Discovering Pure Classical Pilates looks deeply into Joseph Pilates' traditional method of mental and physical conditioning by describing its foundations, goals, movement qualities and benefits. Specific attention is given to the ways in which market forces, individual creativity or ambition lead to deterioration and commercialization of the traditional Pilates method. This book harkens back in time to Joseph Pilates' own two books-Your Health (1934) and Return to Life Through Contrology (1945)-by exploring social, economic, psychological and spiritual issues associated with his traditional work. There is so much more to Discovering Pure Classical Pilates! Within this book, you will uncover the passionate and priceless treasures found only in the historically accurate technique as taught by traditionalists throughout the world.

Enter a world where push-up devices become damselflies and mats become flying carpets. Learn about an imaginative man who turned wheelchairs and beer barrels into exercise equipment. "Discovering Joe Pilates" introduces readers to the amazing inventor behind the Pilates Method and displays the whimsical side of Pilates' inventions as seen through the eyes of children. Readers will be delighted by the whimsical illustrations, captivated by the history of Joe's inventions, and might even get a chuckle from the silly poems. This not-so-typical children's book blends the genius of Joe Pilates and the imagination of children into a book sure to please readers of all ages. Reading level: Grade 3 and up. Note: A portion of the royalties from this book will be donated to The Benjamin Gilkey Fund for Innovative Pediatric Cancer Research.

The surprising story of Pilates-the man and the method.

Comprehensive and easy-to-follow, this original Pilates best-seller produces real results. It includes three levels of workouts and six routines that provide something for every person who wants the strength, flexibility, fitness and pain relief that have made Pilates workouts so popular. Pilates exercises offer a complete fitness system. They combine key elements of yoga and bodywork with original techniques that strengthen the "core" muscles of the torso while increasing flexibility throughout the body. Rather than building bulk, the techniques create sculpted muscles, reduce stress and increase energy. Special Features of this Book * A thorough introduction to the history and philosophy of Pilates' techniques * Detailed descriptions of 115 Pilates exercises in basic, intermediate and advanced routines * 176 step-by-step photographs illustrating the exercises * A special chapter on pain relief for back, knees, hips, shoulders, ankles and feet * A special section for athletes, with strength-building and flexibility exercises This New Edition Includes Special Sections on * The Stamina Stretch-to increase breathing capacity and support core abdominal muscles * The B-Line Core-to give support for routines, a trimmer waist and relief from back pain * How to change the way you walk to prevent back pain and tension headaches * Back-strengthening routines for rotational sports like golf, tennis and racquetball * Upper-body exercises for computer users Most Pilates books don't address the different needs of beginners, advanced practitioners and athletes-but this book is different. Written by a former top college athlete, it can be used by both beginners and instructors to complement sports-training programs. The exercises are also perfect for people who simply want to get in shape. Use this book as your personal training manual as you explore your fitness potential to the fullest!

Explore the fitness craze that's right for everyone! Whether you're a ballerina or a couch potato, a mountain biker or a fitness novice, you can do Pilates - and reap its amazing benefits. Perfect for building stronger, leaner, more flexible muscles, relieving stress, and achieving full body health, the Pilates method is a revolutionary program that has the power to transform lives. Written by the founders of the internationally renowned studio, The Pilates Center, The Everything Pilates Book gives you all you need to start doing Pilates in your own home - and choose a studio that's right for you. The book provides step-by-step instruction on how to do such incredible exercises as the Spine Stretch, the Roll-Up, and the Swan, as well as more than 100 clear photographs that make it easy to get started. The Everything Pilates Book helps you: Create a supple, powerful body Prevent osteoporosis Reduce the risk of injury Establish proper posture Increase strength and flexibility Tone abs Alleviate back pain No matter of your physical condition, The Everything Pilates Book can help you take control of your body.

The author shares nearly three decades worth of unparalleled expertise and passion in a book designed to help readers master the entire mat and apparatus repertoire of this mind-body system. In total, more than 800 photos and 210 exercises are featured.

In an attractive, oversized format, enlivened with illustrations, sidebar quotes, personal accounts, techniques to try, and profiles of leaders in the field, Discovering the Body's Wisdom is a basic resource for well-being and natural health. Body disciplines and therapies have enjoyed phenomenal growth in the past decade, becoming a major alternative to mainstream medicine and traditional psychotherapy. But with more than 100,000 practitioners and dozens of methods available in the United States alone, how can consumers choose the right one for themselves? Mirka Knaster's richly informative guide provides an overview of the principles and theories underlying the major Eastern and Western body therapies, or "bodyways." It shows readers how to befriend their own bodies, getting back in touch with their internal sources of health and wisdom. It also describes more than 75 individual approaches, answering such questions as: How does each therapy work? What can we expect from one session or a series? What are the reasons for selecting this method? How do we find a qualified practitioner? What, if any, are the "consumer-bewares"?

