The Pilates Bible: The Most Comprehensive and Accessible Guide to Pilates Ever Paperback – Illustrated, 4 Jan. 2010

To set context, I'm bit of a home exerciser, and have a couple of pilates books. The 'bible' itself I imagine contains a few details from other Body Control Pilates books (and I have the The Complete Classic Pilates method), however, where this one leaps ahead is that it is truly accessible.It sets out beginner, intermediate and advanced exercises by chapter, and at the end of each, it lists 20, 30 and 40 min exercise plans for each level using these exercises. Prsonally, I find this much better than showing a beginner pose, then intermediate, then advanced on sequential pages rather than chaptering. Very helpful and clear. The exercises themselves are laid out with 2 pages per exercises, extremely clear pictures showing the poses as you move through them and good detail, but not too much (the problem with the previous Complete Classic Pilates Method, although a good book for detail, but tiny writing and a nightmare if practicing at home). It then has chapters showing exercises for actual studio equipment (pointless for me personally but hey, still good), exercises using a resistance band, the circle, ball, free weights etc. It then has chapters listing helpful exercises for various aspects relating to health issues and to resolve work/sport issues. Interestingly, it take typical exercises such as squats and when using weight equipment at the gym, and points out how pilates can help ensure correct posture when doing these (all with pictures)It's not a small book, over A4 size, and pages lay out flat.I have the Alycea Ungaro and other Pilates books, but wish I had had this when I first developed an interest in pilates. This would be good for absolute beginners, 'long-term' beginners and those who have delved more deeply. It also points out common mistakes for each exercise. In an ideal world, I would have liked to have seen for each exercise the specific areas it targets, but as it states, each exercise targets multiple areas.Truly a great book - it's strengths lie in the clarity of pictures and descriptions of each movement (spaced over 2 pages when opened flat)and its coverage of a number of areas. Although true pilates aficiandos may not be happy with this (not sure why, but have to cover myself), personally, I have to say this is definitely one of my better buys. I've found the Body Control pilates videos boring and this book has really helped me to revitalise my interest. I recommend this book for beginners and intermediate, and sure it would be of value to others. Also, a good price for what you are getting. The title of the book really does sum up what it covers. As I don't have a lot of other Body Control pilates books/DVDs (did I mention I found them boring/painfully detailed?) it doesn't appear to be covering a lot of previously well-trodden ground to me, so as you have probably gathered, I'm REALLY happy with this - so much so that I have no intention of buying another pilates book for the forseeable future. Normally a good sign. Highly recommend.

This is proving very handy - the illustrations are excellent and very clear and the instructions are simple and thorough, and include instructions for breathing, which is important. It's a great way to get into Pilates.

I am at a beginner to intermediate level of Pilates. I am attending a class once a week but found it hard to do it at home without an instructor.I bought this book to help me along and explain each exercise step by step to help me doing the moves at home. It is a great help and I have been doing much longer and harder Pilates workouts at home since I bought it. Everything is explained step by step and is easy to understand, the pictures are also a great visual guide.

This is a brilliant pilates book.After a back injury, I started using my old pilates dvd but found that some of the exercises exacerbated my back problem and therefore I suffered a set-back to my recovery. My chiropractor advised that pilates dvds are not the best method to use following a back injury as they don't distinguish the exercises to avoid from the ones which are safe. They assume a certain level of fitness and health.I wanted to ensure that I re-started pilates with appropriate exercises given the very poor condition of my back. This book is excellent because it gives a really thorough introduction to the techniques used in pilates, and it starts with some very simple exercises that allow the engagement of the core muscles in a way that does not risk further injury. The book is in full colour and gives easy to understand instructions, with colour photos of each stage of the exercise. The book progresses from the very simple exercises (the fundamentals) through to the beginners', intermediate and advanced exercises. It also has useful chapters on the use of small pilates equipment for the home, and on joint health with recommendations on specific exercises for each joint.I would recommend that you start with the book to build up the strength of your back carefully, and then consider buying some of Lynn Robinson's dvds which are also excellent.

Really great book

I'm a little ambivalent about Pilates books and DVDs. They show the correct positioning but they don't replace a good teacher who can point out a small correction to that position that can significantly alter the feel of an exercise. On the other hand it can be difficult to find a good teacher whose class times fit in with busy work and home schedules. In an ideal world, this book sits nicely alongside a weekly class so that some 'homework' can be fitted in before the next class.This book covers beginners, intermediate and advanced mat routines. covers There are excellent photographs not only covering the classic and the later mat exercises, but also short sections on Pilates props such as Fit Balls, bands and free weights. If you need a more in depth view of Pilates props, Ellie Herman's excellent books "Pilates Props Workbook" and "Pilates Workbook on the Ball" are both stocked by Amazon. Unusually, it also has a section on Pilates equipment such as the Cadillac which is a real help if you're thinking about broadening the range of exercises, and trying a studio that has this equipment. Additionally, there is advice on correct posture when using gym equipment.In conclusion, this is amongst the best Pilates books around for the money.

Very nice book and prectical

I bought this as a cheap Kindle book. As it was so comprehensive, I bought the hardcopy. I do.mat, reformer, and ball exercises. This covers quite nicely.

Good introduction to Pilates and overviewEspecially for the price at the moment: Get it.A word of caution nevertheless: You have to do the work yourself, but if you are consistent it will be rewarding.

El libro es buenísimo y como practicante de pilates me encantó.Lo que me molestó fue que pagué por un libro nuevo y me vendieron uno claramente utilizado. Tiene la marca de clips/sujetapapeles en várias páginas y lo compré por Amazon, lo que me surpreendió. No lo esperaba.

This book shows a wide range of exercises for your Pilates practice. I.