Showing posts with label pilates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pilates. Show all posts

Yogilates(R): Integrating Yoga and Pilates for Complete Fitness, Strength, and Flexibility Review

Yogilates(R): Integrating Yoga and Pilates for Complete Fitness, Strength, and Flexibility
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As the author of this book, I am responding to the Publishers Weekly review of my book on Yogilates. This reviewer must have never read any yoga or Pilates exercise books before if they can't manage to follow the simple instructions that I have presented in this book. Compared to most other mind/body fitness books, I wrote this book in a straight-forward way with clear and simple instructions even a total beginner could understand. Perhaps the reviewer doesn't want to have to think about breathing or alignment while exercising. Even so, these are easily followed (inhale during one move, exhale for the other). Moreover, there are several chapters before the exercises start that explain philosophical background, how to check your flexibility, and establish awareness of basic movements. These chapters will add to anyones' overall understanding of Yogilates and help prepare the reader for a safe and effective practice.
My hope is that people will ignore this reviewer's completely off base comments and see the book themselves. I feel I can safely guarantee that you will find it to be written in a user-friendly manner. And you will also find the photos and models to be clear and serene, not grim at all.
Thank you and Namaste,
Jonathan Urla, Author

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Every day more and more people who are burned out from their exercise programs turn to yoga and Pilates. Traditional yoga focuses on breathing, flexibility, and quieting the mind, while Pilates matwork concentrates on strength and power from the center. But what if one program offered the best of both? Pilates and yoga instructor, dancer, and personal trainer Jonathan Urla has done just that by creating Yogilates™.Fully illustrated with black-and-white photgraphs, Yogilates™ is perfect for those looking to improve their health and well-being with the latest, most effective mind/body exercise program.Emphasizing safety along with fitness, Yogilates™ shows you how to assess your posture and flexibility and gives guidelines for progressing in a sensible manner. Yogilates™ delivers an accessible and efficient fitness regimen you can do for the rest of your life to achieve the best of your life, regardless of age or fitness level.In a straightforward and intelligent manner, Jonathan presents the Yogilates™ philosophy and shows the Essential Awareness Exercises that will introduce you to his unique blend of Pilates and yoga techniques. Let Jonathan be your guide as you discover your physical potential, whether you are working with the Beginner Series or advancing your Yogilates™ practice. See and feel your body get stronger and longer. Gain a better sense of balance and greater flexibility. Feel the difference in how you perform all kinds of physical activities from athletics and dancing to walking and even sitting.Learn how to correct poor posture, breathe more effectively, relieve stress, and tone the entire body with Yogilates™. No special equipment is needed. No costly gyms to join. No previous experience in yoga or Pilates is necessary. All you need is some floor space and Jonathan to take you through the Yogilates™ prgram and on to a new level of health, fitness, and well-being.

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Pilates Practice Companion Review

Pilates Practice Companion
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Ungaro's first in-depth book, "Body In Motion," presents a clearer description of many exercises (Corkscrew, for example, which, in Practice Companion, is depicted so unclearly it would be difficult to learn it) and, in my view, a sequence or rather series of sequences that hew closer to the sequence Joe Pilates devised and which you can find in his books, and in Brooke Siler's excellent first book on Pilates. The new book is not bad, it just doesn't seem to add much that was needed. There is a section on diet, for example, which is fine, and it seems, like many excellent Dorling Kinderley titles, to describe a "Pilates lifestyle". Alycea is an excellent teacher. She certainly has every right to alter the exercises and the sequence from what Joe Pilates devised. But I wish she had shown the exercises as he intended them to be performed, with his original sequence so the reader can appreciate the variations. This book is a nice addition to your library if you are interested in Pilates, but it is not what I could call one of the essential books on the subject. If you are interested in Pilates, get Joe Pilates's books, get Siler's first book "The Pilates Body", get Ungaro's "Body In Motion" and, if you don't have access to a good teacher, get a good DVD so you can see the exercises being performed. Like all DK titles, this book is beautifully executed, with lots of photos and it's nicely bound on glossy paper. I just think she did it better the first time.