Javier Pérez Pont and Esperanza Aparicio Romero were professional dancers for more than 15 years, working as soloists and principals in several European companies. In 1994 they discovered the Pilates method of body conditioning. Javier and Esperanza moved to New York to study with the legendary Romana Kryzanowska and her daughter Sari Mejía Santo. They stood for a time beside these two teachers in order to improve their knowledge and reach Level II, becoming international trainers of the organization. At the end of 1999 decided to return to Spain and settled in Barcelona. Making this city the seat of the first Pilates Studio in Spain, endorsed and supported by his two teachers. In 2002 launched the Teacher Certification Program in Spain under the tutelage of the two teachers mentioned. In 2005 they published "The Authentic Pilates Method, The Art of Control" with Editorial Planeta, having been a bestseller not only in Spain but throughout Spanish-speaking America. In 2012 Javier and Esperanza published a collection of seven e-books under the general title of "Contrology Pilates Physical Culture" with HakaBooks e-Ditions about the technique of the method and apparatus. Available in Spanish, English and Portuguese. In this moment Javier Pérez Pont still working on the second part of "The Biography" and on a new book dedicated to finding the ethical, moral and personal estate of Contrology. A dive into the depths of the origin and development of this art, which closely links author and work as a whole. A new book that aims to regain lost the true spirit of Contrology. For the first time ever we have the chance to find out the truth about Joseph Pilates. A Book that will dispel the false myths concerning this historical figure, bring us closer to who Joe really was and what his Contrology meant.

The true story behind this fitness phenomenon and its long, controversy-plagued road to popular success. While millions today find the Pilates system helps to strengthen the core, improve posture, and recover from or prevent injuries and pain, Pilates has been clouded in controversy since the beginning. Its origin story is one of greed, ego, celebrities, and lies, with heated legal controversy that threatened the industry. In The Pilates Effect, Stacey Redfield and Sarah Holmes reveal the hidden history of Pilates. From humble beginnings, Joseph Pilates founded the groundbreaking regimen in New York City and worked closely with his partner Clara to rehabilitate and renew dancers who had been injured or were aging. Although Joseph’s core strengthening regimen was touted as “fifty years ahead of [its] time,” finance and health issues plagued Joe and Clara’s business. A small and devoted group of followers, including Carola Trier, would fight to spread the practice that they felt gave them a second chance at life and rehabilitated their bodies and souls. A fascinating and inspiring story of fitness in America, The Pilates Effect showcases the people and events that formed an iconic industry, and reveal how it offers positive change for everyday people regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.

From a no frills family to national business success. It has not been a straight road for me, but with my work ethic, tenacity, never-quit attitude and entrepreneurial skills I have thrived and survived. Starting out at 12 years old going door to door selling Downy Flake Doughnuts, my work ethic was established at an early age. I advanced moving from job to job accelerating my work position providing me with enough income to purchase a wrist watch, my first car and paying my way through college. Investing and my entrepreneurial instincts have catapulted me from having my first duplex, purchasing a printing business, opening three roller skating rinks, building a national condominium and apartment development company building and selling over 1,400 units. Along the way I think I have used most of my Nine Lives! Among my many close calls with death are my tour in Vietnam, surviving Hurricane Iris and a runaway driver. I served with the 1st Air Calvary Division in Vietnam with my team’s mission, “Search and Destroy”. At times we had direct contact with the enemy at daybreak, mid-day, and prior to sunset-breakfast, lunch and dinner. I excelled at this S & D mission being named “Soldier of the Month” and being awarded an accommodation for Valor. On one of our many international SCUBA diving adventures my wife and I were on a 100-foot yacht, The Aggressor, in Belize along with another 100-foot yacht, The Wave Dancer. We were tied up 20 feet apart in a remote area waiting out Hurricane Iris, when the category four storm ripped The Wave Dancer from its cleats capsizing and killing 20 of the 28 people aboard. I wrote a book about the tragedy, “No Safe Harbor”. Another close call with death came as I was sitting in my front room watching a baseball game. A person speeding from the police catapulted his car over a berm into a tree and spun his car into my room. Both the tree and car were less than 12 inches from where I was sitting. The fleeing crashing culprit was arrested a few weeks later on my 80th birthday I have lived a charmed and successful Life!