The Pilates Back Book: Heal Neck, Back, and Shoulder Pain with Easy Pilates Stretches

I had purchased Ungaro's Body in Motion and Siler's Pilates Body to begin doing pilates, as they were generally the most respected texts. But my back couldn't handle the most basic level of some of the introductory exercises. This book, however, along with King and Green's Back Strengthening Workout, has given me a sequence of exercises and modifications that (I can already feel after two weeks of use) will get me where I want to be. The introduction to this book is a little too technical on anatomical detail, and the Ungaro and Siler books are superior in terms of illustration and textual guidance at the advanced levels, but without this I'd be quitting and/or hurting before I ever got going with Pilates.

I've looked at many excercise books and I have found that the Pilates Back Book really stands out. What I like about it is that there are color pictures for every excercise, illustrating them step by step. Furthermore, the pictures aren't interrupted by writing, except for verbal descriptions of the exercise and how many times each one should be done. All of the writing about the benefits of pilates for your back and the Pilates method is in the beginning of the book. I don't do pilates consistently enough to notice changes in posture and other long-term benefits, but rather as a quick fix when my back hurts. I found that doing the exercises in the book helps my back when it is sore or tired. Because there are so many exercises, you can pick which ones you can do if you have a health restriction like arthritis. There are plently of exercises for both beginners and people who are quite limber. I also recommend checking out pilates exercises on DVD/VHS, because sometimes it's easier to get the motivation to do exercises if you are watching someone else do them along with you. One minus about the book is that it doesn't lay flat when it's opened, so it's hard to have it open and read while doing exercises at the same time.

Back problems can come from a variety of sources. Neck injuries, neck mis-alignments,torn ligaments, improper posture,short leg, and the list goes on. Each back problem, is different than the next, and should be treated differently. There isnt a one-fix all!!! For me, the main cause of my back pain, was do to, tight glutes, and hamstrings. They were so tight, that it tightened up my back muscles(back pain), and virtually every other muscle in my body. The stretching outlined in this book, really helped to lossen up those muscles, and therefore lossen up my back muscles, and therefore help get rid of back pain. You dont need any medical studies, to show this, works. Its pure common sense. The muscles in the body are interconnected, and one set of tight muscles, are prone to tighten other muscles. The book has, helped me alot. Definately worth the buy.

As owner of Orchid Pagoda Pilates in Fairfax VA was very impressed by the integrity of the editorial and ease of use of the exercises.Pilates is NOT stretching only. The key concept of Joe Pilates' work was that all movement is generated from the core. So EVERY exercise builds adbominal strength which is essential for anyone with back issues. Secondly, Pilates builds strength and flexibility simultaneously. Relaxed, flexible muscles are less likely to put stress on the skeletal system. This is the reason I personally found Pilates and after 3 months of doing Pilates 3x per week eliminated my own neck and shoulder pain which simple stretching had not helped.The book is easy to follow and the photos are first rate. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

I just purchased this book last week and am already seeing improvements in my back pain. The directions and pictures are thorough and very easy to follow. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who has back pain and wants to do something about it.