Pilates Anatomy

I LOVE this book. It is a great book for someone who likes to know the nitty gritty of every little bit of what they are doing and why. When I took Pilates lessons my instructor became a little annoyed by my constant questioning about which muscles are we working, how does this affect this set of muscles, what can I do to improve this, and how can I modify this is I have a certain limitation. I think she felt that I was slowing down my learning but for me it was because I wanted to understand so I could do it just right. (or maybe it reminded her of a 3 year old asking questions for which she had no answers). Many people (especially those who are not learning to do Pilates for fun) may find this book filled with too many anatomical details but I think that they would still like it because it gives lots of info (what they refers to as cues) so that you can learn to do it right (not everyone lives near a Pilates studio or can afford classes). If you prefer to learn by watching then this may not be the book for you but I think that you could still benefit from information on technique and modifications. If you feel overwhelmed by scientific names or don't really care about the mechanics of the exercise, stick with a class or CD or Amazon prime video. Also I don't recommend any books on Kindle except for little mini guides and fiction or poetry. As Kindle works now it is not the best format for reference books or complex cookbooks or exercise - anything where the material references back to another part of the book - like this one.

This book gives you the inside knowledge of what Pilates Exercises are accomplishing as per each muscle group. I believe it gives you more incentive to work out knowing this information. It doesn't mean that one needs to attain the knowledge of a physician in order to understand the general concepts. It helps you shape your workout to your needs, I believe. I have been doing Pilates for 3 months with a Personal Trainer and have seen the results but wanted to know more about the subject. I think one day I may become a personal trainer myself as I am very enthusiastic about Pilates. I have worked with weights all my life but I believe Pilates is easier on the joints and yet gives you very good results in muscle tone, balance, and that very famous 'core' strength. In summary, it you want to delve a little bit more into the philosophy of Pilates exercises and how they affect your muscles, and your muscle tone, this is an excellent book and easy to read, and has illustrations as well.

Here is a book that makes sense in both its useful layout and excellent visuals. As a Pilates instructor, I am always on the hunt for books that I can use as a resource and that can double as a teaching tool when shared with my students. Pull out this book anytime you want to gain information about form, synergistic muscle relationships while performing the exercises, as well as the ever helpful Technique Cues and Exercise Notes that help to flesh out each exercise. The very helpful Exercise Finder at the back of the book enhance this user-friendly book by Karen Clippinger and Rael Isacowitz. What this book offers that so many others omit, is this: Clear labels on each diagram...and fabulous illustrations.

I purchased this book to assist with my education as I began my pilates instructor training program a few months ago. In my experience, many pilates programs require students to read Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais-Germain and Trail Guide to the body by Andrew Biel. Although both have been very useful books which I'm sure I will continue to refer back to for many, many years, the information can be a little intimidating if you are new to the study of anatomy. Pilates Anatomy is wonderful for beginner anatomy students interested in learning pilates anatomy because it keeps the focus in an area that most readers are already familiar - Pilates. The book is written very clearly and concisely.

As a fascinated pilates student, this really helps me understand more about my own body and the benefits of practicing numerous positions. The diagrams are very clear and the descriptions of the muscles involved are detailed and accurate. This book does what it says, it covers the anatomy of the position. That's all. I would have preferred the book to have covered more positions especially ones which involve the neck and arms. Hence my four stars.

As a Pilates instructor, I have bought many anatomy books, textbooks and dvds over the years, all with merit but none that specifically address Pilates anatomy with such accuracy and profound insight. This is it, folks! Not just an anatomy textbook, this comprehensive book gives you an in depth understanding of over 45 mat exercises, including step-by-step movement and breathing instructions, modifications, technique cues, muscles used and insightful side notes, not to mention the wonderful illustrations showing the proper form and activated muscles used for each exercise. Whether newbie or seasoned pro, no matter where you are on your Pilates journey, you must have this book! Thank you, Rael and Karen, for such an amazing gift. I hope this is just the first in a series that will also include the apparatus as well!

My work is either sit in front of the computer or go to meetings. As a result, my body is always in pain when I get home. Sometimes, my back hurted so much during the flight I had to stand at the back of the airplane so I can take the pressure off my back. I have seen many chiropractors and physical therapists. My last PT was a ballerina and she told me to try pilates to strengthen my body and to work on different parts of my body so I can be more flexible. I have been following numerous exercies in the book and the exercies have improved my back pain tremendously. Obviously, it also helped to lose some weight. I wish the author would create video so it would be easier for people to follow the instructions. Neverthelss, it is a great book and I wish I had known about it 10 years ago.

As a Pilates educator, I am always on the lookout for good reference books to use whilst teaching Pilates anatomy classes in my studio's instructor certification program. This text is an excellent resource for trainee Pilates instructors and certified instructors, alike. It is written by Rael Isakowitz, Pilates practitioner and author, and Karen Clippinger, a dance/Pilates professor and author of Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology. Together, they tackle Pilates-applied anatomy in a useful and straightforward way, using examples directly from the Pilates mat repertoire. They offer many detailed and clear explanations, accompanied by illustrations, drawings and charts, which help the reader to visualize and contextualize the anatomical knowledge with Pilates applications. I urge Pilates instructors and students alike to purchase this book for their reference libraries.

For teaching Pilates I cross read with Yoga Anatomy and other books. This book have simple basic guidance in mobile size, so I often carry it. My certification is not from BASI, but his books are my anchor for teaching Pilates.

I've a couple of years of experience with Pilates (or Contrology;) and got Pilates' two books last year. While a must-read, I had some questions that the image raised and couldn't find the necessary info online. I was researching instructor training when I found this book as the text for quite a few courses and decided to order it. It was one of my better decisions - I like the way the book's written, it answered my questions and gives me the needed anatomy explanations. Lots of illustrations, seems to be giving the basics and more advanced muscles' descriptions. Also, I hope to reuse when I eventually get to instructor level training myself.

The book goes through each body exercise of the Pilates program. Does not reference any of the exercises on the specialized Pilates equipment (Reformer, Cadillac....etc) Definitely helps me strategize my workouts to by showing readers the visualization of the muscles that are engorged/activated from each movement.

Excelente información para quienes practicamos pilates

Es un libro interesante y didáctico, sobre todo para personas que nos dedicamos a enseñar Pilates y también para aquellas que quieran empezar a conocer más a fondo el método.