[.ca] Pilates Deck (ISBN 0756628156)

The Best Pilates Book To Date:
Pilates is a method of exercising, shaping and toning the body that's very different from a common workout. Two years ago I started doing Pilates aided by a very good book called The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler. In the first few weeks I had already lost some weight, was noticing the outline of my muscles and had stopped feeling hungry all the time. I have since dropped two dress sizes and I still do the workout daily. After going through five other books I think that Pilates: Body in Motion is, without a doubt, the best Pilates workout book to date. Why? Well, first, the book is organized in a logical and easy-to-study format that helps to memorize and follow the different levels of the workout program without missing a single step, and allows browsing through them for quick consultations. Second, it presents the complete sequence for each exercise photographed, and step-by-step instructions for each movement with detailed, but simple, explanations of posture, breathing and motion. Third, it has complimentary information for each exercise: number of repetitions, warnings and alternatives for people who shouldn't perform particular exercises, modified versions to make sure the program is adaptable to almost anyone, dos and don'ts to insure proper execution, and transitional positions between following exercises to maintain the rhythm of the workout. Fourth, it includes a thorough explanation of the key principles of the Pilates method, whose application is fundamental to achieve the benefits offered by the workout. Fifth, it contains preparation exercises for each level (from beginner to advanced) that serve as a sort of test to indicate when to move on to the next level. I recommend this book to anyone serious about maintaining a healthy, toned, and well-shaped body. I would also recommend buying The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler for additional exercises and The Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford for a natural and effective way to backup your workout on advice on how to eat.

Shape up or die! ;-):
Now that I got your attention, you really ought to read this book if you want the most "bang for your buck" from your exercise time. No expensive equipment needed, you'll need a body and an exercise mat. Can you swing that? One critique, the "welcome mat" exercise is too difficult for a novice, IMHO. Don't let it discourage you. Press on slowly and carefully. The book might seem like a lot to take in at first for mind and body. Give it a chance, you'll eventually breeze thru it as you learn the routines. After two weeks of daily Pilates, I am beginning to see and feel results! When you start, do not do more than 10 minutes a day! Beat that!

An Essential for Pilates Enthusiasts:
I'd have to agree that this may be one of the best books on Pilates out in the market right now. Its edge over Brooke Siler's "Pilates Body" is that this book clearly breaks down each exercise step-by-step with corresponding colored pictures to guide you through the moves. If you don't have the benefit of an instructor, this makes it easier to understand how each exercise is supposed to be done. Still, I'd recommend this together with "The Pilates Body" because the latter covers more mat exercises (especially the advanced stuff) and is more detailed on tips on how to execute each exercise optimally. Together with "The Pilates Body", I think this is the only other book you'd need to really understand Pilates.

Pilates and Ice Hockey Performance:
I was a bit skeptical about Pilates at first, especially when you see TV ADS about Pilates. However, my son and I learned that the #1 Hockey Goalie in the United States Hockey League (USHL) Tier 1 Jr's used Pilates to recover from an injury and maintain core strength and maximum flexibility. Pilates definitely was a reason for his great balance, flexibility and strength levels. If it was good enough for him, we thought we'd try it. In 2 weeks of following this books easy illustrations and easy to follow program dad (age 42) has lost 4lbs, and my son (age 16, hockey goalie) has improved his core strength and flexibility...which translates into fewer pucks going into the net. No more nasty sit-ups and bad backs and necks. Infact, the mind portion deals with focusing on completing the exercises in correct form. You're not there to blow off 20 or 30 reps in 2 minutes in this program. Each exercise is a concentrated effort, focus, breathing and movement and it takes alot of focus to continually do all this...therefore, making it a challenge which is great. You'll see results quickly if you're doing the exercises right. The time flies by and you'll feel better about yourself and actually the book is right, you can't wait to do the next session, and advancing to the next level. If you can't afford 10 minutes a day then don't buy this book. IF you want to change your life, get trimmer then buy the book. Also, you can't be eating 4 candybars a day, drinking a ton of soda and plowing down a six pack of beer. You must have a sensible diet too. :) The book takes your thru a series of 7 exercises in the introductory phase which is 4-6 weeks long, then the beginner phase which builds on the intro phase. I'm having a blast with this program. IT was well worth the $$$$. Highly recommend the book. Trying to get my wife into it now.

Not for all!:
Althoug I read the book, I must say that this book is like many others books on yoga and pilates only for those that are already flexible. I did use some of the easy excersises, but most of them are impossible for me to do untill I will get a little more flexible. I am sorry that I had to give it a 3 star rating.