Your Ultimate Pilates Body® Challenge: At the Gym, on the Mat, and on the Move

by Brooke Siler

In this remarkable new program, Pilates instructor Brooke Siler once again revolutionizes the world of Pilates, reinventing how and where Pilates is performed, to take your fitness to a whole new level. Elegantly designed and beautifully illustrated, Your Ultimate Pilates Body Challenge takes a fresh approach to Pilates, challenging readers to rethink the way they move and to incorporate Pilates-conscious movements into every aspect of

At the Siler takes you through a fun, rapid-fire circuit of machines that gets and keeps you in your cardio target zone. For the first time ever, you will learn how to use powerful Pilates techniques to maximize your workouts on standard gym equipment (StairMaster, treadmill, stationary bike, etc.).

At Siler steps up the at-home basics by applying Pilates’ principles to work with weights, bands, and non-accoutrement-based exercises.

On the As so many readers and clients have requested, Siler has created four brand-new mat routines specifically to target abs, lower body, posture, and flexibility, and designed to take experienced practitioners and beginners alike to new levels of body-sculpted accomplishment.

Siler offers insight into secrets of the world’s best athletes, explaining how to move with Pilates form in individual and team sports. With core strength created in Pilates you can hit better golf shots, ski with less fatigue than ever before, and bring more power to your tennis game.

Everyday Using her trademark “Invisible Workout,” Siler shows you how incorporating Pilates-based awareness and movements into everyday activities—such as restocking the pantry, working at the computer, climbing stairs, or picking up the baby—can tone and strengthen your body.

You will be amazed at how much better you feel when your carriage, breathing, posture, and movements are done Pilates-style. This dynamic book shows how Pilates can actually be the basis for total-body transformation—by simply challenging you to get the absolute most out of everything you already do.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fitness

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2005

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice primer for creating a well-balanced workout routine. Her guidance on proper form for using cardio equipment is excellent (even if the pictured cardio equipment looks relatively ancient) and her outline of various pilates workout sequences is helpful for anyone wanting to start an at home routine. I borrowed this book from the library after flipping through one of her earlier pilates books at the studio where I work the front desk occasionally. From that book, I know that some of her descriptions of the techniques are a little old-fashioned and no longer used by good instructors, but I know the proper form of moves (after years of mat classes) and just needed some guidance on what order to put the moves in when I practice at home or traveling.

[The Badger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brooke is classically trained, and kicks ass! Those of us who went through the Pilates Studio training spent up to 2 years of study, auditions, and internship just to get our original certifications. The practice is actually called Contrology, but so many people just called it Pilates (after Joe), that when his estate tried to get the name copyrighted, a very naive judge threw the case out of court, saying the name "Pilates" was as well known as "yoga" and therefore could not be copyrighted. From then on, Stott, Winsor, and other "Pilates" companies popped up, adding exercises that had nothing to do with Contrology. Also, gyms started certifying "Pilates instructors" over weekend seminars. Many "instructors" have never even used the Gratz equipment which is a necessary component to the Pilates mat (mat first, then equipment).

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been dabbling in Pilates for the past 5 years but I've decided recently to commit myself to the practice because of the wonderful effects it has had on my body. I got this at the library but it's so informative that I just put it on my Amazon wish list! Although it outlines a routine, I used this book as a reference. It encourages you to use your imagination to implement resistance & maintain proper breathing with the poses. Great for all skill levels!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever done Pilates at a classical studio, you can just skip Siler's first book and pick this one up instead. I appreciate how faithful she is to the original principles of Contrology, and I still love the visualizations she includes with each activities. I checked this out from the library, but I think I need to buy my own copy...

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT book about Pilates. Brooke Siler loves Pilates and cares about the health and well-being of others. This is not a weight-loss book but a terrific read about a form of exercise that is important, beautiful, and healing, and I believe in very much. Additionally, the drawings added to the photographs are charming and really show how to position your body properly. I LOVED THIS BOOK. ♥

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever done Pilates before this is an excellent reminder on keeping the Pilates way of thinking/moving in every day tasks, or while working out at the gym or at home. It is very user-friendly in that regard.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

After an 8 hour pilates course...to instruct patients...its about time I try it for more than a day.

[Leah]

Great tips for those into Pilates.

[Coco Morin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear instructions - but really only appropriate for those with pilates experience.

[Rachel Vryhof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great metaphors for how your body should feel doing any number of movements and activities. Helps remind me to be aware!