Book Description
Once the secret fitness weapon of professional dancers, athletes, and movie stars, Pilates is sweeping the country with a vengeance. And if even half 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 Dummies lets you get on board with the Pilates method , without the high cost of private instruction. Packed with step-by-step exercises, photos, and illustrations, it helps you develop your own Pilates fitness program to do at home or in the gym. Top Pilates trainer Ellie Herman shows you how to use eight basic Pi lates principles to get the most out of your mat-based routines and: Look and feel better than ever Get stronger, more flexible, in control and less prone to injury Target and tone problem areas Get movie star abs, buns, thighs and arms Repair chronic stress and sports injuries

Calmly, clearly, and with quirky good humor, Ellie explores the origins and basic philosophy of the Pilates method, and helps you set realistic fitness goals and custom-tailor a program. She also covers: Basic, intermediate , and advanced mat exercises Using Pilates exercise equipment and accessories Targeting specific areas including the stomach, back, thighs, and chest Pilates for the pregnant and recently pregnant body Using Pilates to heal injuries, reform posture Ten simple ways to incorporate Pilates into your everyday life Combining Pilates with other forms of exercise, including yoga, swimming, aerobics, and more

Why let the rich and famous have all the fun? Your complete, friendly, step-by-step guide, Pilates For Dummies shows how Pilates can offer a fitness program for the rest of us.


From the Back Cover
Packed with step-by-step exercises, photos, and illustrations Target problem areas and feel and look better without doing aerobics! Pilates fever is sweeping across the country! This friendly guide helps you develop your own Pilates fitness program perfect for home or the gym. Eight basic principles show you how to get the most out of your mat-based Pilates routines and become stronger, more in control, and less prone to injury. The Dummies Way Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun Get smart! @www.dummies.com Find listings of all our books Create your own personalized book with Hungry Minds a la Carte™ Sign up for daily eTips at www.dummiesdaily.com


About the Author
Ellie Herman runs two Pilates studios, where she teaches hundreds of students and certifies Pilates teachers. She studied under two of Joseph Pilates’ original students.

FROM OUR EDITORS

Five million Americans take Pilates classes. Now you can, too. With step-by-step exercise instructions supplemented by more than 100 photographs and illustrations, certified Pilates instructor Ellie Herman takes readers through the eight basic principles of Joseph Pilates's method. In addition to presenting complete exercise routines, she discusses Pilates equipment and accessories; the pros and cons of working out at a studio or your home; and Pilates guidelines for the pregnant and elderly.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Packed with step-by-step exercises, photos, and illustrations

Target problem areas and feel and look better without doing aerobics!

Pilates fever is sweeping across the country! This friendly guide helps you develop your own Pilates fitness program perfect for home or the gym. Eight basic principles show you how to get the most out of your mat-based Pilates routines and become stronger, more in control, and less prone to injury.