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Pilates: Body in Motion
The most authoritative, step-by-step guide to Pilates available on the market. Popular for decades with dancers, athletes, and celebrities, Pilates is the perfect equipment-free workout for a stronger, leaner, fitter body. With great emphasis on precision and awareness, not only is Pilates great for the body, but for the mind as well. Using step-by-step mat-work exercises and a wide range of programs, from beginner to advanced, Body in Motion is the only practical guide that shows you all of the proper steps to follow and how to avoid common mistakes in your conditioning.
Published authority on fitness and wellness and a pioneer of the Pilates method, Alycea Ungaro brought some of the very first mat Pilates classes to New York City. Both the method and Alycea built a devoted following as people flocked to her classes. Alycea’s clientele includes some of today’s most high profile celebrities ranging from Madonna, Uma Thurman, Kyra Sedgewick, Christy Turlington, Claire Danes, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Molly Sims, among others.
Alycea has expanded her popular Pilates classes into a fitness media empire. Her first multi-media project was the innovative Portable Pilates™, an easy-to-use at-home mat workout. Best selling titles followed including; Body in Motion, published in 2002, The Pilates Promise published in 2004, and The Pilates Practice Companion. Now, for the first time since its release, Body In Motion is available in eBook edition sold exclusively though Amazon.
In addition to serving on the advisory board of Fitness Magazine and as About.com’s resident Pilates expert, Alycea travels widely as a guest teacher hosting retreats at world-famous locations such as Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Together with long-time client Christy Turlington, Alycea collaborated on a “Pilates Booty” shoe for Puma. The booty was aptly named “The Alycea.” Alycea is also the creator of SpringTone®, the ideal resistance training class utilizing various weighted springs to strengthen and sculpt, launching nationwide.
Alycea was early to the digital game by partnering with Mobile Mind, Inc. to launch a cell phone version of Portable Pilates™. This go-anywhere mini-workout, was designed to broaden Pilates accessibility. 15 Minute Everyday Pilates has also been converted into a series of Vooks (video books) that are available for iPhones and iPads as well as the Amazon Kindle and the Android platform. The New York Times has hailed these Pilates Apps as the best on the market. She also created the “15 Minute Everyday Pilates” DVD and the patented Real Alignment Mat for the home exerciser.
In addition to her Pilates expertise, Alycea is a licensed physical therapist having graduated from New York University’s prestigious program. She is also a certified Perinatal specialist making her uniquely qualified to work with all levels of disability and with clients during any phase of their pregnancy. When she is not traveling, Alycea spends her days working with students and teachers and growing the Pilates industry.
Published authority on fitness and wellness and a pioneer of the Pilates method, Alycea Ungaro brought some of the very first mat Pilates classes to New York City. Both the method and Alycea built a devoted following as people flocked to her classes. Alycea’s clientele includes some of today’s most high profile celebrities ranging from Madonna, Uma Thurman, Kyra Sedgewick, Christy Turlington, Claire Danes, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Molly Sims, among others.
Alycea has expanded her popular Pilates classes into a fitness media empire. Her first multi-media project was the innovative Portable Pilates™, an easy-to-use at-home mat workout. Best selling titles followed including; Body in Motion, published in 2002, The Pilates Promise published in 2004, and The Pilates Practice Companion. Now, for the first time since its release, Body In Motion is available in eBook edition sold exclusively though Amazon.
In addition to serving on the advisory board of Fitness Magazine and as About.com’s resident Pilates expert, Alycea travels widely as a guest teacher hosting retreats at world-famous locations such as Amangani in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Together with long-time client Christy Turlington, Alycea collaborated on a “Pilates Booty” shoe for Puma. The booty was aptly named “The Alycea.” Alycea is also the creator of SpringTone®, the ideal resistance training class utilizing various weighted springs to strengthen and sculpt, launching nationwide.
Alycea was early to the digital game by partnering with Mobile Mind, Inc. to launch a cell phone version of Portable Pilates™. This go-anywhere mini-workout, was designed to broaden Pilates accessibility. 15 Minute Everyday Pilates has also been converted into a series of Vooks (video books) that are available for iPhones and iPads as well as the Amazon Kindle and the Android platform. The New York Times has hailed these Pilates Apps as the best on the market. She also created the “15 Minute Everyday Pilates” DVD and the patented Real Alignment Mat for the home exerciser.
In addition to her Pilates expertise, Alycea is a licensed physical therapist having graduated from New York University’s prestigious program. She is also a certified Perinatal specialist making her uniquely qualified to work with all levels of disability and with clients during any phase of their pregnancy. When she is not traveling, Alycea spends her days working with students and teachers and growing the Pilates industry.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2002
158 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 2, 2013
Great reference/general introduction to pilates. One of the things that I really liked about this particular guide was the full color, large pictures showing proper posture and the full exercise sequences for certain poses. It's very easy to understand and pick up for multiple levels of pilates practitioners - whether you're a beginner, intermediate or at the advanced level. I liked the poses, the brief expansion on pilates history, as well as attention to some of the forms and suggested programs.
Another thing I liked about this particular guide was the "Head to Toe Checklist" that pays attention to specific parts of the pose. It will tell you if your leg needs to be at a certain angle, when bending into a pose is too much (whether you're Abducting too much or something like that) and what practices to avoid in a certain pose. I think more people need to know that so you're not as prone to injury. Much of this I recognized, but it was still helpful to note whether instructing or following along on your own practice.
Another thing I liked about this particular guide was the "Head to Toe Checklist" that pays attention to specific parts of the pose. It will tell you if your leg needs to be at a certain angle, when bending into a pose is too much (whether you're Abducting too much or something like that) and what practices to avoid in a certain pose. I think more people need to know that so you're not as prone to injury. Much of this I recognized, but it was still helpful to note whether instructing or following along on your own practice.
