Thirty accomplished 2nd generation Classical Pilates professionals and students write candidly about their lives and work. These individuals share ideas and experiences in ways that show intriguing diversity among those who are devoted to Joseph Pilates' traditional system of mental and physical conditioning. With honesty and perceptive insight, these educators and students reveal their fascinating journeys into the work of Classical Pilates.

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.

A renowned instructor and author guides the reader step-by-step through photo sequences of specially designed exercises as well as variations on traditional Pilates movements.

The true story behind this fitness phenomenon and its long, controversy-plagued road to popular success. While millions today find the Pilates system helps to strengthen the core, improve posture, and recover from or prevent injuries and pain, Pilates has been clouded in controversy since the beginning. Its origin story is one of greed, ego, celebrities, and lies, with heated legal controversy that threatened the industry. In The Pilates Effect, Stacey Redfield and Sarah Holmes reveal the hidden history of Pilates. From humble beginnings, Joseph Pilates founded the groundbreaking regimen in New York City and worked closely with his partner Clara to rehabilitate and renew dancers who had been injured or were aging. Although Joseph’s core strengthening regimen was touted as “fifty years ahead of [its] time,” finance and health issues plagued Joe and Clara’s business. A small and devoted group of followers, including Carola Trier, would fight to spread the practice that they felt gave them a second chance at life and rehabilitated their bodies and souls. A fascinating and inspiring story of fitness in America, The Pilates Effect showcases the people and events that formed an iconic industry, and reveal how it offers positive change for everyday people regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.

Here's your opportunity to begin working out with the world's fastest-growing exercise program, originated by Joseph H. Pilates (Pi-LAH-teez). Once used mainly by performing artists and athletes, this low-stress program is now available to millions of active and sedentary people to improve their physical and mental well-being. The book contains more than 70 exercises with over 300 photographs to show you how to work out at home or in the office on the various Pilates apparatus.

A unique and detailed description of more than 100 original Joseph Pilates Reformer Exercises including many large photos. Have you ever wondered why the Reformer is one of the most popular, if not THE most popular Pilates apparatus? Wished you had a well-structured overview of almost all exercises? Wanted to add more variations to your Reformer repertoire? Then this two-piece book is exactly for you! While both parts are designed as training manuals for Pilates instructors and fans, "The Pilates Reformer - Part 1" focuses on Joseph Pilates' nearly 100 traditional Reformer exercises. "The Reformer - Part 2 " then adds the modern exercise supplements as well as the exercises with the jumpboard. (Part 2 is so far available in German. An updated English version will be available in the second half of 2021) Here is what you will find in Part 1 in more detail: Following an introduction to the history of the Reformer, the various components of the Reformer are described, alongside a number of important issues to keep in mind when using a Reformer. Furthermore, the manual provides a recommended exercise sequence for each of the four different levels: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and Super Advanced. In the main section of the book, large-format, color images are used to illustrate each of the 100+ exercises. For each exercise, the exact setup, the related goals, and a step-by-step description of its execution are presented. In addition, common mistakes, possible modifications or variations, and contraindications and risks are outlined. As a special feature, the original names used by Joseph Pilates are mentioned alongside the frequently-used names for the first time in Pilates literature. These Reformer exercises represent Joseph Pilates' legacy for a full-body workout.

"A timely book that focuses on how Pilates is adapting and serving the 21st century world. * This book's forward is written by Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle who has studied with all of the Pilates Elders, beginning with Romana Kryzanowska and longtime friends and treasured mentors, Mary Bowen and Kathleen Stanford Grant, and Pilates master Teacher Alan Herdman. * Gary offers a contemporary voice in the Pilates community that lends distinction for teachers with a greater mission to evolve practitioner, student, and client to their next level of health."