User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Pretty good
This book has colored pictures that are large and easy to follow. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. The exercises are labeled as beginner, all levels, advanced, etc. There are variations to many exercises, which is great. Overall I am happy with my purchase.

4 Stars Very Good!
I love this book…it covers all my needs for exercising on the ball so far. Great for beginners or advanced people. Just wish it were spiral-bound! It would be more durable and easier to use while I’m learning all the exercises.

5 Stars Play, not work!
Liz Gillies goes into a bit of background on the theoretical stuff. Although most of the exercises are not new, what stands out is the sense of fun she has when working out with the exercise ball, making it less work & more play. This makes me want to do more of them, & more often. This, coupled with exercises’ effectiveness, has already made a difference in my posture & the way I carry myself, after only 3 weeks of 3x a week exercise. Thanks Liz. About that cat stance on the ball… I did it! Only for less than a second though, but in time…

5 Stars Great reference for stability ball exercises
Elizabeth Gillies, known previously for her work on instructional videos/DVDs for Pilates and the balance ball, has an extensive background in movement, including ballet, modern dance, Pilates and even performing with a circus. She’s taken all of that and translated many familiar exercises to the stability ball (as well as invented a few of her own).

Gillies’ training in anatomy and years of instruction really show here. She uses clear, descriptive language as well as many tips and cues that immediately help the reader figure out what muscles they should (and shouldn’t) be activating.

While there are a lot of books out there for the stability ball (both Pilates-based and “gym-style”), this book does manage to break some new ground. The sections that use handweights and her dance-based exercises are very different from anything else out there- Gillies’ deserves credit for her innovativeness and originality.

The book itself is very attractive, with glossy photography and clear sherbet tones. It’s a joy to read through and follow along with. She’s also created ten different easy to follow exercise menus to choose from if you need a quick reference (I certainly do).

The only drawback is that this is low on yoga-based exercises- not a big deal, but it is mentioned in the title. However, I think someone using this book will find more than enough to make up for that.

5 Stars the best, with pictures for every workout!
I really enjoy reading this book because it gives a description of how to do the workout, how to position your body, what muscles your working, and even shows a picture of Ms. Elizabeth Gilles posing on the ball for every 101 workouts! I have tried most of these workouts on my ball at work, I work at Curves, and I really enjoy them, I even show my customers a few workouts on the ball and they enjoy them too! I makes me look smart!

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101 Ways to Work Out on the Ball Sculpt Your Ideal Body with Pilates Yoga and More is a post from: Pilates Exercises

Safe Techniques to Reduce Pain, Build Strength, and Speed Recovery

Studies suggest that proactive strengthening and flexibility-recovery exercises can speed healing after spine surgery. Whether you’re preparing for or recovering from spinal surgery, recuperating from a back injury, or just dealing with a back that has “issues,” this book offers an effective program to help you manage pain and regain strength and mobility.

These exercises modify traditional Pilates routines to accommodate partially immobilized spines, making this routine safe and effective therapy for your fragile back. The exercises are designed to not compromise a spinal fusion. Instead, they will do what Pilates exercises do best—stretch, strengthen, and tone the trunk with precise positioning and movement, while avoiding potentially dangerous repetition and overexertion. 

“Pilates for Fragile Backs is an excellent program for people who have had spinal fusion. The simple but effective Pilates-based exercises will help tremendously in reducing pain and restoring mobility.” —Vijay Vad, MD, assistant professor of rehabilitation medicine at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and author of Back Rx and Arthritis Rx.

“…Adhering to a program of Pilates, as described in Pilates for Fragile Backs, under the guidance of a certified instructor can be a most useful means to improve back function and relieve pain. Clearly, this is a valuable therapeutic modality that is underutilized in today’s current pain management programs associated with spinal disorders.” —Charles Birbara, MD, chief of rheumatology at Worcester City Hospital in Worcester, MA

“In my practice, I constantly emphasize the importance of proper spinal alignment, good posture and a strong mid-section. Pilates for Fragile Backs highlights these points in an easy-to-follow exercise program for patients suffering with chronic back pain. I have recommended this program to many of my patients, and they are thrilled with the results.” —Anthony S. Rainka, DC, South County Chiropractic, Sutton, MA

“As a physical therapist, I have been able to utilize the exercises in Pilates for Fragile Backs with my clients. They have shown a reduction in pain, an improvement in posture and balance, increased strength, and healthier muscle tone. Best of all, the program does wonders for their self-esteem.” —Pam Craig-Stewart, PT, director of rehabilitation at Christopher House in Worcester, MA

“This book is a much needed labor of love that offers clear and helpful advice for anyone who has ever lived with chronic back pain. The spine problems addressed in this book are very challenging ones for doctors and therapists alike, and the authors use their first hand experience with spinal trauma to break new ground for exercise therapy. A specifically modified Pilates program indeed offers the possibility of comfort and relief for a largely under-served group in our society.” —Ellen Kiley, RYT, therapeutic yoga practitioner specializing in scoliosis and spinal fusion

