Pilates for dummies - Ellie Herman

A user-friendly guidethat teaches youthe origins and philosophy of the Pilates methodand helps youset realistic fitness goals and customtailor a program

Once the secret fitness weapon of professional dancers, athletes, and movie stars, Pilates is sweeping the countryand becoming more popular than ever.Ifhalf of what its many fans claim is true, then it's easy to see why. Combining elements of yoga, dance, gymnastics, and boxing, along with many original movements, Pilates exercises build muscle tone, improve flexibility and balance, lengthen the spine, increase body awareness, and repair past injuries. Most people who've done it, even for a short time, say they feel stronger and more energized, centered,and physically confident than ever before. They also like having the flat tummies, tight buns, and long lean thighs of a dancer.

Pilates For Dummiesis your gentle introduction tothe Pilatesmethodwithout the high cost of private instruction. Packed witheasy-to-followexercisesanplenty ofphotos, it helps you develop your own Pilates fitness program to do at home or in the gymandhow to use eight basicPilatesprinciples to get the most out of your mat-based routines.With this practical guide by your side, you can:

• Look and feel better than ever
• Get stronger, more flexible, in control,and less prone to injury
• Target and tone problem areas
• Tone and strengthen yourabs, buns, thighs,andarms
• Repair chronic stress and sports injuries

Whether you're just starting out with Pilates or knowafew exercises and want to learn more, the bookcovers:

• Basic, intermediate, and advanced mat exercises
• How to usePilatesexercise equipment and accessories
• How to targetspecific areasof your bodyincluding the stomach, back, thighs, and chest
• Pilates for the pregnant and recently pregnant body
• HowPilatescan helpheal injuriesandreformyourposture
• The fun of combiningPilates with other forms of exercise, including yoga,swimming, aerobics, and more