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Accessible, authoritative, and inspiring, Pilates Practice Companion is a one-stop resource to guide people of all abilities in their practice of Pilates. Separated into exercises for beginner, intermediate, and advanced fitness levels, the book allows readers to focus on the exercises that are relevant to them and to progress at their own pace. With beautiful step-by-step photography, clear instructions on each exercise, and key features, such as annotated photographs of common faults and a list of the physical and mental benefits of each exercise, Pilates Practice Companion demonstrates how to practice Pilates without costly classes and equipment.

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Pilates Mat Training Manual (Official International Training Manual Review

Pilates Mat Training Manual (Official International Training Manual
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No objectives of movements provided. Exercise description is very basic. Not enough checkpoints given. No illustrations showing muscles used during exercise.
A good basic book

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Coffee-Break Pilates: 5-Minute Routines You Can Do Anywhere to Tone Your Body, Relieve Stress, and Boost Your Energy Review

Coffee-Break Pilates: 5-Minute Routines You Can Do Anywhere to Tone Your Body, Relieve Stress, and Boost Your Energy
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This is an excellent book for anyone who is just beginning to exercise and/or is out of shape. It is simple and gentle on the new-comer so it does not leave one discouraged. I noticed improvement in my posture almost immediately. I also felt my muscles were more balanced (some had been very tight from over-use and others had seldom been used at all). There is also a "dance" perspective: grace and balance. And most of all I think I have benefitted from being "oxygenated" and "stretched". The book emphasizes breathing and concentrating. Concentrating helps alleviate boredom for those of us who find exercising kind of dull. My suggestion: Buy some CD like "Ocean Dreams" to go with your little exercise session and it will almost seem "spiritual" because you will feel betterafterwards. This book is very practical, and I find myself now applying some of these Pilates principals of exercise throughout my day...even when I am at work.

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Post-Pregnancy Pilates: An Essential Guide for a Fit Body After Baby Review

Post-Pregnancy Pilates: An Essential Guide for a Fit Body After Baby
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As a Certified Pilates Instructor, I recommend this book to all of my clients who are mothers (recent or not so recent). They love that it is easy to read and understand. From a trainer's perspective this is important for motivation and the ability to stick with a program that needs to be squeezed in between feeding time and bath time. Adamany -based on her own personal experience - covers the absolute fundamental basics needed to re-discover the core muscles that are so abused during pregnancy and delivery. Once some abdominal awareness is regained, she does a great job progressing the reader through more challenging exercise sequences while also leaving room for "quick-fix" exercises, say a simple neck or lower back stretch. Please enjoy!

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Target and tone your post-pregnancy trouble zones.Every new mother struggles to lose those extra pounds, regain her energy, and cope with the stresses of motherhood. Karrie Adamany, a mother and Pilates instructor, explains how Pilates is uniquely able to address the problem areas for women after they give birth, with its attention to strengthening and toning "the core"-the abdominal muscles, lower back, and buttocks-while also relieving tension and balancing mood.With a straightforward and friendly voice of experience, Adamany guides new moms through four fitness stages after pregnancy with unique workouts that help restore the body after giving birth; melt away excess weight; tone and strengthen ab, butt, and thigh muscles; renew strength and energy; and relieve common aches and pains. She even shows women how to take their training off the mat by providing Pilates-inspired tips for carrying a baby, breast-feeding positions, and improving posture while working or doing housework. The Post-Pregnancy Pilates Book can help any mom get her body into even better shape than it was before pregnancy.

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Pilates Pregnancy Guide: Optimum Health and Fitness for Every Stage of Your Pregnancy Review

Pilates Pregnancy Guide: Optimum Health and Fitness for Every Stage of Your Pregnancy
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I am a Pilates teacher who recently has three pregnant students. I reviewed many books from my library system and found this one of the absolute best value and advice. Be careful what you read can be extremely contradictory with pilates(which works the abdominal muscels) and pregnancy. This book is sensible and safe. You will certainly get your moneys worth. It is a great reference book for teacher. Have it in your studios.

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Body Control Pilates for the full nine months of pregnancy and beyond.

Pilates specializes in building core muscles to create a "girdle of strength." This is crucially important in pregnancy, when the body is under tremendous stress and strain by the added weight and changes in posture. Pilates Pregnancy Guide features a series of exercises tailored to condition these core muscles for a more comfortable pregnancy, an easier labor and a faster recovery.

Suitable for women at all fitness levels -- with or without Pilates experience -- this book provides a comprehensive program during the entire period of pregnancy, with exercises specific to each trimester. Features include:

Preparing for pregnancy
The benefits of Pilates during pregnancy
The basics of Body Control Pilates
A program for the first six weeks after the birth
A continuing program for staying in shape.

Workout menus designed for each stage of the pregnancy offer recommended exercises complete with guidelines and warnings. Illustrated with color photographs, each exercise sequence is outlined in specific stages: Aim, Starting Position, Action, and Watchpoints. This exercise program ensures controlled and safe routines throughout the pregnancy and beyond.

Thorough and encouraging, with reliable general information about pregnancy, Pilates Pregnancy Guide will be a natural first choice for any expectant mother.
(200609)

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The Pilates Edge (Avery Health Guides) Review

The Pilates Edge (Avery Health Guides)
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I was pleased to finally find this book a few years ago, as I was looking for a way to help with my fencing. As a book geared towards athletes, it assumes that you don't simply want to "look and feel fit", but build a real core that helps you become a stronger athlete, no matter what your sport.
I appreciated that the illustrations of the exercises (which are very well done) featured both authors, drving home the idea that Pilates is a fitness regimen for BOTH men and women who want to be stronger. Too many times books about exercise systems focus on one gender, which can turn people off... I often felt that Pilates suffered from being marketed too strongly towards women when it is a very universal exercise system.
I also very much liked that the core exercises (there are many) were ones that did not require any extra equipment, relying on your own body weight and range of motion to accomplish the movement. The sample exercise programs at the rear of the book emphasize this. Other sections of the book that include weights, bars, etc. are considered as supplemental to the core system and can be added as needed. Personally, this helped me to stay with the exercises, because I didn't need to have anything with me to do them.
An excellent book. I highly recommend it.

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Complete body conditioning for golf, running, tennis, swimming, cycling, skiing, and other sports and activities. Originally developed by Joseph Pilates for boxers, gymnasts, and dancers, Pilates is a unique body-conditioning method that teaches precision movement generated from the center of the body-the "powerhouse"-which includes the abdominal muscles, lower back, and buttocks. The Pilates Edge demonstrates how the basic principles of Pilates can enhance sports training and promote athletic achievement as well as everyday health and fitness. With this instructive book, athletes and anyone seeking to improve their physical performance will learn to strengthen and condition their bodies while preventing injuries through a basic Pilates workout, designed with variations for beginner and advanced levels. The authors provide specific workouts for golf, running, racket sports, swimming, cycling, and skiing, giving special attention to the muscle groups and common injuries associated with each sport.

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The Pilates Deck Review

The Pilates Deck
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I'm a beginner and I think pilates deck is really good. I have friends who are far more advanced with pilates and they weren't so impressed.
I like to mix in the exercises from The 5-Second Flat Belly Secret - Lose 2-3 Inches from Your Belly in Less Than 1 Month with these pilates positions to get more focused work on losing my belly and that's been working out superb.


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Develop a strong and flexible body that moves with ease and grace. With these 50 pilates exercise cards, you'll enjoy invigorating exercise that targets areas which support good posture and long muscles. Without relying on machines, The Pilates Deck makes working out easy by incorporating mat exercises that progress from preparatory movements to advanced sequences.

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Therapeutic Exercises Using Foam Rollers Review

Therapeutic Exercises Using Foam Rollers
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This book is a must for anyone working with rehab, mature, and relatively healthy individuals. I use this book to help target specific areas/muscles where a person may need additional strength or stretching. It is a GREAT reference to keep exercise/exercise therapy fun!

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Therapeutic Exercises Using Foam Rollers is one of themost comprehensive foam roller books available today.This bookprovides more than 175 illustrated exercise options for the individuallooking for a comprehensive foam roller program, or for the healthcarepractitioner wanting to photocopy and create an individualized foamroller exercise program for their clients.Additional chaptersinclude diaphragmatic breathing, stretching, case studies, andtreatment protocols.