“I underwent an anterior/posterior fusion (L4-S1) over a year ago due to degenerative disk disease with annular tears. Since then, Pilates has done wonders for me. I started pursuing basic lumbar stabilization mat work a couple of months following surgery. I had urged my neurosurgeon to allow me to begin sooner than usual because I’d had a big increase in pain. My physical therapist felt it had to do with the stiffness that begins to set in as the weeks go by without stretching and exercising. I had every confidence that Pilates would improve my situation and I swear by it! I’ve been back to work full-time. I am also walking about four miles, three days a week! I’m sure Pilates for Fragile Backs will be a major help to many others.” —Diana Stahl, Cincinnati, OH

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars SAVED ME FROM SURGERY!
I can’t thank you enough for writing this book. As a 58 year old woman with chronic back issues from scoliosis, degenerative spine disease and three herniated disks, I was going crazy from the pain and 3 seconds away from calling a surgeon when I found your book. The book encouraged me to take it slow and gave me great ideas for not hurting myself. After awhile I decided to get a trainer. When I showed it to her she was grateful to have such a wonderful resource to recommend to her clients. I highly recommend this book if you are at all afraid of hurting yourself. I am pain free for the first time in 20 years! Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond

1 Star Keep looking
I bought this book after sugery on my back and was disappointed. Yes, it did have some exercises for the lower back but a good portion of the books was devoted to exercises that you can do IF you own or are willing to go out and buy many more pilates equipment or go to classes.

This book may help some people but I had hopes to find a book for people looking to stregthen and exercise their back after surgery. I hope that someday there will be a book of safe and simple exercises targeted to low back that people can do at home without having to spend even more money to do them.

Take a look at this book before you buy it to make sure that it has the information that will help so that you don’t end up with another book gathering dust.

3 Stars Look carefully….
I guess I wasn’t careful enough in selecting this book. It emphasizes that you need to meet with an instructor to do the exercises. I bought the book because that is what I didn’t want to do. I don’t have the time or money to meet with an instructor. I can’t comment on anything else.

5 Stars Encouraging and comforting!!
I had spinal fusion surgery in July 2005. Although it was highly successful, there are always issues to deal with, that most people dont understand. Some are actually unexplainable, until I read this book.For the first time, someone was actually explaining all the feelings and emotions that I have gone thru. They also offered great alternatives and tips for everyday living to improve your situation!!Another plus for me, was that it was co-written by a top surgeon in the country.For anyone that has had spinal surgery, I would HIGHLY recommend this book from start to finish!!

5 Stars An indispensable resource for anyone with back problems
This remarkable book has already generated major “buzz” in the “bad-back” community. Better yet, it is being used by some of us with truly terrible backs — complex disk problems, severe scoliosis, major iatrogenic deformities resulting from previous scoliosis corrections. If you are in any of these categories, please check out this singular new approach to physical conditioning and emotional well-being. Unlike any of the previous “bad-back” books I have surveyed — in the process of moderating a large online group for people with flatback syndrome and trying to find some kind of exercise I could do after eight fusions and revisions — the program outlined here is safe and reasonable. For that reason, it has garnered endorsements from leading spinal surgeons who would never recommend most generic bad-back programs to their fragile-backed patients. (The “fragile backs” descriptor is inspired — those of us with complex spinal problems know in the bone just how fragile we are, and just how cautious and patient we must be in initiating any exercise program.)

One reviewer criticized the book for spelling out special Pilates equipment which is necessary to do the core-strengthening exercises in the book. This is a legitimate concern for those of us on fixed disability incomes or in other limiting circumstances, but I doubt that it could stop any of the motivated people I know through my own 560-member website for people with flatback syndrome. I regard it as just another challenge, along with the many others we face every day — to name just two, locating a qualified surgeon and getting our insurance carriers to pay for the surgery s/he prescribes to make our lives livable! Having had some personal email correspondence with author Andrea Stanton — a personable and empathic human being, a psychiatric social worker by profession, and a woman whose own back-saga has some major similarities with my own — I have learned that there are all kinds of ways to minimize the expense for someone who is motivated and determined.

Moreover, the book offers more than just the equipment-requiring program. Among other things, it includes one of the clearest “lay” explanations of spinal anatomy and back mechanics I have ever read — anywhere.

Members of my own support group have been posting ever more frequently about this book, approximately one year after its publication. They report that they are sharing its thoughtfully adapated Pilates exercises–a program initially worked out by Andrea’s Pilates instructor, whose own hair-raising spinal saga is detailed in the book, along with Andrea’s — with their own exercise instructors, taking the book along with them to their “workouts,” and otherwise using it in practical ways which have brought them to new levels of personal mastery and pain relief.