January 13, 2018
I really liked the book because of the fact Alycea breaks down each move and provides step-by-step photos of each move and each of the stages. The book was formatted similar to a blog which makes it easier for the reader/student to follow along and ensure they are doing the moves correctly. I also liked the fact Alycea formatted the book to make it a lifestyle to include some helpful tips on getting healthier and having a more active lifestyle. Great read!
December 16, 2019
Definitely will re-check out this book and spend more time with it this summer so that I can both indulge in understanding more about Pilates, that I love, and understanding and seeing certain words and cues in print rather than just hearing them from my instructors.
I guess I'm not surprised that this is a DK book because they're always so meticulously organized and cultivated for maximum understanding.
I guess I'm not surprised that this is a DK book because they're always so meticulously organized and cultivated for maximum understanding.
June 23, 2025
I will definitely be checking this book out from the library again soon! It includes the history, techniques, and actual exercises of Pilates! If you think Pilates is basically the same as yoga (which I kinda did 😂), think again! It requires so many muscles (specifically core muscles) and it builds strength in your body. I’ve been doing the beginner exercises every night before bed. Just in being consistent over the week I have felt my stamina and core strength improve. I definitely recommend this guide to Pilates!
November 29, 2008
I'm training for a certain activity and was told that Pilates would be great to do because many people in the sport do it. I knew absolutely nothing about Pilates. I asked around at local fitness clubs but couldn't find any instructors. Lacking local instruction, I bought this book based on the recommendations here.
The many pictures and instructions for the actual exercises were very easy to follow. However, the information in the introduction (including an explanation of the 6 basic principles) left me so very frustrated and confused! The book says to flatten your lower spine against the mat ('neutral spine') by 'lengthening' your spine without moving your hips or other body parts...but that's physiologically impossible! Does she not understand the basic mechanics of the body? And 'scooping' is described as feeling like a corset being tightened around your waist...which is only helpful if you've worn a corset before. Since the book implies that the exercises do little good if you don't have these principles right, the good, clear instructions on the actual exercises are probably useless to me because I don't clearly understand most of the basic principles.
I also doubt some of the claims of Pilates now that I've learned more about the system. I'm sure the system works fairly well at 'core' strength training for most people who use it, but some of the other claims seem a bit mystical in nature. If you love this method, that's great. If you understand the basic principles of Pilates, then this is probably a great book for you. Otherwise, I just can't recommend this book. I'll stick with "Straighter, Stronger, Leaner, Longer" by Renee Daniels which works the 'core' muscles as well as every last bit of the rest of your body.
The many pictures and instructions for the actual exercises were very easy to follow. However, the information in the introduction (including an explanation of the 6 basic principles) left me so very frustrated and confused! The book says to flatten your lower spine against the mat ('neutral spine') by 'lengthening' your spine without moving your hips or other body parts...but that's physiologically impossible! Does she not understand the basic mechanics of the body? And 'scooping' is described as feeling like a corset being tightened around your waist...which is only helpful if you've worn a corset before. Since the book implies that the exercises do little good if you don't have these principles right, the good, clear instructions on the actual exercises are probably useless to me because I don't clearly understand most of the basic principles.
I also doubt some of the claims of Pilates now that I've learned more about the system. I'm sure the system works fairly well at 'core' strength training for most people who use it, but some of the other claims seem a bit mystical in nature. If you love this method, that's great. If you understand the basic principles of Pilates, then this is probably a great book for you. Otherwise, I just can't recommend this book. I'll stick with "Straighter, Stronger, Leaner, Longer" by Renee Daniels which works the 'core' muscles as well as every last bit of the rest of your body.
January 12, 2011
I had started reading this book years ago but never could get the time to really read it until now. I have done some of these exercises during an aerobics class. The illustrations in the book really help you see the correct and incorrect ways to perform the exercises.
You are introduced to the meaning of Pilates and the Language. Your goal is to have a strong core which will help with your balance and posture. There are 4 exercise programs, Introduction Program, Beginner's Program, Intermediate Program and Advanced Program. This book is useful for those who are new to Pilates or someone who is experienced.
You are introduced to the meaning of Pilates and the Language. Your goal is to have a strong core which will help with your balance and posture. There are 4 exercise programs, Introduction Program, Beginner's Program, Intermediate Program and Advanced Program. This book is useful for those who are new to Pilates or someone who is experienced.
October 23, 2015
I bought this book as a companion to a yoga book I purchased-- when I got tired of just doing yoga.
I spent a good amount of time traveling for my job-- and this book helped to be sure I wouldn't gain weight spending so much time not eating meals cooked at home. It was easy to do in a hotel room-- and didn't disturb anyone in the rooms around me.
Liked the layout, the easy to follow pictures and routines. Good for a busy person who just needs to start in doing some routines.
I spent a good amount of time traveling for my job-- and this book helped to be sure I wouldn't gain weight spending so much time not eating meals cooked at home. It was easy to do in a hotel room-- and didn't disturb anyone in the rooms around me.
Liked the layout, the easy to follow pictures and routines. Good for a busy person who just needs to start in doing some routines.
June 28, 2009
Clear explanations and a manageable program, good photos. It's helpful to take some pilates classes so that you really understand about correct alignment, but once you do that, this book is an excellent resource.
October 12, 2008
Another must read for the Pilates enthusiast.
October 23, 2008
best pilates book out there
Currently reading
March 11, 2009good resource.. great descriptions
August 21, 2009
Very good for beginner or advanced pilates. I like the routines.
October 8, 2012
Great photos & the 'at a glance' section of each move is almost like having your own trainer.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews