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

All you need is a mat to reap the benefits of pilates. There's no excuse not to begin your at-home pilates practice! The book takes readers through the complete sequence of Pilates Mat exercises with photos and step-by-step instructions. Formal Pilates classes are enormously beneficial; however, they are also very expensive. Using The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Pilates on the Mat, readers can practice Pilates Mat exercises on their own--without all the expensive and intimidating equipment found in the studio or gym. Pilates is a fitness phenomenon that's been around for nearly 100 years. Through a series of strength and stretching exercises, it builds core body strength, improves posture, relieves pain, alleviates symptoms of serious chronic diseases, and has a positive impact on all of the vital systems--all while building a connection between the body and the mind. Along the way, fitness expert Karon Karter gives readers: • A Pilates primer: how and why the method works on every body, inside and out. • Basics for better breathing and posture. • Safe instruction for flexing toward your healthiest self. • Expert advice on Pilates Mat exercises and using simple equipment, such as the Magic Circle. • Poses and postures to increase range of motion, bone density, respiration, circulation, and muscle control. • Exercises for toning muscles and melting fat, making the body look lean, healthy, and younger.

"The 'anywhere' regimen that strengthens and tones without equipment"--Cover.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Body Ball FitnessIllustrated introduces readers to the stability ball, the latest craze to roll out and a balancing act worth trying. Body balls roll several exercises into one- balance and strength training. Karon Karter, author The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method(00286239839), draws on her fourteen years as a movement and Pilates instructor to teach readers total body workouts. Whether they re trying the ball for the first time or expanding their repertoire, this book offers dozens of illustrated exercises to tighten and tone. Includes- Three complete workouts of 10-12 exercises each, for varying fitness levels An additional complete 'Pilates on the ball' workout of 10-12 exercises A series of restorative stretches to ease muscles and that aching back Hundreds of helpful, informative photographs

A user-friendly guide that teaches you the origins and philosophy of the Pilates method and helps you set realistic fitness goals and custom tailor a program Once the secret fitness weapon of professional dancers, athletes, and movie stars, Pilates is sweeping the country and becoming more popular than ever. If 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 is your gentle introduction to the Pilates method without the high cost of private instruction. Packed with easy-to-follow exercises an plenty of photos, it helps you develop your own Pilates fitness program to do at home or in the gym and how to use eight basic Pilates principles to get the most out of your mat-based routines. With this practical guide by your side, you can: Look and feel better than ever Get stronger, more flexible, in control, and less prone to injury Target and tone problem areas Tone and strengthen your abs, buns, thighs, and arms Repair chronic stress and sports injuries Whether you’re just starting out with Pilates or know a few exercises and want to learn more, the book covers: Basic, intermediate, and advanced mat exercises How to use Pilates exercise equipment and accessories How to target specific areas of your body including the stomach, back, thighs, and chest Pilates for the pregnant and recently pregnant body How Pilates can help heal injuries and reform your posture The fun of combining Pilates with other forms of exercise, including yoga, swimming, aerobics, and more Additionally, you’ll learn simple ways to incorporate Pilates into your everyday life, changes you can expect to see from practicing Pilates, and questions to ask if you decide to join a Pilates studio or hire a Pilates instructor. Get your copy of Pilates For Dummies to start designing a Pilates fitness program just for you.

Lynne Robinson and Body Control Pilates have brought Joseph Pilates' original teachings to a vast international readership, creating exercise programmes that are famed for their clarity, effectiveness and safety.