A couple aspects of the book could use some work or expansion, through no fault of the authors. It is my understanding that someone at the publishing company decided at the last minute to require these “extras,” such as a list of outside resources. Given the publication schedule, there was simply not adequate time to produce any kind of comprehensive or thoroughly annotated list. The book does not suffer at all from this problem, which is hardly central to its main content: logically laid out, well-written, impeccably edited text, supplemented by equally clear photographs. The book provides a wonderful explanation of where Pilates came from and what it is all about, then goes on to explain how people with the most extreme and debilitating back problems can actually use and adapt the most crucial Pilates exercises to their own situations.

In my estimation, no other exercise, yoga, or related book on the market comes close to accomplishing what this volume accomplishes, and most contain prominent disclaimers warning scoliosis-surgery patients, for instance, to see their doctors and try something else! — either that, or they indicate clearly that they are aimed at people with mild, unoperated scoliosis, or perhaps an occasional reader who has undergone a laminectomy for some isolated disk problem, while failing to address the rest of us at all.

In short, *Pilates for Fragile Backs* is a uniquely encouraging and helpful resource for anyone with severe and complex spinal problems seeking some attainable level of physical conditioning and strengthening. There is simply nothing else like it on the market. Even if you are not prepared to embark on the prescribed program, you may well find it worthwhile to read the book simply for its excellent medical explanations and the authors’ inspiring personal stories. If you are like me, it will give you — at the very least — something that is often in short supply for people with terrible spines and incredible chronic pain: a whopping dose of hope.

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Pilates for Fragile Backs Recovering Strength and Flexibility After Surgery Injury or Other Back Problems is a post from: Pilates Exercises

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars rather average Pilates book.
This book is pretty basic. I got much more out of The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler than this one. This book is short and does not get into too much of the exercises or techniques.

5 Stars This one has an excellent exercise program.
I’ve been doing a lot of researching on valuable books on the Pilates method to keep in my library and this one fits the bill. It has 12 exercise levels you can follow and looking at the Pilates “family tree” on page 12 you’ll know that you are getting authentic Pilates program. This book, books authored by Alan Menezes,Lynn Robinson, and Alycea Ungaro(Pilates body in motion) are well written books you should keep in your library…

5 Stars Great Workbook for Clients and Instructors
A welcome addition to the Pilates library. Easy to follow and clear instructions for everyone.A no nonence approach to this potentially confusing subject. Well Done.

5 Stars Got this for my wife — she raves about it!!
Scored major points with my wife with this book… She is taking Pilates instruction and enjoys this book very much, it is getting dog-eared.

1 Star Do not buy this book!
Buy The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler instead!! I bought both books and found the Pilates Workbook useless! The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler is so much better – Brooke was trained by a prot?g? of Joseph Pilates, explains the philosophy of Pilates that doesn’t put you to sleep, the exercise descriptions are the best I’ve seen, has a chart of the original 35 Pilates exercises which is great reference when doing Pilates, and explains very advanced extras which were originally developed from the apparatus. This workbook by King is not authentic Pilates and has poor descriptions of the exercises. Definitely not worth the money!!!

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Pilates Workbook Illustrated Step by Step Guide to Matwork Techniques is a post from: Pilates Exercises

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 life:

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

On the Mat: 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.

Sports: 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 Life: 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.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Pilates PhD
This book is the PhD level of Pilates. Brooke Siler doesn’t dumb-down. Read, flag pages, highlight words, whatever you need to do to get going on this book and her other book too (The Pilates Body).

I flagged the pages for 3 different days of workouts. So the top set of flags I did one day, the set of flags on the side of pages I did the second day, and set of flags on bottom of pages I do the third day. Then I rotate back to the 1st day of flags at the top of pages. Otherwise it would have seemed too grueling and arduous a workout. I can’t be stuck on my living room floor for 8 hours a day. I gotta get this done in 45-minutes then get to work. Maybe you know what I mean. Pilates, like dance, could go on forever.

This book provides the basis for a good workout, week after week, without getting bored. Anything that keeps you moving, no matter what level you use it at, is GOOD. You can use this at the beginner, intermediate or advanced level, and her pages indicate this too.

5 Stars another great book from Siler
This book is a great compliment to Brooke Siler’s “The Pilates Body.” I would highly recommend it to anyone feeling like they are in a rut at the gym.

5 Stars Great Routines- Perfect for Home Pilates Practitioners
I don’t recommend this (or any other pilates book, for that matter) to anyone just starting out in Pilates- you need to spend time with a teacher to get the technique down. But, for someone looking to suppliment their studio workouts with a home practice, this book offers a variety of routines that target different areas of the body, along with suggestions for incorporating cardio.

4 Stars Great practical application of Pilates to everyday life
Some great tips to get you using Pilates principles in everyday activities, and to sneak in a mini workout while queuing at the bank! Very practical.

A little repitition if you already have Brooke’s earlier book “The Pilates Body”, but well worth it.

5 Stars Pilates Body Challenge
This book was recommended to me by my physical therapist after I went to her for a back injury. It’s really helpful because it shows the correct way to do so many things – gym stuff, daily life things, etc. I highly recommend this for anyone suffering from back pain, it’s a great tool.

