Celebrity trainer and Pilates guru Brooke Siler teams up with the editors of Women's Health to offer a comprehensive, authoritative manual on this proven fitness philosophy. Trained by Joseph Pilates' protégé, Romana Kryzanowska, Brooke is an unparalleled expert and one of the most sought after teachers for her signature body re-shaping techniques. Combining the best of flexibility and strength training, Pilates is the path to the lean fit body every woman craves—and The Women’s Health Big Book of Pilates guides readers in every step (and leg lift … ) of the way. Using the body as the ultimate fitness vehicle, Pilates transforms bodies in record time. From moves targeting trouble zones to cardio circuits that blast fat all over, this go-to manual covers everything including: Tricks to incorporate Pilates at work, in travel, and daily routine What props best boost your workout and what to skip Pilates principles to help combat lower back pain, stress, low energy, and more! From basic mat moves to the right foods that fuel a lean, toned figure, The Women's Health Big Book of Pilates is the go-to guide for beginners and experts alike.

Exercise is an option in the management of scoliosis. Historically, in the United States, observation, bracing and surgery have been the only options. Research data provides compelling evidence that exercise has earned a right to be a scoliosis management option. This book talks about the history of managing scoliosis with exercise, which exercises have been shown to be most effective and instruction on how to perform those exercises.

Comprehensive and easy-to-follow, this original Pilates best-seller produces real results. It includes three levels of workouts and six routines that provide something for every person who wants the strength, flexibility, fitness and pain relief that have made Pilates workouts so popular. Pilates exercises offer a complete fitness system. They combine key elements of yoga and bodywork with original techniques that strengthen the "core" muscles of the torso while increasing flexibility throughout the body. Rather than building bulk, the techniques create sculpted muscles, reduce stress and increase energy. Special Features of this Book * A thorough introduction to the history and philosophy of Pilates' techniques * Detailed descriptions of 115 Pilates exercises in basic, intermediate and advanced routines * 176 step-by-step photographs illustrating the exercises * A special chapter on pain relief for back, knees, hips, shoulders, ankles and feet * A special section for athletes, with strength-building and flexibility exercises This New Edition Includes Special Sections on * The Stamina Stretch-to increase breathing capacity and support core abdominal muscles * The B-Line Core-to give support for routines, a trimmer waist and relief from back pain * How to change the way you walk to prevent back pain and tension headaches * Back-strengthening routines for rotational sports like golf, tennis and racquetball * Upper-body exercises for computer users Most Pilates books don't address the different needs of beginners, advanced practitioners and athletes-but this book is different. Written by a former top college athlete, it can be used by both beginners and instructors to complement sports-training programs. The exercises are also perfect for people who simply want to get in shape. Use this book as your personal training manual as you explore your fitness potential to the fullest!

Presents a general guide to the Pilates exercise system, including illustrated explanations of the exercises, programs for users of different levels of fitness, ways of using supplementary equipment, and advice for pregnant exercisers.

Pilates is a particularly safe and effective exercise system which aims to strengthen the body in a balanced way by specifically improving the function of the weaker muscle groups. Emphasis is placed on strengthening the muscles of the trunk so that support of the spine increases plus posture and shape improve. The exercises enhance overall flexibility and fitness, improving co-ordination and balance. Muscles are gently stretched and lengthened as the exercises progress and overall body strength improves. - describes the underlying principles of the exercises in physical terms - describes the treatment of common medical conditions - provides a manual for those in the remedial health care professions

Discovering Pure Classical Pilates looks deeply into Joseph Pilates' traditional method of mental and physical conditioning by describing its foundations, goals, movement qualities and benefits. Specific attention is given to the ways in which market forces, individual creativity or ambition lead to deterioration and commercialization of the traditional Pilates method. This book harkens back in time to Joseph Pilates' own two books-Your Health (1934) and Return to Life Through Contrology (1945)-by exploring social, economic, psychological and spiritual issues associated with his traditional work. There is so much more to Discovering Pure Classical Pilates! Within this book, you will uncover the passionate and priceless treasures found only in the historically accurate technique as taught by traditionalists throughout the world.

Explaining the fundamental Eight Principles through core programmes, this volume provides 'Pilates prescriptions' for your specific needs. It serves as a useful reference for various issues ranging from back pains, posture problems to prevention of common sports injuries and training your children to use their bodies properly.