exercise and fitness

I really like this book. I have several other books on pilates, and this one is my favorite. It covers matwork, reformer, barrels, wall, cadillac, chair, and circle work. Most other books only focus on one aspect, such as matwork. People have complained that this book talks too much about pilates equipment, but the truth is, pilates is based on using many types of equipment, and this book discusses exercises for each apparatus. Frankly, the book would be incomplete if it didn't discuss the equipment. This book contains excellent pictures and descriptions for each exercise, along with telling you which part of the body you are working and the benefits. If you want to have a full pilates experience (not just matwork), this book is the ticket!

The information included in this book, along with the explanation of exercises, is an accurate representation of the Pilates method and can be used by those knowledgeable about the exercises from studio instruction by a certified Pilates instructor.

However, if you're wondering what all the fuss is about with Pilates, this is not the book to start with. I began my Pilates study a year ago in a local Pilates certification studio. I needed a *lot* of instruction and correction to my form before I felt ok doing matwork on my own at home.

I also needed a lot of cash to learn Pilates - and if I had it to do over again, I would rethink my path.

Expense of in-person training is the sole drawback of this excellent method of toning and strengthening. I hope that Pilates won't have to remain available only to privileged people who can afford specialized studio instruction.

Here's an alternative: try Jennifer Kries' "Precision Toning" video. This video provides an outline of basic Pilates work, with very precise and intelligent instruction, and costs less... Ms. Kries describes the basic Pilates movements, and a minimal expenditure will give you an idea if this is something you'd like to pursue further. I heartily recommend working with a certified trainer, if you've got the dough. But if you can't (or won't) spend upwards of $600, try this video.

And by the way, I hate exercise videos but feel passionate enough about Pilates to try to lend the benefit of my (expensive) education to others. I'm in my late 30's and struggling with what my friends and I delicately term "Booty Spread 2000". Pilates has helped keep me feeling strong, toned, and from needing a new, expanded-size office chair.

Also recommended is Mari Winsor's "Pilates Powerhouse" book. Again, it's not a substitute for visual and hands-on instruction, but each of my two picks outperforms Sean Gallagher's book. His book is dry, dull, and lacking warmth - but in fairness, it presents accurate information.

This book provides a good overview of the Pilates method for those interested in learning about performing a wide range of Pilates movements using various types of Pilates equipment. However, because the average Pilates practitioner is unlikely to purchase most of the equipment featured, this book is less effective for those looking to build a home-based Pilates practice consisting mainly of matwork. The information provided is clear and datailed, and as always, the photographs of Joseph Pilates at various ages are inspiring. Still, most casual Pilates enthusiasts are likely to derive more practical information from a book such as Brooke Siler's The Pilates Body.