Pilates Anatomy: A Comprehensive Guide (Anatomies of)

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. Contents......Page 5 Introduction......Page 7 The Pilates Method......Page 9 Pilates Basics......Page 13 The Stretches......Page 17 Hamstring Stretch......Page 19 ITB Stretch......Page 20 Hip Flexor Stretch......Page 21 Quadriceps Stretch......Page 22 Runner’s Stretch......Page 23 Soleus Stretch......Page 24 Piriformis Stretch......Page 25 Lumbar Stretch......Page 26 Spine Stretch I......Page 27 Triceps Stretch......Page 28 Latissimus Dorsi Stretch......Page 29 Neck Flexion......Page 31 Side-bend Stretch......Page 32 The Exercises......Page 33 Half Curl......Page 35 Tiny Steps......Page 37 Side Leg Lift Prep......Page 39 Rolling Like a Ball......Page 41 Spine Stretch II......Page 43 Spine Twist......Page 45 Roll-down......Page 47 Bridge I......Page 49 Single-leg Circles......Page 51 The Hundred I......Page 53 Single-leg Stretch......Page 55 Double-leg Stretch......Page 57 The Rising Swan......Page 59 Child’s Pose......Page 61 Plank Roll-down......Page 63 Thigh Rock-back......Page 65 Tendon Stretch......Page 67 Single-leg Balance......Page 69 The Windmill......Page 71 Heel Beats......Page 73 Beginner Sample Sequences......Page 75 Plank with Leg Lift......Page 77 Leg Pull-back......Page 79 The Seal......Page 81 The Saw......Page 83 The Crisscross......Page 85 The Scissors......Page 87 Teaser I......Page 89 Side Kick I......Page 91 Side Passé......Page 93 Bicycle Kick......Page 95 The Roll-up......Page 97 Single-leg Kick......Page 99 Plank Press-up......Page 101 Rollover/Hip Up......Page 103 The Mermaid......Page 105 Swimming......Page 107 Side Bend I......Page 109 Bridge II......Page 111 Neck Pull......Page 113 The Hundred II......Page 115 Intermediate Sample Sequences......Page 117 The Twist......Page 119 Side Kick II......Page 121 Teaser II......Page 123 Open-leg Rocker......Page 125 Double-leg Kick......Page 127 Short Plank......Page 129 Leg Pull-down......Page 131 Hip Twist......Page 133 Seal with Foot Clap......Page 135 Side Bend II......Page 137 Push-up......Page 139 Side Leg Lift......Page 141 Kneeling Side Kick I......Page 143 Oblique Roll-down......Page 145 Bridge III......Page 147 Jackknife......Page 149 Corkscrew......Page 151 Kneeling Side Kick II......Page 153 Control Balance......Page 155 The Star......Page 157 Advanced Sample Sequences......Page 159 Credits and Acknowledgments......Page 161

Pilates Anatomy takes you into a new dimension of this world-renowned exercise system that develops muscle synergy and body alignment. Photographs and illustrations demonstrate how target muscles work in each exercise. Step-by-step instructions for each movement and a variety of workouts tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners will help you achieve a strong, fit body.

Also included is a full-color poster with a detailed guide to anatomy and key Pilates movements for every part of the body.

"Photographs and illustrations demonstrate how target muscles work in each evercise. Step-by-step instructions for each movement and a variety of workouts tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners will help you achieve a strong, fit body"--Page 4 of cover "Photographs and illustrations demonstrate how target muscles work in each evercise. Step-by-step instructions for each movement and a variety of workouts tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners will help you achieve a strong, fit body"--Dos de la couv