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The Little Book of Pilates
Delve into this introduction to the popular practice of Pilates and learn all you need to know to energize your mind, body and spirit
Discover the wonders of Pilates with this easy-to-follow guide, filled with helpful tips and practical information on this low-impact yet highly effective exercise. This little book contains all you need to know to kick-start your at-home workout routine and improve posture, build strength and increase flexibility.
Whether it’s your first time on the mat or you’re a seasoned pro, the teachings in these pages offer the benefits of Pilates to everyone, no matter your fitness level. Containing step-by-step instructions for a variety of workouts – from beginner to advanced level – this book is the ultimate guide to developing your fitness in the comfort of your home.
This book
Discover the wonders of Pilates with this easy-to-follow guide, filled with helpful tips and practical information on this low-impact yet highly effective exercise. This little book contains all you need to know to kick-start your at-home workout routine and improve posture, build strength and increase flexibility.
Whether it’s your first time on the mat or you’re a seasoned pro, the teachings in these pages offer the benefits of Pilates to everyone, no matter your fitness level. Containing step-by-step instructions for a variety of workouts – from beginner to advanced level – this book is the ultimate guide to developing your fitness in the comfort of your home.
This book
128 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2023
3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 26, 2024
Like the other 2 reviewers on here, I follow Rachel on her YouTube channel. I was lucky enough to be one of the winners of this book and promised to review it but have only now got round to it.Thanks to Rachel for the win and @summersdalebooks also. I have being doing Pilates for longer than I originally realised as I was doing some of these exercises back in the late 70's and early 80's at my dance classes.
I gave these books the full 5 stars,(it's also the most currently highest rated book on my account, actually beating The Writer's Tale, Russell T Davies and Benjamin Cook into second place).
Many Pilates books that I have previously owned have been very good but have had a lot of photographs in and a lot of writing and I was using these before I found a class and then, when starting Rachel's class online. They were great but there is a lot to look at while trying to do the exercise properly. This book however is great because it does, indeed fit in a pocket so it is easy to take about if required.
Every exercise has 1 illustration and then is written in numbered order as to which move to do next followed by bullet points and any required advice. It is very easy to follow.The book is broken down into 5 sections from explaining Pilates and then 4 sections from beginner to advanced.I have been able to do all these sections at one point. At the moment , having only just been able to get back into exercise I'm taking it gently and starting back at the beginning but hope to be back to doing it all at some point. There are 2 exercises in the intermediate section that I no longer do because of my arm strength and it advises you need to do all of them in this section before moving onto the last section. However I find I can do the last section without needing to do these 2 specific ones but, obviously it is best, if you are not someone who has exercised all your life in this way, to heed the advice.
It's a very easy reference guide to use and especially inbetween sessions if you want to revisit an exercise or two.
I gave these books the full 5 stars,(it's also the most currently highest rated book on my account, actually beating The Writer's Tale, Russell T Davies and Benjamin Cook into second place).
Many Pilates books that I have previously owned have been very good but have had a lot of photographs in and a lot of writing and I was using these before I found a class and then, when starting Rachel's class online. They were great but there is a lot to look at while trying to do the exercise properly. This book however is great because it does, indeed fit in a pocket so it is easy to take about if required.
Every exercise has 1 illustration and then is written in numbered order as to which move to do next followed by bullet points and any required advice. It is very easy to follow.The book is broken down into 5 sections from explaining Pilates and then 4 sections from beginner to advanced.I have been able to do all these sections at one point. At the moment , having only just been able to get back into exercise I'm taking it gently and starting back at the beginning but hope to be back to doing it all at some point. There are 2 exercises in the intermediate section that I no longer do because of my arm strength and it advises you need to do all of them in this section before moving onto the last section. However I find I can do the last section without needing to do these 2 specific ones but, obviously it is best, if you are not someone who has exercised all your life in this way, to heed the advice.
It's a very easy reference guide to use and especially inbetween sessions if you want to revisit an exercise or two.
December 7, 2023
An excellent little guide to practising Pilates, from beginner level right through to advanced.
I started following the author, Rachel Lawrence's YouTube Channel The Girl With The Pilates Mat this year to help increase my flexibility and fitness.
I thoroughly recommend both her channel and book. She explains every exercise carefully and includes a note on moderations where needed so that you never feel that you can't do something.
I started following the author, Rachel Lawrence's YouTube Channel The Girl With The Pilates Mat this year to help increase my flexibility and fitness.
I thoroughly recommend both her channel and book. She explains every exercise carefully and includes a note on moderations where needed so that you never feel that you can't do something.
May 5, 2023
I’ve never read a fitness book, but decided to order this one, because I’ve been following the author’s YouTube channel of free Pilates classes since 2020. I had had two brain surgeries that left me with balance deficits and ataxia-the physical and occupational therapists recommended Pilates for safe, low-impact exercise, and to help continue strengthening my core muscles to avoid falls.
I wanted to find in-person instruction, but the pandemic made it impossible - plus, like so many others, I had gained weight from all the extra sitting I was doing! I found the author on YouTube after trying a few instructors; she was in her fifties, like me, and seemed very authentic, positive and relatable. She emphasized all of the positive benefits of regular Pilates practice, not just getting thinner or fitter - although she looks fabulous herself! She is a patient, knowledgeable teacher, eschewing the “no pain, no gain” mindset in favor of explaining the movements clearly, and emphasizing positive body self-image, no matter your age or fitness level at the beginning.
I have found her book helpful in further explaining the Pilates breathing techniques and various exercises. She has divided the exercises helpfully into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced sections. She breaks up each exercise into “The Movement”, explaining clearly what your body will be doing, “The Benefits”, so you know which muscles, body parts you’re using, especially helpful for any medical conditions one might have (i.e., if you’ve been told by your doctor to avoid bending a certain way), and “Tips and Technique Cues”, emphasizing form, like where to place your feet, or don’t allow your knees to flop outward, or your back to slump, etc.
I figured with Rachel’s ability to clearly teach, I would appreciate having this portable little book as a guide to increase my knowledge and understanding. I know Pilates has worked for me - not just losing my extra pandemic pounds (not easy, being 55+!), but increasing my strength, flexibility and balance, very important in managing my balance deficits and ataxia.
I wanted to find in-person instruction, but the pandemic made it impossible - plus, like so many others, I had gained weight from all the extra sitting I was doing! I found the author on YouTube after trying a few instructors; she was in her fifties, like me, and seemed very authentic, positive and relatable. She emphasized all of the positive benefits of regular Pilates practice, not just getting thinner or fitter - although she looks fabulous herself! She is a patient, knowledgeable teacher, eschewing the “no pain, no gain” mindset in favor of explaining the movements clearly, and emphasizing positive body self-image, no matter your age or fitness level at the beginning.
I have found her book helpful in further explaining the Pilates breathing techniques and various exercises. She has divided the exercises helpfully into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced sections. She breaks up each exercise into “The Movement”, explaining clearly what your body will be doing, “The Benefits”, so you know which muscles, body parts you’re using, especially helpful for any medical conditions one might have (i.e., if you’ve been told by your doctor to avoid bending a certain way), and “Tips and Technique Cues”, emphasizing form, like where to place your feet, or don’t allow your knees to flop outward, or your back to slump, etc.
I figured with Rachel’s ability to clearly teach, I would appreciate having this portable little book as a guide to increase my knowledge and understanding. I know Pilates has worked for me - not just losing my extra pandemic pounds (not easy, being 55+!), but increasing my strength, flexibility and balance, very important in managing my balance deficits and ataxia.
April 7, 2024
perfect size, excellent descriptions of how to do each move
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews