Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method

by Karon Karter

Explains the Pilates attitude, technique, equipment, and the importance of posture and diet, and discusses how to teach others the Pilates method.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fitness

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 11, 2000

Reviews

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is over 20 yrs old, so I expected some outdated info. Given the nature of pilates though, I expected the core of the information to be solid. I have dabbled in pilates at home, through apps & videos for a couple years now. I have some physical hurdles to work around, & working with an instructor would be my best step. However, that is not an option. I do have a fitness instructor background (not in pilates) so I am trying to read what I can to have the best information for modifications, etc. All that said, I was disappointed in this book. It was far too simple, or perhaps not detailed enough is a better way to say it. I felt the exercise instructions often seemed to be leaving out important info. There were not many modifications offered. I didn't verify it, but it even seemed as though things were mentioned as though they had before in the book, yet weren't. It felt like you needed a knowledge of pilates beforehand, yet the book didn't offer much beyond basics.

[Ntombizakhona Mabaso · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Rather than sucking in your gut and wishing that you looked svelte in your wetsuit, affectionately known as the little black dress, try Pilates:
It’s a whole torso workout that strengthens the abs and back and that also straightens your posture, making you feel taller.

Pilates is the wave of the future, combining the allure of rebalancing your mind as you fine-tune from head to toe; it possesses tremendous appeal.

Here’s Joseph Pilates’s prophecy: In 10 sessions, you’ll feel the difference; in 20, you’ll see the difference; in 30, you’ll have a new body."

- Karon Karter

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am studying Pilates in a studio and I wanted to have the background necessary to know what all the terms are. This is a great book for the introduction to Pilates and how to do the movements whether you're on the mat or using appartus.

[Chiara · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh, right. theory is the easiest part. by far.

[Duchess_Nimue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically, the title says it all.
I wish it was a bit more about the Pilates way of life than of slimming the inches in waist. Nevertheless, it is a fine book about the basics of Pilates exercises.