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Pilates for Every Body: Strengthen, Lengthen, and Tone-- With This Complete 3-Week Body Makeover Review

Pilates for Every Body: Strengthen, Lengthen, and Tone-- With This Complete 3-Week Body Makeover
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Denise Austin has produced a real winner here--I have been using this book's exercise program for four weeks now (three with the beginner's program, one with the complete schedule), and the results have been awesome! Using a minimum of equipment (one section with exercise bands, one with small dumbells, one with a balance ball, most with no equipment at all) and a maximum of careful instruction, Denise guides you through the very specialized methods of doing Pilates exercises, as well as doing other kinds of exercises (yoga, weight training) in the Pilates manner.
Pilates is a form of exercise that concentrates very specifically on the body's "powerhouse", the complex of abdominal muscles that support the back and supply much of the core strength for all forms of physical training. Denise has a lot of personal experience in this form of exercise, and is able to translate that experience into instruction which, followed carefully, guards against injury and assures the maximum results from the special Pilates emphasis.
Especially in the beginning, but throughout the program, it is very necessary and beneficial to follow these instructions to the letter and do the moves exactly as Denise outlines them (as she says in the book, "Think quality, not quantity", a somewhat novel, very effective approach). This especially guards against injury to muscle groups such as the lower back area. Also, one could do these exercises without the special Pilates emphasis and gain only a fraction of the benefits.
As one who has had lower back problems for a long time, I can testify that this Pilates program works beautifully to keep the possibility of injury to a minimum (in my case, zero), and allows for muscular and postural strength development in this area that is nearly unbelievable. Denise also includes information about diet, scheduling, and positive attitude that is worth reading and giving a try.
Muscular and strength training with Pilates leads to development of long, lean, supple musculature and strength with flexibility. As an example, recently I was helping to put together a set at a public access television station, and I had to lift, carry, and place a heavy coffee table which in former times I'd been able to lift to about thigh level and carry with some difficulty. This time, after doing Denise Austin's Pilates program for almost a month, I lifted the table (with proper form according to her recommendations) and surprised myself and everyone around me by nearly effortlessly raising it to chest level and moving it to the set, feeling as if the table itself had lost about twenty pounds!
I've also noticed my midsection slimming down (especially the "love handles" that seem to plague men) and firming up nicely. This is a great book for those looking for a solid overall exercise program, and for those who, like me, have neither the time nor the money to go to health clubs featuring expensive Pilates instruction and machines.
The pictures of Denise Austin--a forty-five year old mother of two, looking like a college girl in her early twenties--are instructive for getting the exercises right, and the instructions are easy to understand and complete.
This is a book and program I can recommend highly--I've had a lot of experience in exercise programs, and this is one of the best, well worth the money, time, and effort--and then some. Whether purists of the Pilates method would approve or not, I don't know. I do know this is highly effective as well as fun and (positively) challenging!
Go for it!

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The Anatomy of Exercise and Movement: For the Study of Dance, Pilates, Sport and Yoga Review

The Anatomy of Exercise and Movement: For the Study of Dance, Pilates, Sport and Yoga
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In today's world of advanced training ideas such as core training, pilates and yoga, materials on these ideas are either too technical or just "how to" books without explanations of why. The Anatomy of Exercise & Movement blends a strong scientific background and practicality necessary to evaluate movement for fitness professionals, students and coaches, like myself. I now look at an exercise, understand it's purpose and how do do it better. This book has benefit me in terms of my exercise choices as well as professionally in helping my athletes reach there potential.

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Pilates on the Ball: The World's Most Popular Workout Using the Exercise Ball Review

Pilates on the Ball: The World's Most Popular Workout Using the Exercise Ball
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First, I must say that this is a beautiful book. Each exercise is described in text and with a sequence of pictures. Exquisite care was taken to layout these photographs in a practical and eye-pleasing fashion. The small drawings of muscles are quite instructive -- in the style of _Anatomy of Movement_. Generous margins are available for notes and comments.
Coleen is clearly an expert in her field. She first describes the fundamental principles of Pilates, laying a foundation for transferring those principles to the Exercise Ball. The exercises are described in detail with pointers on how to perform them safely and effectively.
My only complaints about the book are small. The book lacks an index. Given the meticulous editing/layout of the rest of the book, I fondly hope this gets addressed in a future revision. Also, the book doesn't mention the well-respected Exercise Ball body of work that Paul Chek has created. Whether or not the author endorses that work, it deserves at least a mention in the "Resources" section of the book.
In any case, I think this is a landmark book -- and well-needed. Exercise balls are being massively marketed right now; there is a crucial need for instruction on how to use these devices safely and effectively. Providing these students with a well-grounded introduction to Pilates makes it all the better.

