RAPilates: Body and Mind Conditioning in the Digital Age

by Chuck D, Kathy Lopez

Hip-hop icon Chuck D presents a gorgeously illustrated Pilates exercise program for people of all ages, including the over-forty crowd LEGENDARY HIP-HOP ARTIST CHUCK D has been touring the world ever since his band Public Enemy put out their first album in 1987. Now, at age sixty-three, Chuck is frequently asked how he manages to still put on such high-energy performances. His response is he practices Pilates, a form of exercise and body conditioning that has become increasingly popular over the last decade (though it was originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century). Chuck's appreciation for Pilates took a major leap in 2016 when he was setting out on a rigorous tour schedule with a powerful and energetic new band called Prophets of Rage (a supergroup including members of Public Enemy and Rage Against the Machine). Over the next four years, the group would perform to more than two million people across the globe. As Chuck admits, he simply could not have delivered on such a massive level without his practice of Pilates, under the guidance of trainer Kathey Lopez. In RAPilates , Chuck and Kathey present an illustrated program of Pilates exercises for people of all ages, including the over-forty crowd. The volume includes introductions from both Chuck and Kathy, which are followed by more than thirty mat-based Pilates exercises that are carefully explained by Kathy and beautifully illustrated in Chuck's inimitable style that he has demonstrated in his previous books of visual art, including STEWdio and Summer of Hamn . Like those two books, RAPilates is published on Chuck's Enemy Books imprint, which is hosted by Akashic. Full color illustrations throughout

Genres: Nonfiction

92 pages, Hardcover

Published July 2, 2024

Reviews

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (the hardcover edition) is well laid-out with easy-to-follow instructions for a movement on one side of the page and accompanied by an explanatory sketch on the facing page. The book itself is high quality; the binding is stitched in and the pages are thick, leaving no doubt that the book will stand up to repeated use alongside me on a mat!

(I'm not versed in pilates, so I can't speak to the effectiveness of the program.)

[Hannah]

I have been so excited about this and the idea of it! A fun take on Joseph's Return to Life, essentially, but written in contemporary language and for regular people who don't have degrees in anatomy or aren't gym bros and bunnies. I was excited to refresh my technical knowledge of mat repertoire because I haven't taught for awhile now and I've gotten kind of lazy with my own practice, and this both hit the spot and very much did not hit the spot.

The actual execution is middling--there are a lot of errors in my ARC that I have no faith will be addressed before pub but should be, because there's a huge difference between 45 and 90 degrees (I know book people love to joke that we do books because math is hard or whatever, but seriously, basic math is not THAT hard, yet everyone involved in the making of this book failed geometry). I also took issue with random other things that were explained either confusingly or completely wrong (please tell me how I can have two bent legs and two straight legs at the same time, Chuck and Kathy, I beg of you--I did my 500 hours of Pilates teacher training and have lived in my human body for decades and yet I can't figure that one out).

I have no problem recommending this book to people because it is more charming and useful than it is incorrect and confusing, but as a Pilates teacher and book editor, I'm sad about the parts that are incorrect and confusing.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful art book and precise exercise instruction book all wrapped up in one package. It includes a brief but comprehensive history of Pilates and focuses on mat Pilates, which requires no special equipment.
The text describing the exercises is very clear and easy to understand, including pro tips and benefits for each one. There is an illustration for each exercise, with each exercise having its own page spread. The illustrations actually convey through their art which parts of the body are contracting, stretching, or relaxing in each exercise. That makes this book intuitive to look at and allows the reader to copy the body positions perfectly.
The two authors have created a book that is unique in its combination of luxurious art and practical instruction. The art and words work together in presenting the message of how to build health through Pilates.
This would be an ideal gift for anyone of any age.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chuck D - founding member of the 1980s rap group Public Enemy and rap-rock group Prophets of Rage, created RAPilates, along with Kathy Lopez, because of his vested interest and experience in the art and athleticism of pilates. Thirty-three pilates exercises are presented and explained in basic terms for readers/participants of all skill levels, to increase the excitement for health and fitness within body, mind, and soul. Each exercise is uniquely titled in proper PE and POR manner to stay true to the roots.

[Orsayor · Rating 4 out of 5]

RAPilates: Body and Mind Conditioning in the Digital Age is more than just an exercise book; it's a powerful story about how Pilates can change your life. Chuck D's own experience with Pilates shows how it helps him stay energetic and fit. This book is inspiring and perfect for anyone who loves fitness or hip-hop. Whether you're just starting with Pilates or want to learn more, RAPilates gives you a complete and fun way to improve your body and mind.

[Lila]

Book will appeal to readers who are fans of Chuck D or who are seeking an alternative approach to Pilates. The illustrations are one of the primary appeal factors of the book. Written in Chuck D’s voice.

[Christine Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome preface. Inspired me to pick up pilates again. Cool illustrations