The Complete Guide to Joseph H. Pilates' Techniques of Physical Conditioning: With Special Help for Back Pain and Sports Training

Front Cover
Hunter House, 2004 - Health & Fitness - 200 pages
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!
 

Contents

WHY OUR BODIES NEED A REGULAR FITNESS PROGRAM
5
You Can Do
12
Find Your Focus
47
Isolation
55
Single Leg Circles I
91
The Start Stretches 65
97
Arm Circles
104
Rest Position with Knees to Chest for Exercises
110
Double Leg Kick
123
Spine Stretch
129
Corkscrew 2 Advanced
135
Side Leg Lifts
141
Teaser 3
147
Seal
153
Neck Curl
159
Triceps
187

Double Leg Stretch
117

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