Pilates For Dummies

Packed with step–by–step exercises, photos, and illustrations

Target problem areas and feel and look better without doing aerobics!

Pilates fever is sweeping across the country! This friendly guide helps you develop your own Pilates fitness program perfect for home or the gym. Eight basic principles show you how to get the most out of your mat–based Pilates routines and become stronger, more in control, and less prone to injury.

The Dummies Way

Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear–out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

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Introduction.

Part I: Pilates Basics.

Chapter 1: A Pilates Primer.

Chapter 2: Get Ready, Get Set.

Chapter 3: Getting on a Mat and Learning the Pilates Alphabet.

Part II: Mat Exercises.

Chapter 4: Pre–Pilates: The Fundamentals.

Chapter 5: Now That You′ve Got the Basics Down: The Beginning Mat Series.

Chapter 6: Feeling Stronger Every Day: Intermediate Mat Exercises.

Chapter 7: More Than a Washboard: The Advanced Mat Series.

Chapter 8: Maybe Someday . . . Super Advanced Exercises.

Chapter 9: Extra Help for the Butt and Thighs.

Chapter 10: Meow! Stretching the Spine.

Part III: Beyond the Mat: Exercises Using Equipment and Accessories.

Chapter 11: Plastic Foam Never Felt So Good: The Roller.

Chapter 12: Abracadabra! The Magic Circle or a Small Ball.

Chapter 13: Size Does Matter: Exercises on the Big Ball.

Chapter 14: Hitting the Wall for a Pilates Cool–Down.

Chapter 15: Springs Are Busting Out All Over: An Overview of Pilates Equipment.

Part IV: Special Situations.

Chapter 16: Pilates for the Pregnant and Recently Pregnant.

Chapter 17: Special Routines for Special Situations.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 18: The Ten Most Important Exercises.

Chapter 19: Ten Changes You Can Expect to See from Pilates.

Chapter 20: Ten Simple Ways to Incorporate Pilates into Your Everyday Life.

Chapter 21: Ten Questions to Ask When Choosing a Studio or Instructor.

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Complement Your Pilates Workout.

Index.

Ellie Herman runs two Pilates studios, where she teaches hundreds of students and certifies Pilates teachers. She studied under two of Joseph Pilates′ original students.