Book Description
This Millenium Edition includes the only two published works of Joseph Pilates. Newly copyrighted, edited and revised, this book makes available in one volume all of his early Twentieth Century philosophies, principles, and theories about health and fitness, as well as the exercises, poses, and instructions fundamental to his exciting fitness program. He bases his work on the concept of a balanced Body and Mind and on the approach espoused by the early Greeks.


From the Back Cover
This Millenium Edition includes the only two published works of Joseph Pilates. Newly copyrighted, edited and revised, this book makes available in one volume all of his early Twentieth Century philosophies, principles, and theories about health and fitness, as well as the exercises, poses, and instructions fundamental to his exciting fitness program. He bases his work on the concept of a balanced Body and Mind and on the approach espoused by the early Greeks. Joseph Pilates has been nothing short of revolutionary in his impact on the world of fitness and exercise. You will learn in this book his observations and conclusions about people's approach to physical fitness. He describes the results of decades of scientific study, experimentation and research into the variety of troubles and ills that upset the balance of body and mind. You will also learn every single one of his original 34 mat exercises taught to his own students. Living testimony to the validity of his own teachings, Joseph Pilates shares in these writings his fundamental tenets of posture, body mechanics, correct breathing, spinal flexibility, physical education, and his law of natural exercises. It is a fascinating look into Pilates' original thinking and represents the foundation of an entire discipline embraced by fitness enthusiasts, health educators, and exercise trainers around the world.


Excerpted from A Pilates' Primer : The Millennium Edition by Joseph Pilates, William Miller, Judd Robbins. Copyright © 2000. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
INTRODUCTION to the MILLENNIUM EDITION by Judd Robbins and Lin Van-Heuit Robbins Certified Trainers in The Matwork Developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates This new printing of Joseph Pilates' original 1934 and 1945 works retains the original photographs and step-by-step poses and accompanying instructions. While some of the latest research in the fitness world might suggest caution when performing some of these poses and exercises, the overall program of exercises developed at the turn of the 20th Century remains astoundingly effective and beneficial for fitness enthusiasts in the 21st Century. As with all exercise programs, you should consult your doctor before commencing to follow any or all of the exercises and poses presented in this book. The overall impact of Joseph Pilates' exercises can be extraordinarily beneficial to anyone suffering from a variety of physical weaknesses. However, the exercises are most effective when presented to beginners by a trainer who has studied the matwork instructions as well as the fundamental physiological and biomechanical aspects of the body so analytically coordinated into the exercises by Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates preached the benefits of a perfect balance of body and mind. He coupled his own gymnastics and martial arts background with a keen analytical approach to body mechanics, posture, and correct breathing. When we began to experience his recommendations for exercises, postural modifications, and breathing mechanisms, we truly began to feel like converts. Both of us are certified by the PhysicalMind Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the matwork originally developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates. We've read and use the principles offered in many fitness books, from yoga to stretching to strength training. Joseph Pilates created a truly effective combination of strengthening and stretching that can work well for virtually every body. With the right instruction and guidance, some or all of Pilates' recommendations can demonstrably improve anybody's health and fitness levels.

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