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Your Ultimate Pilates Body Challenge At the Gym on the Mat and on the Move is a post from: Pilates Exercises

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Reference book or not – still boring
The level of information in this book is outstanding. However it is delivered in a very monotonus way. I know the material presented and I utililized other reading and documentation to support the ACE book. With my education and background and supplemental information I would have still passed the exam. However if the ACE reference book was my first and only encounter with the subject matter the exam would have been a nightmare. The book is a good reference guide. As I have completed my graduate coursework in the kinesiology area, this book has been of great value.

3 Stars chemistry, anatomy, nutrition and more
I have never read a book that was so boring. It was like reading a college text book. It’s a book you have to know if you want to pass the ace certifications and I don’t envy the people taking the test. It is a big book with definitions you wished were more broken down.

3 Stars Satisfactory reference book
Satisfactory reference book. Would recommend American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Reference Manual instead.

5 Stars Good Study Book
This book is straight from ACE. It is complete with a section in the back that breaks down what the Ace test will cover. I have not taken the Ace test yet and so I cannot comment on whether or not this book alone will be sufficient enough as a study aid for the Ace Group Fitnsss Instructor exam. I found it extremely informative and very well organized.

4 Stars Very thorough
While it is true that this book is “boring”, one must understand the nature of the beast. This is a “resource” book, not intended for leisure reading. It is a preparatory text written to prepare fitness enthusiasts to gain a full understanding of the many requirements of BECOMING a group fitness instructor. This book is sold on the acefitness.com website along with a preparatory guide book and sample test. The purpose of such a text is to prepare an individual to take an ACE exam to become certified as a group exercise instructor. This book does so quite exhaustively, but, yes, it is dry reading. I write this only to inform potential buyers that the book is an excellent resource for would-be professionals in the fitness industry, but if you are looking for leisure reading, this is not the right book. I AM an ACE-certified fitness professional and happen to know that their exam is one of the top 2 in the nation. So, if you’re thinking of becoming a fitness professional, you need to read this.

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Group Fitness Instructor Manual ACEs Resource for Fitness Professionals is a post from: Pilates Exercises

Based entirely on research from peer-reviewed journals and randomized controlled trials, Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff is a complete program to prevent and rehabilitate rotator cuff injuries for athletes and non-athletes alike. In less than 100 pages, readers will learn precisely how the rotator cuff works, what can go wrong with it, and then are guided step-by-step through an evidence-based program that takes just minutes a week to complete. Drawing from the latest rotator cuff research, Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff will be especially useful for those who have been diagnosed with either a partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tear, experience shoulder pain, do upper body weight lifting, play a sport or have a job that involves repeated arm motions above shoulder level, have been diagnosed with “impingement syndrome,” or for anyone simply wanting a healthy and properly functioning rotator cuff.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Pain Relief
So easy to understand! I know have a good knowledge of how the shoulder works. The exercises are very helpful. Got me closer of achieving zero pain. Hardly have pain anymore, mostly tight or a little uncomfortable but that’s better than chronic pain ay!! It only takes around 3-4 hours to read. DO IT IF YOU KAIN’T TAKES NO MORES!!

5 Stars Well, it worked
I hurt my rotator cuffs doing some bag work. I waited a long time (I’m a guy) to go into an ortho. He gave me the advice to work on my posture, lose weight and a photocopy of some exercises to do. Told me that how I injured myself didn’t matter, fixing it was what counted. Well, posture and losing weight solved that problem.

Had a completely different feeling problem. Went back after eight months of worsening pain. Same diagnosis, they told me it was “referred pain” which was why it felt completely different. Same exercises. You can find them all over the internet.

Didn’t do much for me. I slowly got more or less better on my own. But, I had nagging pain every morning, the exercises and stretches did nothing for me.

Rather than go back, I decided to try this book first, based on recommendations from a friend I followed up.

First, the explanations aside, the core of the book is short. You are only going to do about four exercises and four stretches at any one time. There are routines for severe to very mild problems (beginning to advanced).

Second, the explanations made sense and I’ve been able to apply them to a few other areas.

But, it has been less than a month and I’m waking up pain free from time to time, the first time in a very long time.

Would I pay this much for a paperback? Not usually, but it was a lot better than blowing half a day off from work seeing the ortho sports med guy again. Would I buy a book when the internet is swimming with essays, charts, etc.?

Well, but for the fact it works and the free stuff didn’t, no. But the free stuff doesn’t quite put it all together the way this does and it didn’t quite do the trick.

If you’ve got pain, if your doctor’s routines haven’t really done much for you, if the internet hasn’t led you anywhere new, you might really want to try this book. It has details on how to do things, number of repetitions, how long to hold the stretches, etc.

Simple? Yes. Five to ten minutes a day simple, but just the right five to ten minutes a day have made all the difference for me.

5 Stars What a terrific book !
I was afraid I would never be able to lift weights again. Both of my shoulders were in pain, even causing me to have to lie on my back to sleep. I read this book carefully, and have followed the exercise exactly as he directs, and I have zero pain in my shoulders now ! Zero ! And I’m back to lifting weights !

