Pilates Anatomy A Comprehensive Guide

Description

Let's flex! Discover Pilates--from the inside out--in this innovative reference book featuring exercises and workouts for every level. Madonna does it. Jennifer Aniston does it. And so do plenty of pro football players. These days, it seems like everyone is doing pilates, a form of exercise that strengthens core muscle groups for a lean, toned body. Whether you're already a pilates devotee, or a couch potato who's ready to reform, Pilates Anatomy is for you! * Written and developed by a renowned pilates instructor, Pilates Anatomy is designed to be a thorough guide for every level--from beginner to advanced. * This unique book aims to teach more than just different exercises. Detailed anatomical illustrations teach readers all about muscle mechanics and how their bodies work to encourage safe, injury-free workouts. To help reinforce students' understanding, this book also features reference sections on pilates terminology and a glossary of muscles. * Discover how “chicken wings,” “tiny steps,” and “the corkscrew” can help you create a long, lean, strong body. Readers can choose from a comprehensive list of individual pilates exercises designed for every level of practice. * In addition to individual movements, this amazing book also includes a series of challenging workouts featuring both mats and props for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students. * Discover powerhouse sales! Interest in pilates continues to grow--there are over 15 million people who regularly practice pilates, and many more who would like to try this method of exercise. * Includes poster of pilates techniques and muscle systems. Introduction 6 The Pilates Method 8 Pilates Basics 12 The STreTcheS 16 Hamstring Stretch 18 ITB Stretch 19 Hip Flexor Stretch 20 Quadriceps Stretch 21 Runner’s Stretch 22 Soleus Stretch 23 Piriformis Stretch 24 Lumbar Stretch 25 Spine Stretch I 26 Triceps Stretch 27 Latissimus Dorsi Stretch 28 Neck Flexion 30 Side-bend Stretch 31 The exerciSeS 32 Beginner exercises 34 Half Curl 34 Tiny Steps 36 Side Leg Lift Prep 38 Rolling Like a Ball 40 Spine Stretch II 42 Spine Twist 44 Roll-down 46 Bridge I 48 Single-leg Circles 50 The Hundred I 52 Single-leg Stretch 54 Double-leg Stretch 56 The Rising Swan 58 Child’s Pose 60 Plank Roll-down 62 Thigh Rock-back 64 Tendon Stretch 66 Single-leg Balance 68 The Windmill 70 Heel Beats 72 Beginner Sample Sequences 74 CoNTeNTSintermediate exercises 76 Plank with Leg Lift 76 Leg Pull-back 78 The Seal 80 The Saw 82 The Crisscross 84 The Scissors 86 Teaser I 88 Side Kick I 90 Side Passé 92 Bicycle Kick 94 The Roll-up 96 Single-leg Kick 98 Plank Press-up 100 Rollover/Hip Up 102 The Mermaid 104 Swimming 106 Side Bend I 108 Bridge II 110 Neck Pull 112 The Hundred II 114 Intermediate Sample Sequences 116 Advanced exercises 118 The Twist 118 Side Kick II 120 Teaser II 122 open-leg Rocker 124 Double-leg Kick 126 Short Plank 128 Leg Pull-down 130 Hip Twist 132 Seal with Foot Clap 134 Side Bend II 136 Push-up 138 Side Leg Lift 140 Kneeling Side Kick I 142 oblique Roll-down 144 Bridge III 146 Jackknife 148 Corkscrew 150 Kneeling Side Kick II 152 Control Balance 154 The Star 156 Advanced Sample Sequences 158 Credits and Acknowledgments 160