0
    Jessica
    August 21, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Needed this for my Pilates course
    Informative book
    Helpful? 0 0
    Ethan & Evelyn
    June 18, 2019
    Good time delivery.
    Good quality book and arrives in good time.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Christine
    March 10, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars As described 👍
    As described 👍
    Helpful? 0 0
    Horacio S.
    January 17, 2019
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro, es la fuente del método Pilates
    Excelente libro, manual obligado de quien quiera cultivar su cuerpo y su espíritu
    Helpful? 0 0
    Ganna Shapoval
    September 21, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on pilates!
    Great book on pilates!
    Helpful? 0 0
    agirlfromhouston
    August 28, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars The content is excellent and easy to understand and right to the point.
    I am taking a Pilates teacher certification and this book is required reading. Very clear and so informative.
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    Sandra Whitworth
    May 29, 2018
    Five Stars
    Great.
    Helpful? 0 0
    CALI
    May 9, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    This book is valuable for anyone, from beginner to expert. Highly recommend
    Helpful? 0 0
    N Maness
    March 25, 2018
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good historic information regarding the development of Pilates exercises
    Easy to read about the life and beliefs of Joseph Pilates.
    Helpful? 0 0
    davbea
    October 25, 2017
    Good buy
    Very good book
    Helpful? 0 0
    Lilit
    October 5, 2017
    only Pilates book you need
    excellent book, just what i was looking for, Pilates himself talking about his methods, and showing the 34 sequence in no nonsense clear with text and...More
    excellent book, just what i was looking for, Pilates himself talking about his methods, and showing the 34 sequence in no nonsense clear with text and illustrations, you dont need any other Pilates book.
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    Ann Nolan
    September 20, 2017
    Easy to follow pictures & instructions
    Excellent and simple book to use with clear visual pictures and instruction to help with my Pilates course. It gives you a foundation to work from and...More
    Excellent and simple book to use with clear visual pictures and instruction to help with my Pilates course. It gives you a foundation to work from and to compliment what we know of Pilates exercises today.
    Helpful? 0 0
    rudi salmang
    August 28, 2017
    Alles wie erwarten und sehr gute Lieferung. Kein Zweifel so weiter zu gehen. Das Produkt war ausgezeichnet gut beschrieben.
    Alles wie erwarten und sehr gute Lieferung. Kein Zweifel so weiter zu gehen. Das Produkt war ausgezeichnet gut beschrieben. Ganz Einfach
    Helpful? 0 0
    Kindle Customer
    March 30, 2017
    Perfect Quick Read
    This book is to be read as a requirement for any pilates course, it provides a quick thorough guide and background of Pilates. Inclusive of full instr...More
    This book is to be read as a requirement for any pilates course, it provides a quick thorough guide and background of Pilates. Inclusive of full instructions of 34 exercises. Overall enjoyable!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Carmel Hanrahan
    February 21, 2017
    Five Stars
    Brilliant....the original and very easy to follow
    Helpful? 0 0
    Sergio
    February 1, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    For what I want to know is a useful book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Candace Wilkinson
    January 31, 2017
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
    As a Pilates instructor I find myself referring to this book over and over!!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Denise
    December 23, 2016
    Ottimo lo consiglio
    Ottimo libro in lingua originale con le foto originali di J.Pilates e una interessante prefazione . spedizione veloce e puntuale sono soddisfatta dell...More
    Ottimo libro in lingua originale con le foto originali di J.Pilates e una interessante prefazione . spedizione veloce e puntuale sono soddisfatta dell'acquisto
    Helpful? 0 0
    mrs mc taylor
    September 19, 2016
    Five Stars
    Interesting book - for anyone interested in Pilates
    Helpful? 0 0
    Nismat
    August 20, 2016
    Five Stars
    great book prompt service
    Helpful? 0 0
    Binobello
    March 31, 2016
    Opera fondamentale
    In un momento come questo dove si legge ovunque "corso di Pilates" leggere l'opera originale del grande Joseph H. Pilates è fondamentale per tutti gli...More
    In un momento come questo dove si legge ovunque "corso di Pilates" leggere l'opera originale del grande Joseph H. Pilates è fondamentale per tutti gli appassionati di fitness. Il libro è in inglese, ma è facilmente comprensibile anche grazie alle numerose foto. Consigliatissimo!
    Helpful? 0 0
    Daddoh
    February 5, 2016
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    The Master...
    Helpful? 0 0
    April S.
    October 17, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Great book with a lot of information and history on Joseph Pilates. I highly recommend this book.
    Helpful? 0 0
    scoobysue
    September 24, 2015
    Great
    Great
    Helpful? 0 0
    Kasturi
    September 17, 2015
    All starts with good health. All problems more or less are out ...