I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the research that went into Mr. Johnson’s work. He only goes by scientific evidence based upon peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials. This stuff really works!

By the way, I had the same experience with my back problems after reading “Treat Your Own Back” by Dr. McKenzie

Thank you Mr. Johnson!

Ken

Los Angeles, CA

5 Stars Off the cuff
Johnson’s book is an excellent resource for anyone with rotator cuff issues. It is well written and easy to understand.

5 Stars Treat your own rotator cuff
This book, written by a Physical Therapist, explains and shows the muscles involved in the rotator cuff more clearly than any other anatomy book I’ve picked up on the subject. He explains what muscles you are strengthening for each exercise. Stretching, very much like yoga stretching, is also included. If I could talk to the author, I would ask him to look up Supported Headstand as a very effective treatment for RCS, too. This is thoroughly explained in volume 16 of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy in a research article entitled Headstand for Rotator Cuff Tear: Shirshasana or Surgery.

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Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff is a post from: Pilates Exercises

A daughter of privilege in the most powerful empire the world has ever known, Claudia has a unique and disturbing “gift”: her dreams have an uncanny way of coming true. As a rebellious child seated beside the tyrannical Roman Emperor Tiberius, she first spies the powerful gladiator who will ultimately be her one true passion. Yet it is the ambitious magistrate Pontius Pilate who intrigues the impressionable young woman she becomes, and Claudia finds her way into his arms by means of a mysterious ancient magic. Pilate is her grand destiny, leading her to Judaea and plunging her into a seething cauldron of open rebellion. But following her friend Miriam of Magdala’s confession of her ecstatic love for a charismatic religious radical, Claudia begins to experience terrifying visions—horrific premonitions of war, injustice, untold devastation and damnation . . . and the crucifixion of a divine martyr whom she must do everything in her power to save.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Who is Francine Rivers?
Between Dan Brown and Francine Rivers the author did not have an original idea to call her own. I found that for her `historical research’ she had to go no farther than the Mark of the Lion series, with her secular ideas being borrowed from Brown. Whether you are looking for alternative ideas regarding the deity of Christ or insight into Roman culture you will find this book unoriginal in either regard.

3 Stars Lacking
The historical context and perspective of May’s novel is interesting, and I was quickly drawn into the book. May maintains an exciting pace. In the end, however, I felt the novel was lacking. First, the book’s plot synopsis was misleading and what seems to be the protagonist’s main conflict, saving Christ from crucifixion, does not even occur until the last 50 pages and is, in my opinion, hurried. It also takes many liberties with Christian beliefs that spring from the current “trendy” views of Mary Magdalene and Christ, a la The Da Vinci Code bandwagon. The plot seems to meander through a conglomerate of events without being bound by a clearly defined central conflict. Yes, Claudia struggles with her visions, but they are sporadic. May’s novel also lacked effective character development. Except for her risk-taking, I found Claudia to be inconsistent. In Egypt, she is intellectual and curious and becomes smitten with Isis after a priestess gazes at her knowingly, causing Claudia to immediately convert. Thereafter, her devotion to the goddess is spotty, and with all the spiritual upheaval in the later part of the novel, I am surprised that she does not show any curiosity about Jesus whatsoever (even though he too had gazed at her knowingly, much like the priestess). Also, the woman she is by the end seems little changed by her life events. In fact, there are greater changes with Pilate and Rachel that are mentioned in the epilogue that I found more intriguing.

Overall, May’s novel is fast paced and would be most enjoyed by readers that can be satisfied by action alone.

1 Star Silly
May’s Claudia resembles an airheaded, self-indulged American socialite traipsing through ancient Rome. The book is mostly a series of vignettes describing her costumes, villas and parties. The other characters in the story are hollow, wooden and inscrutable. Historical events and the tragedies surrounding her are rolled through in as footnotes. Claudia’s reaction is usually a few words of dismay before she heads off to another party or liaison with her gladiator.

Sillyness pervades the novel. The wedding of Jesus tops the cake–held at his rich uncle’s villa, which May describes as the biggest and flashest house in the region, to a wealthy ex-Roman courtesan. There is a crisis at the wedding, they run out of wine!! No problem, Jesus to the rescue turning jugs of water to wine! Ok.

If you’re looking for a light romance novel this might be an interesting diversion. If you are a fan of historical fiction I would steer away.

5 Stars Breathtaking….
…I couldn’t put this book down…from the first page you are immersed in the life of roman noble family….love, war, passion, history – everything is in this book. A must read!

4 Stars Great Historical Insight
Pilate’s Wife offers informative insight into the time and culture of the Ancient Roman Empire. Antoinette May spent six years researching the Roman culture before attempting this novel. The strength of the book is in May’s ability to bring historic events to life, such as military/heroic parades and processionals, gladiator wars in the Colosseum, the dominant worship of gods and sex, the import of status and rank. If you are at all interested in the time of the Roman Empire, ignore the story and read the book for its historical value.

