The Complete Guide to Joseph H. Pilates' Technique of Physical Conditioning

I originally borrowed this book from the public library because I had heard so much about the Pilates method but did not want to pay the ridiculous studio fees to attend classes. The exercises are easy to do, effective and well described in this book. I renewed it so many times I decided to give in and buy my own copy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to try Pilates at home. There are so many exercises described in detail that you will not get bored because you change your routine as you become more advanced. My body is different after only 6 weeks and I know it will work for you too.

This book is one of the most comprehensive guides to learning and teaching Pilates. It is complete and thorough in providing a background of the Pilates method, emphasizes posture, and descriptively explains and demonstrates the beginner, intermediate, and advance techniques of various exercises. It is the total package and great tool for anyone using Pilates!

As a Pilates instructor I found this to be a very thorough and informative book. I have recommended this book to many of my clients for home study and to aid in their repatterning process. This is a book that has kept the original matwork as its backbone and enhanced it with current physiotherapy ideas and neutral body placement. I felt the first section of the book was clear, concise, and really guided the student through the journey of body awareness. The second section which covers the exercises themselves was uniquely thought out. The pictures are excellent and the cues and corrections are structured in such a way as to aid, rather than distract the learner. I have read many of the books currently on the market and I feel that this is one of the best for students of the Pilates method - from beginner to advanced.

I bought this book because I also have a rugby-related back injury (which is what brought Mr. Menezes to Pilates). As a complete novice to Pilates, I found the extensive descriptions and photographs very helpful. Pilates is a very complex and versatile set of exercises, combined in different ways for those recovering from injuries or in good health. Mr. Menezes first explains the philosophy behind Pilates (with illustrations) and then moves on to detail an enormous variety of mat excercises. He includes recommended work-outs, from basic to very advanced, along with an entire chapter on how to tailor work-outs to recover from specific injuries or weaknesses. All excercises can be done at home without equipment. Each description includes what to focus on and what to watch out for - this allows you to self-correct and maximize the benefit from each exercise. After just a few work-outs, I am already experiencing less pain and more mobility. I also feel much stronger. I am extremely excited about Pilates and look forward to using this book for years.

This is an excellent reference to the matwork exercises. Each exercise is explained in detail, with clear illustrations and breathing instructions. Also, Chapter 6 has great recommendations of exercises for specific problems, ie. back pain, weak knees etc. Keep in mind it is best to learn from a trainer, this book will not tell you if you are doing it wrong!!