Science of Pilates: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice

I've been teaching pilates and yoga for over 30 years and this book has definitely added to my skills and repetoire. It might not be the best way to teach yourself but for teachers or people with class experience looking to develop a home practice it is perfect - especially if you use the recommended routines to develop your practice.All the mat pilates exercises are covered with progressions and modifications and, unlike many other books, explanations of the benfits of each exercise so you can buid balanced routines.Exercises are grouped into sections of stability, rotatory, strength and mobility making it easy to select a balanced range of exercises. There are a range of programmes at the end (3 beginners which can be mixed and matched, 5 intermediate and 5 advanced) and lots of other specific programmes for sports, specific health issues, back problems.The background sections are really useful without being too long and tedious and include a couple of pages on advances in anatomical research which explain why we teach differently now compared to the original 60s exercises. An introduction to muscle slings which although short and basic is enough for understanding where pain and tension can originate from and might inspire you to learn more about this area. Then sections on how pilates helps with pain, stress and aniety - great for your sales technique.

Excellent book really explains the body and how Pilates can work and help. Explains the movements too.

I’m not a Pilaties teacher but I use APPI Pilates as both exercises and pain relief. I’m also a nurse of over 44 yrs, an academic and suffer of back pain and congenital spine problems, so in all I have been looking forward to reading this book. I was not disappointed, it’s well laid out, linked to contemporary evidence and follows the APPI instructions that I have been used to with both Physio instructions and the APPI TV classes ( of which Tracey teaches on). The anatomy sections are brilliant in showing how it all links to our body, the instructions are clear, I learnt new things and consolidated what I thought was correct. The range from novice to advanced is clear, some advanced moves I will never be able to achieve but in all a fantastic complement to my Pilaties kit. Bought in my husbands name but used in my own - Sharon

This book is really well written. Love the use of pictures and illustration to break up text. It explains the different postures in detail and the benefits of each. The book explains the muscles that come into play. So helpful

Fantastic book to read, even if one is at a more advanced level, but especially if you are a beginner.It’s a straight to the point, yet packed full with all the necessary knowledge, to proceed correctly with Pilates. I would add, this book is a great background for those that are in need for clinical Pilates. There’s a lot of clinical input in this book. I’m a qualified healthcare and I’ve read several books of its kind. This one and Elisa Whiters’s ‘Back to life’ are my companions in improving my chronic back conditionI like this book so much so that I bought it in both formats, kindle and hardback.

Excellent book , and really helpful in understanding the mechanics of Pilates .

This book is really well researched and written and beautifully illustrated. It explains the different postures in great detail and the benefits and explains the muscles that come into play. This book would be very helpful for anyone who is looking to improve their technique or to teach the postures correctly. Highly recommended.

Very good informative book for anyone interested in Pilates. I teach group fitness and have used this book as reference. I have another in this series too.