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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Pilates on the Mat
Pilates is a fitness phenomenon that's been around for nearly 100 years and shows no signs of fading away. Through a series of strength and stretching exercises, it builds core body strength, improves posture, relieves pain, alleviates symptoms of serious chronic diseases, and has a positive impact on all of the vital systems-all while building a connection between the body and the mind.
Formal Pilates classes are enormously beneficial; however, they are also very expensive. Using The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Pilates on the Mat, readers can practice Pilates Mat exercises on their own-without all the expensive and intimidating equipment (aka "instruments of torture") found in the studio or gym. The book takes readers through the complete sequence of Pilates Mat exercises with photos and step-by-step instructions. Along the way, fitness expert Karon Karter gives readers:
·A Pilates primer-how and why the method works on every body, inside and out.
·Basics for better breathing and posture.
·Safe instruction for flexing toward your healthiest self.
·Expert advice on Pilates Mat exercises and using simple equipment, such as the Magic Circle.
·Poses and postures to increase range of motion, bone density, respiration, circulation, and muscle control.
·Exercises for toning muscles and melting fat, making the body look lean, healthy, and younger.
Formal Pilates classes are enormously beneficial; however, they are also very expensive. Using The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Pilates on the Mat, readers can practice Pilates Mat exercises on their own-without all the expensive and intimidating equipment (aka "instruments of torture") found in the studio or gym. The book takes readers through the complete sequence of Pilates Mat exercises with photos and step-by-step instructions. Along the way, fitness expert Karon Karter gives readers:
·A Pilates primer-how and why the method works on every body, inside and out.
·Basics for better breathing and posture.
·Safe instruction for flexing toward your healthiest self.
·Expert advice on Pilates Mat exercises and using simple equipment, such as the Magic Circle.
·Poses and postures to increase range of motion, bone density, respiration, circulation, and muscle control.
·Exercises for toning muscles and melting fat, making the body look lean, healthy, and younger.
- GenresFitness
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2012
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 8, 2020
Classic Pilates moves! This gave me a deeper view of some of the moves I've been doing in group class. I feel a bit better about form in swan dive and some of the leg circuit. Plus I definitely haven't been engaging my glutes properly - been so focused on the tva.
The sections waxing poetic on breath etc were just unnecessarily long though. I started skimming them.
Also a few times the way exercises were broken down - I read the description and was like uh what. like one was '3. Bend your knee and bring it into your chest as if to kiss it. 4. With your knee bent, bring it back so your heel touches your belly button. Don't lift any higher than your hip. 5. Reach your bent knee to the back while reaching your top arm..." and of course number 4 is the only one without a picture. I think they may have meant butt instead of belly button? idk. In Scissors it says " lengthen one leg to the front while the other leg reaches past your head." uhhh that's the same direction and both 'front' and 'past your head' are a weird way to describe this, though the latter at least makes sense.
would highly recommend to any beginner in Pilates who can self organize a workout!
The sections waxing poetic on breath etc were just unnecessarily long though. I started skimming them.
Also a few times the way exercises were broken down - I read the description and was like uh what. like one was '3. Bend your knee and bring it into your chest as if to kiss it. 4. With your knee bent, bring it back so your heel touches your belly button. Don't lift any higher than your hip. 5. Reach your bent knee to the back while reaching your top arm..." and of course number 4 is the only one without a picture. I think they may have meant butt instead of belly button? idk. In Scissors it says " lengthen one leg to the front while the other leg reaches past your head." uhhh that's the same direction and both 'front' and 'past your head' are a weird way to describe this, though the latter at least makes sense.
would highly recommend to any beginner in Pilates who can self organize a workout!
November 20, 2012
I sincerely wish that I could give the book 4.5 stars. It is written in a personal and quirky manner with lots of facts, precautions, definitions, and a glossary. Very easy to follow, with modifications to build your strength, this is truly for the beginner. Karter gives several sequences to follow depending on your abilities or as you progress through the practice of pilates and includes a couple of workouts that target problem areas. Really good, enjoyable and easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews