Product Description

This book represents the first major publication in 1934 by Joseph H. Pilates and includes his early Twentieth Century philosophies, principles, and theories about health and fitness. He bases his work on the concept of a balanced Body and Mind, drawing on the approach espoused by the early Greeks. While some of his personal philosophies reflected early 20th Century viewpoints, his athletic and fitness doctrines were years ahead of his time.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26762 in Books
• Published on: 1998-12-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 64 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780961493783
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

From the Back Cover
This book represents the first major publication in 1934 by Joseph H. Pilates and includes his early Twentieth Century philosophies, principles, and theories about health and fitness. He bases his work on the concept of a balanced Body and Mind, drawing on the approach espoused by the early Greeks. While some of his personal philosophies reflected early 20th Century viewpoints, his athletic and fitness doctrines were years ahead of his time.

Joseph Pilates has been nothing short of revolutionary in his impact on the world of fitness and exercise. You will learn in this book his observations and conclusions about people's approach to physical fitness. He describes the results of decades of scientific study, experimentation and research into the variety of troubles and ills that upset the balance of body and mind.

Pilates makes extraordinary claims about the benefits of his defined science of "Contrology" and very specifically defines this science for all to read and understand. He was living testimony to the validity of his own teachings. In this book, he exemplifies and clarifies the beneficial impact of his work.

In this book, you will learn Joseph Pilates' fundamental tenets of posture, body mechanics, and correct breathing. You will discover his first teachings about spinal flexibility, physical education, and his law of natural exercises. It is a fascinating look into Pilates' original thinking and analysis and represents the foundation of an entire discipline embraced by fitness enthusiasts, health educators, and exercise trainers around the world.

About the Author

Customer Reviews

Pilates - Your Health
I have been studying the Pilates Method for about 3 years now. This book along with "Return to Life Through Contrology" has enabled me to more fully understand the Pilates method of exercise. It is not just exercise - it is a way of life. If you are a beginner it would be wise to choose one of the newer books to help you get started but, I would also purchase this book and Return to Life Through Contrology so that you can more fully understand the principals behind the method. I refer to my copies often for information and instruction. These are small, paperback, black and white books...but, they pack a great deal of information into their little package!

Interesting reading
I think that the book gives you some insight as to what kind of a person Joseph Pilates was, and where so many of his exercises stem from.. thinking of that era, and what was available at the time. It's always good to look back to see where we have come from and how we have progressed and changed. It may be a book that I would refer back to, but does not make for "light" reading.

Ultimate source of the Pilates method
This book and "Return to Life through Contrology" written by Joseph Pilates are the ultimate sources for understanding the philosophy and motivation behind the Pilates method. I think they are a must for people who love and practice Pilates. Not an easy read, but you don't have to understand every expression and word to get the meaning of them. What really comes through from these books is how passionate Joseph Pilates was about his methods and teachings. You will also find that not only he had an extensive and vast knowledge of human biomechanics but also he widely understood physics, biology and was able to make the connections that we just now are coming to understand. He truly was a pioneer and ages (not just years!) ahead of his time. On top of all that he was a brilliant inventor.