Synopses & Reviews
This second edition of the best-selling THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO JOSEPH H. PILATES' TECHNIQUES OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONING, offers strength-building and flexibility exercises for anyone who wants to get in shape. The exercises also are perfect to complement the training program of anyone who plays sports, as well as those who want relief for back or knee problems.
The book contains:
** A thorough introduction to the history and philosophy of Joseph Pilates' unique techniques
** 88 Pilates exercises in basic, intermediate and advanced routines
** Over 240 photos and illustrations
** A chapter addressing pain relief
** A routine for relieving lower back pain and strengthening weak abdominals
** Worksheets for monitoring progress
The second edition contains the following new material:
** The Stamina Stretch -- to increase breathing capacity and support core abdominals
** The B-Line Core -- to give support for routines, a trimmer waist, plus relief from back pain
** How to change the way you walk to prevent back pain and tension headaches
** New back strengthening routines for rotational sports like golf, tennis, racquetball
** New upper body exercises for computer users
Synopsis
Pilates is enjoying a surge in popularity as more people discover the way it improves strength, muscle tone, flexibility, and stamina; relieves joint and back pain; and reduces stress. The method, created by Joseph Pilates, is based on strengthening core muscles while increasing the flexibility of the supporting muscle groups. This book details Pilates' original floor program, with newly revised descriptions and step-by-step photos of the exercises.
This new edition contains information on daily living patterns that can disrupt the body's biomechanics; back-strengthening routines for sports like golf, tennis, and racquetball; exercises for computer users upper back, neck, and shoulder routines; more advanced versions of the original exercises; and the stamina stretch, to increase breathing capacity and support abdominals before each exercise. In addition, the book offers an introduction to the history and philosophy of the Pilates system, information specifically for athletes, a chapter addressing pain relief, and helpful illustrations and worksheets.