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Pilates Wife A Novel of the Roman Empire is a post from: Pilates Exercises

There’s a photo of Joseph Pilates on the back cover of this book. He looks like a strapping young James Dean, with rippled abdominal muscles and defined–but not creepily large–quads, pecs, and biceps. He could pass for 30, but he was almost 60 years old when the photo was taken.

Pilates (Pi-LAH-teez) started an exercise program called Contrology, a low-impact series of hundreds of exercises designed to maximize abdominal strength while toning and increasing flexibility in the rest of the body. Once used primarily by professional ballet companies, the Pilates Method is now taught in major cities in 17 countries and is considered to be the world’s fastest growing exercise program. Enthusiasts swear that for little effort–you’re not very likely to break a sweat during class–the muscle-toning benefits are outstanding. The Pilates Method is especially useful for many people for relieving chronic back and joint pain. Some famous heavenly bodies rely on the Method, including newly buff Leonardo DiCaprio, Madonna, Julia Roberts, Jessica Lange, and Sharon Stone. Dancers Martha Graham and George Balanchine were also devotees.

The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning was cowritten by Romana Kryzanowska, the last living disciple of Joseph Pilates. With more than 300 step-by-step photos of 70 exercises, it’s a solid and safe introduction to the core exercises of the program. Most can be performed on an exercise mat, but some require special Pilates equipment, such as resistance springs, which can be ordered from the resources in the back of the book. If you’d rather not make the financial investment in the equipment, you’ll still very much appreciate the dozens of pointers on posture, technique, and breathwork for use during classes. –Erica Jorgensen

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Covers all aspects of a pilates workout
I really like this book. I have several other books on pilates, and this one is my favorite. It covers matwork, reformer, barrels, wall, cadillac, chair, and circle work. Most other books only focus on one aspect, such as matwork. People have complained that this book talks too much about pilates equipment, but the truth is, pilates is based on using many types of equipment, and this book discusses exercises for each apparatus. Frankly, the book would be incomplete if it didn’t discuss the equipment. This book contains excellent pictures and descriptions for each exercise, along with telling you which part of the body you are working and the benefits. If you want to have a full pilates experience (not just matwork), this book is the ticket!

5 Stars A Must-Have for Those Practicing Pilates
Anyone already familiar with Pilates will want this book in their library. You can read up on the goals of each exercise while learning how to do them.

3 Stars Good overview, but not ideal for building a home practice
This book provides a good overview of the Pilates method for those interested in learning about performing a wide range of Pilates movements using various types of Pilates equipment. However, because the average Pilates practitioner is unlikely to purchase most of the equipment featured, this book is less effective for those looking to build a home-based Pilates practice consisting mainly of matwork. The information provided is clear and datailed, and as always, the photographs of Joseph Pilates at various ages are inspiring. Still, most casual Pilates enthusiasts are likely to derive more practical information from a book such as Brooke Siler’s The Pilates Body.

5 Stars An excellent reference on Pilates exercises, but not a good buy for home exercisers

This book covers the complete range of exercises designed by Joseph H. Pilates, with all apparatus introduced, illustrated and demonstrated. This text presents both core exercises for beginners and those somewhat familiar with the Pilates method.

The book is really a complete reference, covering also exercises for pregnant women and senior citizens, as well as suggested routines for those with special problems, like back pain and bad posture.

Please take into account when evaluating your potential purchase of this book that only the mat exercises will be suitable for home exercising, unless you are willing to purchase expensive Pilates equipment.

5 Stars Great reference
This is a great reference book for those who are already practicing Pilates. This is one of those rare to find books which Romana Kryzanowska – who was taught by Joseph Pilates himself and considered by a lot the ultimate source in Pilates today – had a part in. Definately worth having it in your Pilates library! Also the exercises are wonderfully and accurately demonstrated. There is a great plus of describing the goal of each exercise which, you will find, is very important in Pilates.

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The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning Introduction to the Core Exercises is a post from: Pilates Exercises

No time to exercise? No problem! DK’s new 15-Minute Fitness series gives you all the tools you need to squeeze regular exercise into your life. This fantastic new format offers: four detailed gatefolds for easy, step-by-step instruction; a DVD to walk you through each routine; and a fully-illustrated, fully-annotated book to help you perfect your technique. Choose one of four complete mini-workouts each day to target a specific part of the body, and to strengthen, stretch, and build your way to a more toned, more healthy you.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Everything you would expect and more.
I have been a big fan of Alycea Ungaro, for years I have purchased her books and the Classical Pilates DVD’s that she collaborates on. This book/DVD combo is great. Thank you for finally giving us a book that can really open out and show everything step by step.

This is interactive Pilates, between the book and the DVD it is near impossible to not know your exact form and the page references are nice. Even though I have practiced Pilates for years I still found myself pausing and checking the book to make sure I knew what I was suppose to be doing. (Especially with the arm series which had many new exercises for me.)

