Little devices including elastic bands off the head of a bunch of broccoli, a tennis ball, or hand towel can be formidable weapons in the war against foot pain. For thousands of years the benefits of reflexology have been enjoyed. This edition takes it further by suggesting exercises that increase ankle stability, flexibility, alignment, and propulsion.

Explains the Pilates attitude, technique, equipment, and the importance of posture and diet, and discusses how to teach others the Pilates method.

In this enhanced digital edition of The MELT Method, Sue Hitzmann shows you how to live without pain, illustrating her MELT techniques with 20 instructional videos plus 10 audio clips, so you can listen hands-free while you start your journey toward a pain-free body. In The MELT Method, therapist Sue Hitzmann offers a breakthrough self-treatment system to combat chronic pain and erase the effects of aging and active living—in as little as ten minutes a day. With a focus on the body's connective tissues and the role they play in pain, stress, weight gain, and overall health, Hitzmann's life-changing program features techniques that can be done in your own home. A nationally known manual therapist and educator, Hitzmann helps her clients find relief from pain and suffering by taking advantage of the body's natural restorative properties. The MELT Method shows you how to eliminate pain, no matter what the cause, and embrace a happier, healthier lifestyle.

This book teaches the basics of the Pilates method of fitness, a whole body workout that strengthens the abs and back and straightens the posture. Practiced worldwide by dance companies, physical therapists, and health clubs, the method is especially good for pregnant women, for people who have special fitness needs because of chronic back pain, joint stress, or obesity, and for anyone wishing to prevent osteoporosis.

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.

The Red Thread: The Integrated System and Variations of Pilates - The Mat gives to you over 35 years of experience in the Pilates Method Mat in one book. The book not only instructs how to execute the goal of each exercise, but how to build with variations and challenge each exercise, preparing the body for the next exercise to come. The book explains how and why to choose a variation to suit the needs of the student. It includes a comprehensive look at the connection between not only the Prior Exercise and the "Thread" that binds them, but the "Thread" that runs through the link between the Spinal Function of the exercise's predecessor. The book includes the purpose of each exercise, which enables you to "break it down" so the Purpose remains unchanged and the Method preserved. The Red Thread: The Integrated System and Variations of Pilates - The Mat offers Teachers tips on how to spot, what to look for, the Don't, Do's and Major Benefits of the exercise. The 1400 plus photos are taken both from the traditional vantage point and from the Teacher's view. The Pilates Method is also presented in easy to read Charts. These Charts breakdown, in simple form, what to "Add Next." This will enable you to create a perfect workout to strengthen what is weak and challenge what is strong. The Charts offer a multitude of vantage points to build the work from. These include Spinal Functions and cover a vast range of injuries. "My hope is that The Red Thread: The Integrated System and Variations of Pilates - The Mat will give both the Teacher and the Student insight into the Method we know as Pilates, the tools you need and elicit critical thinking. I hope it gives the insight needed to understand that the Pilates Method is NOT just a list of exercises and why, at each level of the work, one exercise follows another. The Red Thread: The Integrated System and Variations of Pilates - The Mat presents an understanding that this Method is NOT black and white, but a beautiful colorful canvas as unique as the body before you."

Celebrity trainer and Pilates guru Brooke Siler teams up with the editors of Women's Health to offer a comprehensive, authoritative manual on this proven fitness philosophy. Trained by Joseph Pilates' protégé, Romana Kryzanowska, Brooke is an unparalleled expert and one of the most sought after teachers for her signature body re-shaping techniques. Combining the best of flexibility and strength training, Pilates is the path to the lean fit body every woman craves—and The Women’s Health Big Book of Pilates guides readers in every step (and leg lift … ) of the way. Using the body as the ultimate fitness vehicle, Pilates transforms bodies in record time. From moves targeting trouble zones to cardio circuits that blast fat all over, this go-to manual covers everything including: Tricks to incorporate Pilates at work, in travel, and daily routine What props best boost your workout and what to skip Pilates principles to help combat lower back pain, stress, low energy, and more! From basic mat moves to the right foods that fuel a lean, toned figure, The Women's Health Big Book of Pilates is the go-to guide for beginners and experts alike.

An complete text book on the use of the Arm/Baby Chair and its application to the Pilates Method.

Get the book that covers what you need to know about foot care, including footwear, prevention, and treatment. Hiking, backpacking, running, walking, and other athletic endeavors, your feet take a beating with every step. Don’t wait until foot pain inhibits your speed, strength, and style. Learn the basics—along with the finer points—of foot care before pain becomes a problem. Foot expert and ultrarunner John Vonhof and physical therapist Tonya Olson share how the interplay of anatomy, biomechanics, and footwear can lead to happy (or hurting!) feet. Fixing Your Feet covers all that you need to know to care for your feet, right now and hundreds of miles down the road! Inside You’ll Find Tried-and-true methods of foot care from numerous experts Tips and anecdotes about recovery and training Information about hundreds of foot-care products for nearly every foot ailment High-interest topics such as “Barefoot & Minimalist Footwear,” “Blister Prevention,” and “Providing Foot Care for Athletes” Discussions of individual foot care and team care “From heels to toes, products to pathology, resources to rehabilitation, this book has it all. An essential guide.” —Runner’s World