This book is the first to illustrate the essential connection between the functional anatomy of the body’s core and its application during Pilates’ fundamental core exercises. Focusing on the inherent potential of the human body to stabilize and move, Dr. Evan Osar and Marylee Bussard combine the most current research around core stabilization with six fundamental Pilates principles to offer simple, easy-to-use strategies for relieving discomfort and improving pain-free movement. With more than 290 full-color illustrations, Functional Anatomy of the Pilates Core provides both Pilates practitioners and professional teachers with a comprehensive understanding of how the core functions and how stabilization helps promote health and proper movement patterns through the development of balanced muscles, joint alignment, and core control. The authors apply current research on neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity to reorganize itself by developing new neuronal connections, and on the function of fascia, the matrix-like connective tissue of the body, to explain the six fundamental principles of Pilates—Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow. They show how to avoid muscle imbalances, chronic tightness, and pain by incorporating the principles of functional anatomy during exercise. Readers learn how to: • Achieve the alignment, breathing, and control required for developing optimal posture and movement • Alleviate non-optimal habits that relate to common postural dysfunction, muscle imbalances, and chronic tightness • Integrate the fundamental Pilates exercises in order to develop a more stable core and eliminate the risks of common injuries while accomplishing one’s health and fitness goals

Take a detailed look at your Pilates practice with the superbly illustrated exercises in Pilates Anatomy, Second Edition. Choose from 46 exercises to target a particular body region and delve deeper to stretch, strengthen, and finely coordinate specific muscles. See which key muscles are activated, how variations and minor adjustments can influence effectiveness, and how breathing, alignment, and movement are all fundamentally linked as you work to tone the body, stabilize the core, improve balance, and increase flexibility. Use the Personalize Your Practice section for each exercise to vary your practice and customize your workouts to fit your needs. Here you’ll find modifications to make each exercise more accessible when there are limitations such as tight hamstrings or underdeveloped core strength. Variations provide variety, and progressions are offered to add more challenge to each exercise and serve as valuable stepping stones on your journey to more advanced Pilates exercise. Also included are techniques for breathing, concentration, and self-awareness, providing a unique exercise experience that enhances your body and your mind. Whether you are just beginning to explore the beauty and benefits of Pilates or have been practicing for years, Pilates Anatomy is a one-of-a-kind resource that you’ll refer to again and again. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

For more than 20 years,Trail Guide to the Bodyhas been helping instructors deliver lessons in clear and memorable ways. With the new edition, it will be even easier to deepen students' understanding of surface anatomy and mastery of palpation.- New full-color illustrations convey the most life-like representations of anatomical structures.- Chapter introductions with pre-learning questions improve comprehension and retention.- Concise clinical stories provide relevance and real-life application.- Newly designed icons and headings helps students quickly locate critical content.- Updated anatomical terminology reflects the latest consensus.

The term “functional training” has been associated with a fair amount of controversy ever since it became part of the fitness training vernacular more than a decade ago. In Functional Training Anatomy, noted strength and conditioning specialists Kevin Carr and Mary Kate Feit cut through the clutter and misconceptions about functional training and cover all aspects of how to build a purposeful, effective, and efficient program that provides the strength, stability, and mobility you need to support your body in life and in sports. Beginning with a clear definition of what functional training entails, you will learn about the importance of mobility training and its impact on movement quality, performance, and injury reduction. Use the warm-up activities to prepare for high-intensity activities. Use the medicine ball and plyometric exercises to learn to produce and absorb force. Develop power with Olympic lifts, kettlebell swings, and jumping exercises. Improve strength in the upper body, lower body, and core with hip-dominant, knee-dominant, pushing, pulling, and core exercises. See the inner workings of each of the exercises with superb full-color illustrations that show the primary and secondary muscles and connective tissue being used. The detailed instructions for these multiplanar and unilateral exercises ensure you execute each one correctly and safely. The Functional Focus element shows how the exercises translate to specific activities, whether that be an explosive athletic move or simply moving a box. Functional Training Anatomy incorporates traditional and nontraditional exercises and mobility drills that will help you increase functional strength and reduce injury so your body is prepared to support the demands of athletic performance and daily living. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

"[This book].. provides clear, step-by-step illustrated instructions, each with useful tips on how to perform the exercise correctly (and wha to avoid). Alongside each exercise are detailed anatomical illustrations highlighting the muscles that benefit most. Anatomy of core stability provides everything you need to improve your technique and stabilise your core"-- Back cover.

Get the strong, healthy body you've always wanted! Core Training Anatomy offers an in-depth program for getting abs of steel that everyone will envy! We all want flat stomachs. But what if the only six-pack in your life is one consisting of beer or soda, not rock-hard muscle? Or what if you're well on your way to fitness, but you just can't get rid of that gut? You don't have to do hundreds of sit-ups each day, and you don't have to give up all your favorite foods. If you devote yourself to the right exercises—and learn why they're the right exercises—you'll work your core muscles correctly and begin to build a fabulously fit body. In Core Training Anatomy, health and fitness expert Dr. Abigail Ellsworth gives readers the tools they need to embark on a journey of flat-belly fitness and health, from basic movements to information on how to build a complete exercise plan. With step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow illustrations of starting positions and movement paths, it's like having your very own personal trainer. You'll learn what to do and what not to do in order to get results and avoid injury. Core Training Anatomy brings a new dimension to workouts, helping readers target this pesky problem area-and helping them stay on the path to health and fitness.

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