The first workout is really a Pilates prep or reset. Where you get back to the basics and even into pre-basics.

The second workout is more about upper body w/ light weights.

The third workout focuses on the leg series and lower body.

The forth workout is more of a full body workout that is more intense than the first workout.

Since these are all 15 minute workouts, its easy to fit them into your day. I have been doing 15 mins in the morning after my cardio with a PM session to get the full 30 mins into my daily work week. Then on Saturdays I’ll do 30-60 mins depending on how much time I have.

I liked this Book/DVD combo so much I have come back to purchase a copy for my mother.

5 Stars What I was Looking For
I looked for a basic and easy Pilates exercise system which I could do in a short amount of time and practically anywhere. This book was simple to follow and the exercises are fun. It definately fit the bill. I did not order this item for the Cd so cannot review that part of the product, but-I think the cd would just be an added bonus to the already excellent book. If you have never done pilates I am sure the Cd would be helpful to learn the moves. Great price for an excellent item.

5 Stars A Triumph!
Everything about this book is great. For a start, the presentation is really good – from the smooth cover to the well-designed page layouts and clear photographs demonstrating the exercises. The pages that ‘fold out’ to show each of the four workouts are also very helpful. Perhaps most importantly, the exercises are all explained in detail and each stage is described in a simple yet effective way. Overall, it just feels like a lot of effort went into every aspect of the book to make it user friendly.

The DVD is the perfect complement to the book. I didn’t realise that you could move from one exercise to another so quickly and without the DVD I would have been going at a much slower speed. I was also amazed by the variety of exercises crammed into each of the 4 workouts! The time goes by really quickly because you are never just standing about waiting for the next exercise to start, you are always either doing an exercise or transitioning into the next. I really have to praise the author, Alycea Ungaro, for the wonderful way that she voices over the DVD. Her instructions are simple and her tone of voice is very pleasant and calm. She makes the whole thing a real pleasure to do and makes me feel very motivated.

As a complete Pilates beginnner, I found the workouts quite tough. I was able to follow the moves most of the time, but sometimes I couldn’t do all the repetitions or get myself into exactly the right position. But nevermind, this will obviously come with practice! By the end of each of the 15 mins I often have sweat breaking out on my forehead and my muscles feel like they have had a good workout. I like the way you can do just one 15 minute section or combine them. I like to do the ‘Day by Day’ section followed by one of the other 3 sections (I alternate them each time) for a good 30 minute routine.

Overall, I highly recommend this product. It has a very slick and professional feel and is very efficient in terms of fitting a lot of exercise into a short period of time.

5 Stars Best Pilates Video I have seen
I love so many things about this book and dvd. It is very focussed on form. I like how you can read the book and get thorough instructions. The pull out charts are fabulous for when you don’t have a place to view the dvd. It is amazing how she walks your through proper form and the link to the page in the book is listed when doing an exercise so that you can look it up if you need to.

It is great that it is broken up into 15 minute segment. I usually only have time to 15 segments. I also like to be able to rotate what part of the body I am going to be working on.

You definately notice the workout the next day and you want to go back and do more.

I have enjoyed this so much taht I want to get the other books/dvd’s in the series.

5 Stars More user-friendly Pilates from Alycea Ungaro
Alycea Ungaro has once again set a new standard for accessible yet authentic Pilates instruction for the home exerciser. As in her last release, The Pilates Promise, she uses smaller workouts to help introduce Pilates to the new (or time-crunched) exerciser). Here, however, she extends the at-a-glance guides into what she calls a “gatefold”- two consecutive pages that open out into a four page spread with the workout. While I had no complaints about the guides she used in her previous books, this is much easier to see and use.

The workouts themselves have a slightly different twist from her previous works: definitely in the Classical Pilates tradition, but with some preparatory additions (though I can be as much of a purist snob as anyone else, I think I’ve even heard of Romana doing this). However, while the sequencing is traditional, it is definitely slanted toward the beginner or low intermediate exerciser- many movements, such as the Teaser, are modified down, but few are modified up.

From the more advanced exerciser’s point of view, Ungaro compensates for that somewhat by including some very rarely seen exercises, either from the Mat, Standing or Reformer-on-Mat sequences. The majority of those show up in the weights series (e.g., the Lunges) or the “functional fitness” workout, (e.g., the Splits). At the very least, they’re a great way to incorporate variety into your Pilates routine.

While Ungaro previously used a Magic Circle in her other books and even an optional Pilates bar, here the only pieces of equipment required are a well-cushioned mat and hand weights; in other words, even more accessible for the average home exerciser.

The workouts themselves are: Day by Day, which is a modified version of the classical syllabus most Pilates practioners are familiar with (the Hundred through the Stomach Series, plus some other classics, although, again, movements like the Hundred and the Roll Up are modified); From the Top Down, which uses handweights and has a more immediate upper body emphasis, but also works the lower body if done properly; From the Bottom Up, which includes much of the well-known Side Kicks series as well as the modified Teaser and a few weightless upperbody movements); and Up, Up and Away, the functional fitness workout which includes a differently modified Hundred, some Rowing exercises, some spinal twists, some modified Reformer movements and the rarely seen Footwork and Splits series).

