Pilates by Rael Isacowitz Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $9.99 You Save: $9.96 (50%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $7.75 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Pilates
Book Review: I like it!
Summary: 5 Stars
Only book I've seen on the market that has NUMEROUS types of equipment. Also provides a 'template' for setting up your own workouts so that you can use mat or equipment or both and still work all body parts.Book Review: Inspirational and educational
Summary: 5 Stars
For Pilates teachers or enthousiastic students, this book has a very inspirational approach to perfecting the Pilates method. Don't miss the preface and jump straight to the exercices; this book is not a guide or simply a teacher's handbook; it will inspire you to review your fundamentals.Book Review: Isacowitz Pilates
Summary: 5 Stars
Amazing detail and written instruction for those wishing to pursue Pilates in any shape or form, from the mat to the various machines used. It is very in-depth about the importance of the body's posture and alignment, and about how to prevent and strengthen/heal injuries.Book Review: Perfect Pilates
Summary: 5 Stars
I very nearly bought this book for its cover, which is beautiful in its simplicity. But instead, I read the reviews, all the reviews. THEN I bought the book. And, when it arrived, I discovered that I had bought one of the most thorough books ever written, about any exercise, ever. I'm going to try to avoid talking about what other reviewers have already written.
First, this book is thorough. Very thorough. There are generally two types of exercise books: those that provide lots of pretty (or, manly) pictures but little explanation and those the provide endless explanation but few illustrations. This book, like those by Sue Luby (no, we don't know why Amazon doesn't carry her yoga and fitness books; they're excellent) falls neatly into the center: just enough photographs and just enough discussion. Even more critical is that, unlike almost every Pilates book I've seen, the author provides photos from various levels, including those from above, to show, for example, how far apart your feet should be in various positions and explains what and where you should direct your concentration.
The book is divided into twelve chapters. The first three, which are ABOUT Pilates (Enhancing the Mind and Body; Alignment, Posture, and Movement; and Powerful Pilates Practices) are not only informative but also deeply inspirational. If you don't feel like hitting the empty spot on the floor (assuming you have one; we're certainly running low on emptiness) and opening up every joint and muscle in your body, send the book back because you won't be happy with the rest. Chapters 4 through 11 detail exercises on various bit of equipment. Chapters 4 and 5 cover mat (chapter 4) and Reformer (chapter 5) routines. The next six chapters cover other pieces of equipment, ranging from the most expensive (chapter 6: Cadillac) through the Wunda Chair (chapter 7), Barrels (chapter 8), Ped-a-Pul (chapter 9), Arm Chair (chapter 10), and the magic circle (chapter 11). This division by equipment is quite useful. If you don't happen to have the Cadillac (or the several thousand dollars it's takes to buy one), just skip that chapter. I have found, however, that many exercises usually performed on more elaborate equipment can be modified using simpler equipment. For example, I am daily impressed with the extraordinary range of exercises you can do using a simple resistance ball.
Finally, Chapter 12, provides an excellent set of "Sample Exercise Routines" for mat, reformer, and cadillac, further organized by time and skill level. In this chapter, the photographs from various angles are used to greatest effect.
In sum, I think this is a perfect Pilates book. And I say this as a long-time addict of Moira Stott's various books and videos. I think just about everyone can get something out of it. It's certainly worth giving it a try.
Book Review: Pilates
Summary: 5 Stars
Great book by an amazing expert. Only wish I had the space for all the equipment he recommends. (I have an Aero Pilates home machine).This has really helped improve my at home pilates workout