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A unique and exciting synthesis of two highly acclaimed fitness techniques: Pilates Method and the Swiss exercise ball.
' Non-impact Pilates exercises on the ball can be adapted for all levels of ability, from fitness trainers and weekend athletes to those healing from injury or chronic back pain.

' Shows how to practice Pilates techniques without expensive equipment.

' Profusely illustrated with black-and-white photographs for maximal learning.

The Pilates Method of body conditioning is a highly effective workout technique that strengthens the body while engaging the mind. Developed in the early twentieth century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method aligns the body; builds long, lean muscles; and develops core abdominal strength. Many lifestyle and fitness magazines have named Pilates the hottest workout of the decade.

In a first-of-its-kind fusion, Pilates on the Ball merges the principles and exercises of the highly effective Pilates Method of body conditioning with the unique functions of the exercise ball, used by Olympic coaches, dancers, and athletes to fine-tune body awareness and enhance physical performance. The ball magnifies the benefits of the carefully developed and refined Pilates Method. Because maintaining balance on the ball recruits the deep, stabilizing muscles of the spine, the postural muscles are strengthened. The ball intensifies athletic performance by increasing resistance and heightening awareness of how the body moves in space. Chapters detail the Pilates principles step by step, with successive movements to challenge all levels of ability and "watch points" for careful evaluation of your form. Intense enough to engage seasoned athletes yet accessible enough to use as an everyday exercise routine or to alleviate chronic pain, Pilates on the Ball builds strong bodies and engaged minds.


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Six-Week Bikini Countdown: Tone your butt, abs, and thighs fast combining Pilates with select strength and cardio interval training workouts Review

Six-Week Bikini Countdown: Tone your butt, abs, and thighs fast combining Pilates with select strength and cardio interval training workouts
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Not just for Women! As a Doctor of Chiropractic I have encouraged patients of both sexes to buy the book. It is filled with great workouts that can challenge people of all fitness levels. Targeted at the muscles needed to stabilize and support your body (the "core"), not only will this help you tone, but strengthen as well.
Karon integrates exercises like Pilates (long a favorite exercise of dancers) with exercises usually only performed by elite athletes like "plyometrics" and interval training (made popular recently in an article published in The Australian Journal of Applied Physiology). Pilates was started by Joseph Pilates as a way to rehabilitate wounded soldiers during World War I. It emphasizes control, strengthening and stretching of key muscles in the body. Plyometrics uses quick short movements to help build strength, and speed. Interval training usually involves high speed workouts along with lower intensity workouts such as sprints, while performing a longer run. Interval training helps burn calories and increases cardiovascular fitness.
Karon's program is FUN! Her writing style is easy to read, follow, and is entertaining. She takes you from the basics, to more advanced exercises as your skills improve. By the time you're done you'll have a better body, not just a better "bikini body."


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With a minimal time commitment any woman can sculpt away her body trouble spots
There isn't a woman on the planet who doesn't dream about looking great in a bikini-until they are faced with the huge amount of time and sweat equity involved in reaching swimsuit cover model shape. Feeling intimidated and overwhelmed, they give up before they start. However, readers can get a bikini body-not by working harder, but by working smarter. Exercise guru, Karon Karter, featured on The Natural Wellness Channel's "Pilates for Real Bodies" program, takes the best Pilates moves and combines them with the most effective leg, butt, and ab firming exercises to get in bikini shape in the shortest amount of time possible. Using targeted routines, women will re-sculpt and firm muscles in key trouble areas. Built around a 6-week timeline, Karon Karter offers a specific course that gives women the shortest legitimate way to sculpt their body to bikini perfection.

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Shortcuts To Sexy Legs And Butt: 337 Ways To Trim, Tone, Camouflage And Beautify Review

Shortcuts To Sexy Legs And Butt: 337 Ways To Trim, Tone, Camouflage And Beautify
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This book was a fun read with some interesting information. I would buy it though unless you find it for a really price.

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Tips galore on ways to have sexier legs and butt?from toning exercises to camera tricks to how to pull off that miniskirt!This book is a godsend to the millions of women who aspire to have legs like Nicole Kidman?s?but don?t have the personal trainer and wardrobe consultant!

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Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan Review

Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan
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I'm a fitness instructor and I bought this book so I could be well versed on giving modifications to pregnant women that come to my classes. I found the book to be informative and contain a good amount of information beyond the typical "don't lay on your back" type of thing. The book addresses the pregnant athlete, eating well, posture, meditiation, stretching, getting in exercise while doing activities around the house, your skin, hormones, discomforts, etc. The book has some basic sketches/drawings in it which I thought were value added but this is not a picture book.
I found the book to be a great guide and it is recommended by the American Council on Exercise, which is who I have my group exercise certification through and how I originally found out about the book. I look forward to using the information for myself one day. In the meantime, I'm loaning it to one of my trusted newly pregnant students so she can keep fit while pregnant. I highly recommend this one especially if you're only buying one fitness book for pregnancy.

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Be strong, comfortable, healthy, and active throughout your pregnancy with Motherwell Maternity Fitness Plan. Considered by health professionals as the gold standard of maternity exercise, Motherwell's medically proven program is designed specifically to meet the needs of women before, during, and after pregnancy.

For maximum comfort and mobility through each trimester, the program includes breathing, core conditioning, flexibility, strengthening, motivation, relaxation, and nutritional advice to meet the needs of mother and baby. Choose among many fitness options such as walking, swimming, water walking, stretching, yoga, and meditation to be as active and healthy as possible up to and after delivery.

Take care of your baby and your body with the program that is featured at more than 100 hospitals throughout the United States and is the international certifying standard for health professionals.


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The Pilates Difference Review

The Pilates Difference
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This book is very VERY beginner. If you have done pilates before or are looking for more difficult positions I would not recommend this book. The book is organized well and each section (1,2 and 3) gives you enough positions for an hour of pilates. If you have never tried pilates before then this book would be useful.

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Pilates is recognized as one of the most effective formsof exercise for improving stamina, coordination, sttrength, generalhealth, vitality, and concentration. "The Pilates Difference" bringsthis system of exercise-which is commonly practiced in gymes,studiors, and sports clubs-into a reader's own home. The book issuitable for beginners as well as for those already enrolled in aPilates program. The unique matwork program presented in "The PilatesDifference" was developed by top Pilates instructor JennifereDufton. Before detailing the easy-to-follow, three-level Pilatesprogram, Dufton discusses the philosophy behind Pilates and itsoverall mind and body benefits. A descript of each exercise isaccompanied by full-color photographs, which clearly illustratecorrect positioning for each sequence. Specific body benefits for eachexercise are explained, modifications to the exercises are offered,cautions are given, and important points are made. Oveall, following the Pilates program improves the way people think and feelabout their bodies, as well as theway their bodies look.

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Balance on the Ball Review

Balance on the Ball
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This book is great for working out on your own with the ball. It gives very clear directions, and even lets you know what muscle groups you are targeting so that you can really focus on getting the most out of each exercise. This is the best ball book that I have bought (I also have Pilates on the Ball, which is good but this one is better).

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Balance on the Ball combines the smooth, controlled movements of Pilates with the instability of a ball to provide a fun, challenging workout for people at all levels of fitness. Black-and-white photographs clearly illustrate over 100 exercises, focusing on core stabilization, muscle tone, and flexibility. Each exercise provides helpful tips for maintaining optimal form and alignment, modifications or advanced variations, and a list of muscle groups used. As the first book to integrate stability ball training with the Pilates method, Balance on the Ball explains how the principles of Pilates-breathing, concentration, centering, precision, control, movement flow and rhythm-are integral to exercising on the ball. The author emphasizes correct alignment and the quality of movement rather than the number of repetitions or speed at which they are performed. These essential concepts may be incorporated into the rest of your fitness routine, as well as into your daily life, for a greater sense of harmony and balance.

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