Because I have been doing Pilates for years, I would probably turn to the last workout the most because of the different movements. However, Ungaro also provides sample schedules for people who would like to incorporate all of the workouts into their weeks, with different time constraints- another very useful guide.

As for the DVD, each workout takes the promised fifteen minutes, although experienced practitioners could probably perform them more quickly. Ungaro has a pleasant onscreen delivery in voice over- patient, warm, but to the chase. I think many people who want to get started with Pilates and need an AV guide would find her suitable.

This a great addition to the library of beginning and intermediate Pilates home-practitioners, but advanced students may want to look at Ungaro’s older books.

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15 Minute Everyday Pilates Book and DVD is a post from: Pilates Exercises

An easy-to-follow, stand-up guide to 30 of the most popular Pilates exercises, each designed to streamline and tone your body. There is no need to use Pilates equipment, and the program is suitable for all levels of fitness.

• Stand Pilates for Beginners at eye level or beside your exercise mat
• Turn to the beginning of the workout and follow the colorful step-by-step photographs and clearly captioned text
• Flip the page to begin the next exercise in the program
• Adjust the level of difficulty by following the guidelines provided
• Includes practical health advice, cautions, and suggestions for modifying the exercises to ensure complete safety

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Highly recommended!
Very well thought through. Easy to follow and understand.
Clear instructions. Exercises flow one into another as you turn the pages, for a good pilates home session.

5 Stars Perfect for beginners
The book “Pilates for Beginners” is just what it says. It is a great way to start, for someone who has never been exposed to this type of exercise. The book even gives you two ways to do the Pilates, one is the regular correct way, and the other is an abbreviated easy way. Perfect for beginners. It has pictures, easy description, everything.

5 Stars Exceptionally well done!
Although I have practiced yoga for many years, I am new to Pilates. I am not someone who likes to go to classes, but I can’t afford private lessons, so I have been looking at a lot of books to see which would be best for self-teaching Pilates. This has been challenging, because Pilates stresses precision, which is a difficult feat to accomplish on one’s own. This is a unique book, as it is spiral-bound and stands up easel-style so it’s easy to use and refer to during practice. The photographs are large, in color, crisp, clear, and very well done. There are visualizations and tips with each exercise and techniques for flowing one exercise into the next. The Beginner’s program (the book is not just for beginners, despite the title, but it is probably too introductory for the advanced student) has a fair amount of detail, yet not so much that it confuses the reader. It is informative without being overly didactic, and answers a number of “how to” questions that are not even addressed in other books. As I embark on my Pilates journey, THIS is the book I will be keeping by my side. Highly recommended!

5 Stars Very good book
Before I start my review, let me tell you there is another book on the market that is identical to this, just a different cover, it is called Pilates at Home and sells for more. They are the exact same book, just with a different publisher and a different title, so beware.

The beginning of the book starts of by providing an overview of what Pilates is, how it works, the basic principles behind the exercise program, and how to complete the exercises safely and effectively. The rest of the book is divided up into the Basic Program which is especially for beginners, the Main (beginner & intermediate) Program, and an Optional Program with more advanced moves with weights. Even though the book is labeled as a beginners guide, it does include intermediate exercises as well so this is something to keep in mind.

The design of the book is very functional. The book can either be placed at eye level and stand up easel-style, or put beside your mat for quick reference. Then you simply flip to the beginning of the Pilates workout and follow the step-by-step explanations of each exercise along with the colorful photographs. Each page is a different exercise, which makes the workout easy to accomplish since you only have to flip the pages between exercises.

The book contains guidelines that suggest when you should adjust your level of difficulty including descriptions of how to do so. Other useful information that the book provides includes general health advice, cautions against physical injuries, and modifications for each exercise so that they can be completed safely.

All in all, Pilates for Beginners is a great book for those who have never before experienced Pilates and are purchasing the book as a self-teaching tool. It’s a great alternative for those who cannot afford expensive private lessons with a Pilates instructor or group classes. Pilates can be a difficult program to learn on your own, but this book comes highly recommended as one of the best self-teaching Pilates guides on the market.

The author of the book, Kellina Stewart, is a professional Pilates instructor who learned about the Pilates Method from Romana Kryzanowska

who was trained directly from Joseph Pilates himself.

Another great book to get for your Pilates Library would be

The Complete Guide to Joseph H. Pilates’ Techniques of Physical Conditioning: With Special Help for Back Pain and Sports Training by Allan Menezes, it is very indepth and leaves nothing out. Mr. Menezes, I found out has the dvds to go with the book. Every exercise that is in the book is on the dvds. There cheap, and if you need indepth instruction I would get these. You won’t waste much money and get good instruction on every part of pilates.

Hope this helped.

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Pilates for Beginners is a post from: Pilates Exercises