Product Description

Features a 45-minute DVD and the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball

• Includes a visual demonstration of selected exercises from the Pilates ball workout described in detail in the accompanying book • The book Pilates on the Ball has sold 90,000 copies since October 2001 • 182 b&w photographs and illustrations

In her bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, certified Pilates trainer Colleen Craig combines the effectiveness of the Pilates workout with the unique capabilities of the Swiss exercise ball, providing an innovative and low-impact way to stay fit. Now she offers a DVD in which numerous exercises from the book are demonstrated, accompanied by Craig's vocal coaching that explains each step of the exercises.

While the book Pilates on the Ball contains over 160 photographs and detailed step-by-step instructions, many users prefer to see the exercises demonstrated live in real time. The accompanying DVD allows readers to see exactly how to position the body throughout each phase of the exercise and also to see what pitfalls can occur and how to easily prevent them. Most important of all, the DVD allows the user to follow along as if in a class setting.

The Pilates on the Ball book and DVD workout shows users of all levels of fitness how to maximize the use of the ball in order to increase athletic performance, build long lean muscles, and tone the abdominal core. The DVD allows readers to take the exercises to new levels of understanding and effectiveness as they put the exercises contained in the book into practice.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #166928 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780892810956
• Condition: New
• Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Review
A unique and exciting synthesis of two highly-acclaimed fitness techniques. . . provides a new, low-impact way to get fit. -- Total Health, September/October 2001

Craig offers a unique and exciting synthesis of the Pilates Method of body conditioning and the Swiss exercise ball. -- Arizona Networking News, April/May 2002

From the Back Cover
PILATES / EXERCISE

Certified Pilates trainer Colleen Craig offers us a unique and exciting synthesis of the Pilates Method of body conditioning and the Swiss exercise ball, providing a new, low-impact way to get fit. Using the exercise ball, there is no need for the expensive equipment or studio time required in Pilates training.

Developed in the early twentieth century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method--named by many lifestyle and fitness magazines as the hottest workout of the decade--aligns the body, builds long, lean muscles, and develops core abdominal strength. The exercise ball, used by Olympic coaches, dancers, and athletes to heighten body awareness and enhance performance, provides a perfect base for performing the graceful, strength-building Pilates movements.

Throughout her program Craig integrates the mind and body, offering breathing and relaxation techniques that accompany the ballwork. The personal stories and inspirational quotes included in the text illustrate how Pilates can improve your way of life. A handy exercise log makes it possible to track your workouts and monitor your individual progress. And, most important, step-by-step instructions and more than 300 photographs detail the Pilates principles and challenge all ability levels.

Intense enough to engage seasoned athletes yet gentle enough to alleviate chronic pain and help heal injuries, Pilates on the Ball builds strong, flexible bodies and healthy minds in an innovative way.

COLLEEN CRAIG is a Certified Pilates Trainer and writer. She lives in Toronto and teaches workshops throughout the world.

About the Author
Colleen Craig is a certified Stott Pilates Trainer and writer. Her second book, Abs on the Ball, features over 100 innovative core-strengthening exercises using small and large balls. She lives in Toronto and teaches workshops throughout the world.

Customer Reviews

A Definitive Text for Pilates-style ball exercises
First, I must say that this is a beautiful book. Each exercise is described in text and with a sequence of pictures. Exquisite care was taken to layout these photographs in a practical and eye-pleasing fashion. The small drawings of muscles are quite instructive -- in the style of _Anatomy of Movement_. Generous margins are available for notes and comments.

Coleen is clearly an expert in her field. She first describes the fundamental principles of Pilates, laying a foundation for transferring those principles to the Exercise Ball. The exercises are described in detail with pointers on how to perform them safely and effectively.

My only complaints about the book are small. The book lacks an index. Given the meticulous editing/layout of the rest of the book, I fondly hope this gets addressed in a future revision. Also, the book doesn't mention the well-respected Exercise Ball body of work that Paul Chek has created. Whether or not the author endorses that work, it deserves at least a mention in the "Resources" section of the book.

In any case, I think this is a landmark book -- and well-needed. Exercise balls are being massively marketed right now; there is a crucial need for instruction on how to use these devices safely and effectively. Providing these students with a well-grounded introduction to Pilates makes it all the better.

Terrific Pilates Innovation
This is a great book. It adapts Pilates exercises to the popular fitness ball. More than just a variation on the mat workout, it provides ball substitutions for many Reformer and other equipment exercises in the Pilates program. The instability provided by the ball really requires one to focus on balance and posture. Colleen Craig provides clear detailed instruction and photos on all aspects of each exercise including the difficult but important breathing timing. Her video is just as good as the book and assists with visualizing the exercises.

New idea in exercise
As a family doctor, I have always recommended Pilates exercises to my patients. It is a safe, effective and medically very logical exercise program.
Colleen Craig has taken the Pilates system a big step further by utilizing the exercise ball. Her book has clear text, good photos, and helpful case histories to explain the techniques. It has everything needed to embark on an excellent exercise program.
Highly recommended.

J. Gibson M.D., C.C.F.P.