'In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference, and in thirty you'll have a whole new body.'-Joseph H. Pilates

The Pilate's method may be today's hotttest exercise, but it has been endorsed by physicians for almost a century. Originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates to help strengthen and condition muscles. Pilates is the ultimate mind-body exercise for anyone who wants to tone, streamline, and realign their body without the bulked-up results of more conventional workout methods. Now, in The Pilates Body, author Brooke Siler-one of the most sought-after personal trainers in the country and owner of New York's top studio for Pilatess training, re:AB-provides a complete, easy-to follow program of Pilates exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime, and without machines. With step-by-step instructions, Siler guides the reader through the complete circuit of mat exercises, each of which is clearly illustrated by photographs, line drawings, and unique visualization exercises. With Pilates you will not only streamline your figure-you will dramatically improve your posture, flexibility, and balance, and enhance your physical and emotonal well-being. The Pilates Body shows you how.

'Brooke is extremely knowedgeable about using Pilates as a tool to increase muscle strength and improve life energy and vitality. I love Brooke!'-Amber Valletta

'All trainers feel committed to their clients. However, few give the dedication of a coach. Brooke is a trainer who is a coach. She pushes me to realize my potential and believes in my ability more than I do.'-Trudi Tapscott, Model Editor, Vogue magazine

Brooke Siler is the co-owner of re'AB, the renowned studio for Pilates trainng in New York City, where her clients include Amber Valletta, Shalom Harlow, and Liv Tyler. Hailed as the 'trainer to the stars,' she trained under Joseph Pilates protege, Romana Kryzanowska, and has been recognized by Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar, and he New York Observer as one of the country's leading fitness gurus. She lives in New York City.

Contents

Acknowledgments
Whatis Pilates?
Philosophies behind the Pilates method of body conditioning
The matwok principles
Key elements to mastering the mat
Frequently asked questions
The matwork
Getting started: Modified beginner matwork
The Pilates Mat: Full program
Advanced extras
The standing arm series
The wall (cooldown)
The next step
Glossary

The ultimate at-home guide to strengthening, lengthening, and Toning Your Body - without machines.

Rather good for illustrating the form needed in Pilates. ( )

Good photographs showing the movements. Clear step by step descriptions. A very good book. ( )

Love it. Brooke believes in PIlates and has developed a way to make it a part of your daily life. Her illustrations are great and complement the models' demonstration of the moves. A DVD isn't necessary, and you get to work at your own pace, a definite advantage over classes and videos. According to Brooke never do more if you can't do it properly. This book got me excited about pilates, and if she does do a DVD I'm standing in line to buy it. ( )