    Its the solution to the problems we have in our lives. All starts with good health. All problems more or less are out of the health issue which we dis...More
    Its the solution to the problems we have in our lives. All starts with good health. All problems more or less are out of the health issue which we discover sooner or later. This books helps us to get motivated for a beautiful life. Reminds us in each and everything we do, the grace we need to carry and which we will enjoy too.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Franky C. Purpera
    August 18, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great
    Good
    Helpful? 0 0
    joyce schaeffer
    July 11, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    as stated
    Helpful? 0 0
    Vivian T.
    April 29, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book...
    Heat service! Love this book. It has useful information.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Debbie Krzyminski
    February 23, 2015
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    This book is absolutely fantastic. I use is as a reference book for true classic Pilates form.
    Helpful? 0 0
    monkey
    January 27, 2015
    Five Stars
    Very good read, really good if you want to understand the basics
    Helpful? 0 0
    Sarahlynn Wilber
    December 27, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars amazing.
    Mr Pilates was a genius. Anyone who does Pilates knows this, anyone who doesn't do Pilates is sorely missing out. And it all started with this simple ...More
    Mr Pilates was a genius. Anyone who does Pilates knows this, anyone who doesn't do Pilates is sorely missing out. And it all started with this simple concise book...amazing.
    Helpful? 0 0
    sarah hicks
    December 10, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Excellent book well worth the read brilliant for any pilates participants and instructors
    Helpful? 0 0
    Shelly Morrison
    October 5, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bought this because my Pilates instructor recommended all of her students read it to get a ...
    Bought this because my Pilates instructor recommended all of her students read it to get a better understanding of the principles behind Pilates. Foun...More
    Bought this because my Pilates instructor recommended all of her students read it to get a better understanding of the principles behind Pilates. Found it very informative and an easy read.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Mr L Brown
    August 29, 2014
    Five Stars
    Small but powerful book
    Helpful? 0 0
    DB
    February 16, 2014
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    I loved this information. I truly enjoy learning all I can regarding Joseph Pilates and his methods! Super illustrations too.
    Helpful? 0 0
    Raven
    January 31, 2014
    Brilliant
    For anyone interested in PIlates, this is where it comes from...the genius of Joseph Pilates. Whether you do traditional, contemporary Pilates or a c...More
    For anyone interested in PIlates, this is where it comes from...the genius of Joseph Pilates. Whether you do traditional, contemporary Pilates or a combination of both, invaluable.
    Helpful? 0 0
    elena
    September 11, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars I needed original instructions on Pilates and this is the original book
    I needed the original instructions on Pilates and this is the original book so I am very happy I purchased it for my Kindle. The only thing is that I ...More
    I needed the original instructions on Pilates and this is the original book so I am very happy I purchased it for my Kindle. The only thing is that I needed to copy the instructions on a spreadsheet as a visual guide (more convenient to look at compared to turning pages back and force on my Kindle) and I was allowed to copy up to exercise # 10 only. The rest I took from about.com. I recommend everybody to start Pilates with the original source and then build up from there.
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    dqubed
    July 30, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic coverage of Pilates historical context
    This is a great book for anyone who is interested in and/or who practices Pilates. Good addition for the wellness library.
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    Brenda Barcelo
    July 30, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent manual-style book!
    This book is specifically aimed at Pilates professionals. It goes in depth into the mechanics of the exercises devised by Joseph Pilates. It even has ...More
    This book is specifically aimed at Pilates professionals. It goes in depth into the mechanics of the exercises devised by Joseph Pilates. It even has photos of him back then, performing these exercises! There's an exceedingly interesting part at the beginning of the book about Joe's life story. The book is fairly short but gives you a wonderful insight into what Pilates really is and means. I strongly recommend it to readers interested in deepening their understanding of the Pilates method and its author biography.
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    Sonya Cheetham-Costello
    June 14, 2013
    Good to read the original words of Joseph Pilates.
    Basic Pilates explained for both those new to it and the "old hand". Easy to read and interesting for the history.
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    CabLovr
    May 30, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars Pilates, the original
    Great to read Pilates' text and explanation of his system...a solid primer for those interested in this exercise regimen.
    Recommend.
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    Luis Felipe Díaz Rondón
    April 25, 2013
    5.0 out of 5 stars For the smart
    If you wanna get the best of a product, you must learn amongst other things, the true thoughts and feelings of its inventor.
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    nicola herd
    January 28, 2013
    Excellent
    As a Pilates teacher of 10 years this was a fascinating look at where the exercises we do now come from and how aware he was of mind/ body connection.
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