Pilates For Dummies

Oncethesecretfitnessweaponofprofessionaldancers,athletes,andmoviestars,Pilatesissweepingthecountrywithavengeance.Andifevenhalfofwhatitsmanyfansclaimistrue,thenit'seasytoseewhy.Combiningelementsofyoga,dance,gymnastics,andboxing,alongwithmanyoriginalmovements,Pilatesexercisesbuildmuscletone,improveflexibilityandbalance,lengthenthespine,increasebodyawareness,andrepairpastinjuries.Mostpeoplewho'vedoneit,evenforashorttime,saytheyfeelstrongerandmoreenergized,centeredandphysicallyconfidentthaneverbefore.Theyalsolikehavingtheflattummies,tightbuns,andlongleanthighsofadancer."PilatesForDummies"letsyougetonboardwiththePilatesmethod,withoutthehighcostofprivateinstruction.Packedwithstep-by-stepexercises,photos,andillustrations,ithelpsyoudevelopyourownPilatesfitnessprogramtodoathomeorinthegym.TopPilatestrainerEllieHermanshowsyouhowtouseeightbasicPilatesprinciplestogetthemostoutofyourmat-basedroutinesand:LookandfeelbetterthaneverGetstronger,moreflexible,incontrolandlesspronetoinjuryTargetandtoneproblemareasGetmoviestarabs,buns,thighsandarmsRepairchronicstressandsportsinjuriesCalmly,clearly,andwithquirkygoodhumor,EllieexplorestheoriginsandbasicphilosophyofthePilatesmethod,andhelpsyousetrealisticfitnessgoalsandcustom-tailoraprogram.Shealsocovers:Basic,intermediate,andadvancedmatexercisesUsingPilatesexerciseequipmentandaccessoriesTargetingspecificareasincludingthestomach,back,thighs,andchestPilatesforthepregnantandrecentlypregnantbodyUsingPilatestohealinjuries,reformpostureTensimplewaystoincorporatePilatesintoyoureverydaylifeCombiningPilateswithotherformsofexercise,includingyoga,swimming,aerobics,andmoreWhylettherichandfamoushaveallthefun?Yourcomplete,friendly,step-by-stepguide,"PilatesForDummies"showshowPilatescanofferafitnessprogramfortherestofus.