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Pilates: Body in Motion (Paperback)
by Alycea Ungaro
| Category:
Health & fitness |
| Market price: ¥ 168.00
MSL price:
¥ 148.00
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Alycea Ungaro has done an amazing job getting to the heart of each exercise without any fluff or distractions. Well deserve 5 stars. |
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Author: Alycea Ungaro
Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st edition
Pub. in: March, 2002
ISBN: 0789484005
Pages: 176
Measurements: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches
Origin of product: USA
Order code: BA00401
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- MSL Picks -
Pilates is a method of exercising, shaping and toning the body that's very different from a common workout. Pilates: Body in Motion is an examination of Pilates matt, wall, and floor exercises that is elegantly simple and easy to follow. Among many choices out there, this book is definitely one of the best to date, as you can see why it has got so many positive reviews. First, it is organized in a logical and easy-to-study format that helps to memorize and follow the different levels of the workout program without missing a single step, and allows browsing through them for quick consultations. Second, it presents the complete sequence for each exercise photographed, and step-by-step instructions for each movement with detailed yet simple, explanations of posture, breathing and motion.
Third, it has complimentary information for each exercise: number of repetitions, warnings and alternatives for people who shouldn't perform particular exercises, modified versions to make sure the program is adaptable to almost anyone, dos and don'ts to insure proper execution, and transitional positions between following exercises to maintain the rhythm of the workout.
Besides these attributes, this book also covers the history of Pilates and the man who created the original exercise program, as well as his philosophy of the numerous forms he created. It also briefly describes the evolution of Pilates and Pilates today. Throughout the book you can find chapters that cover different levels of the Pilates program, for example, the Introductory Program, the Beginners Program, the Intermediate Program, and finally the Advanced Program. Each page is clearly laid out with step-by-step instructions, which are numbered and followed by a paragraph that is written using simple words with precise meanings. Following each informative paragraph is a picture of a model doing the exercise in the correct position. In the bottom corner of every other page is a picture of someone doing the exercise incorrectly to help the participant correct the most commonly made errors. Towards the end of the book, the reader is spoiled with a small section where the model uses a "Magic Circle" in her exercises, and following that is the complete index.
Without a doubt, like The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body - Without Machines (Paperback) by Brooke Siler, Pilates: Body in Motion is a classic in its own right and we recommend these two books to all Pilates practitioners.
Target readers:
Pilates fans or those who want to practice the exercise.
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- Better with -
Better with
The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body - Without Machines
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Alycea Ungaro is a certified Pilates teacher and licensed physical therapist who discovered Pilates at the age of 14, when a foot injury derailed her classical dance career. In 1995 she opened Tribeca Bodyworks, New York City's largest studio devoted to the Pilates Method.
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From the Publisher:
The most authoritative, step-by-step guide to Pilates available on the market.
Popular for decades with dancers, athletes, and celebrities, the Pilates Method is the perfect equipment-free workout for a stronger, leaner, fitter body. With great emphasis on precision and awareness, not only is Pilates great for the body, but for the mind as well. Using step-by-step mat-work exercises and a wide range of programs, from beginner to advanced, Pilate's Mind and Body is the only practical guide that shows you all of the proper steps to follow and how to avoid common mistakes in your conditioning.
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-04 00:00>
After doing extensive research in the web, reading reviews and leafing through the different Pilates books in bookstore, I chose this one. As described before, it's simple, clear instructions & pictures, easy to follow and also instructions for correct movements.
At the same time I started an introductory course of Pilates, and found the teacher doing the same exercises which are in the book. As I did simultaneously the exercises with the book at home, I realized that while the book is really great, without the teacher I would be still doing things wrong, meaning she corrects the movements for each individual, which you don't see for yourself.
Previously I have been working out with books and videos, and this one is one of the best. However, I would strongly advice to go at least in the beginning to a class and use the book at home in between classes. That way you will get maximum effect out of it and you make progress very fast. Since the whole point of Pilates is to make precise, focused movements correctly in a flow, the best combination is with book & class, as you get the instructions and corrections done in the class and then you remember those from the book when you do the Pilates at home. But if you don't have the possibility to go to the class, don't be discouraged, just get the book & get going.
Just within 3 weeks of daily 20-30 min practice & 2xweek classes I have seen my posture & body improve significantly, got so much more energy & strength in my body and generally feel just fantastic! |
An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-04 00:00>
Pilates is a gift to the body and this book wraps it all up without any unnecessary elements. Author Ungaro has done a brilliant job deciding what features are key to learning the complicated system of Pilates. I have done no more than follow along with this book several times a week and I feel better than I have in 15 years. My body awareness has been heightened. My posture was immediately improved and just this morning in the shower I was able to touch my toes. Something I could never do, even as a child. If you are looking for a book to guide, encourage and inspire you, I strongly recommend this book. The instructions are short and clear, the photos are exact and precise and the charts really help to visualize the system as a whole. Pilates: Body in Motion has become my Pilates Bible. If you have a friend or family member that you care about, get them this book. I bought several of these as holiday gifts this season and everyone loved them!! |
Bert Ruiz (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-04 00:00>
Joseph H. Pilates, the German inventor of the Pilates exercise method must be smiling in the heavens. The lifelong pacifist who was born in Dusseldorf, Germany in 1880...devoted his life to the study of physical education. He moved to the United States in 1926 and afterwards became active with the New York City Ballet. Pilates: Body in Motion, by Alycea Ungaro of Tribeca Bodyworks is a treasure chest of Pilate exercises for a hard body.
Mr. Pilates passed away in 1967 but not without leaving behind his philosophy of form. He established six basic principles...breath, concentration, control, centering, precision and flow in order for men and women to attain, "the inherited birthright of physical perfection." This book is comprehensive. It includes an introduction and four exercise programs. The introduction and beginner's program are short...but the intermediate and advanced programs provide a wealth of drills.
Please be warned...this is difficult stuff (especially for the over 50 crowd)...even for those who frequent the gym on a regular basis. The key to success is to follow the instructions carefully and gradually work your body into shape. If you rush the program your body will be talking to you (with pain or soreness) the following morning. At the risk of being redundant...do not fast-forward the exercise unless you are in outstanding condition...the Pilates school of thought looks easy but is a challenge to master correctly. The photos in this slim book are excellent. Moreover, the narrative is clear and succinct. Highly recommended.
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An American reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-04 00:00>
I have just received and read through Pilates: The Body in Motion and I am absolutely thrilled to have it. DK publishers are known for their beautiful layouts and incredible assortment of how-to books. This book is no exception.
I have been doing Pilates for about a year, following along with several other books as well as Ana Caban's tape series. Not one of the other materials has the information that this book has. The introduction is incredibly detailed and the author even provides charts to follow along with for whatever level you are working out. The first section of the book has an introductory exercise with a checklist to see if you remembered to "think" your way through the movement. Very useful. I found this to be key to getting in the right frame of mind to do my Pilates workout. But I think my favorite thing about this book is the "Head-to-toe Checklist" - which illustrates all the mistakes that I could possibly make. Sometimes they are quite funny to look at, but mostly I think they provide a good visual reminder of what NOT to do.
All in all, this is a great value for the money and by far the most comprehensive Pilates book out there. Bravo to DK and Alycea Ungaro.
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