Pilates is an exceptional exercise technique for core strengthening, flexibility, and developing a lean, strong physique. But is it right for pregnancy? Yes, says Pilates trainer-to-the-stars Mari Winsor. Pilates is a safe way to reduce stress and increase comfort and balance during pregnancy. Additionally, Pilates will make your pregnancy and delivery easier, your recovery quicker, and it will benefit your baby by keeping blood circulating to the abdominal area, says obstetrician Uzzi Reiss, M.D., in the foreword.

Winsor explains Pilates concepts and techniques, with a focus on the pregnant body. Then she presents 22 to 39 exercises in each of three workouts, one for each trimester, that are most suitable for pregnant women. The exercises are described clearly and carefully in three stages--"prep" (getting in the correct position to begin), "ready" (techniques and cautions for doing the exercise correctly), and "action" (step-by-step instructions)--and are well illustrated with photos.

The Pilates Pregnancy is aimed at both novices and experienced exercisers, but since it's difficult to learn Pilates from scratch from a book, it will be most useful for the experienced Pilates exerciser who wants a safe home workout throughout her pregnancy. --Joan Price


Book Description
By the author of the best-selling Pilates Powerhouse, the first guide to Pilates during and after pregnancy. A wonderful conditioning exercise for women of all shapes and sizes, Pilates is now recognized as one of the best overall exercises for the pregnant body as well. A low-impact and relaxing exercise regimen, Pilates doesn't divert blood flow from the growing fetus. As important, Pilates strengthens the abdominal muscles known as the "powerhouse," making it easier for new mothers to recover from childbirth and regain their pre-pregnancy waistline. Working with Dr. Uzzi Reiss, a prominent Los Angeles-based gynecologist and obstetrician, Mari Winsor has developed the first mat-based Pilates routine for pregnant women, bringing this time-efficient and highly effective means to get and stay in shape into the home. Illustrated with 100 black-and-white photographs, the exercises in The Pilates Pregnancy are gentle on the body and easy to do at any stage of pregnancy.


About the Author
The Pilates trainer-to-the-stars, Mari Winsor owns and operates two Pilates studios in the Los Angeles area. She has been featured in Allure, Redbook, Elle, LA Magazine, Health & Fitness, USA Today, Fitness, Shape, In Style, Vogue, and Time and has appeared on MTV, "Access Hollywood," and "Entertainment Tonight." Together with writer Mark Laska, she is the author of The Pilates Workout Journal and The Pilates Powerhouse, for which she appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show. Mark Laska is also the co-author of Hot Point Fitness.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Organized into workouts for each trimester, The Pilates Pregnancy will show expectant mothers how to increase flexibility and reduce stress during pregnancy, and make getting back into shape after childbirth easier.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By the author of the best-selling Pilates Powerhouse, the first guide to Pilates during and after pregnancy.
A wonderful conditioning exercise for women of all shapes and sizes, Pilates is now recognized as one of the best overall exercises for the pregnant body as well. A low-impact and relaxing exercise regimen, Pilates doesn't divert blood flow from the growing fetus. As important, Pilates strengthens the abdominal muscles known as the "powerhouse," making it easier for new mothers to recover from childbirth and regain their pre-pregnancy waistline.
Working with Dr. Uzzi Reiss, a prominent Los Angeles-based gynecologist and obstetrician, Mari Winsor has developed the first mat-based Pilates routine for pregnant women, bringing this time-efficient and highly effective means to get and stay in shape into the home. Illustrated with 100 black-and-white photographs, the exercises in The Pilates Pregnancy are gentle on the body and easy to do at any stage of pregnancy.