Pilates Anatomy

Pilates has splintered into many "schools or approaches," much like yoga, leaving some of us confused as to which version is closest to the original. This book is as close to the original as is possible, so you can relax in the knowledge that reading it will give you an in-depth understanding of the original intent. That understanding will serve you well regardless which variation of the technique you later wish to pursue or, if you are already immersed in a variation, you will gain a deeper understanding of how your program may vary and why.

It's no surprise that this is a beautifully illustrated and well-written guide to how Pilates affects our musculature considering that one of the authors, Rael Isacowitz, has studied for three decades with the first-generation of students who had been directly taught by Joseph and Claire Pilates. Furthermore, this text has been based on one of two books written by Joseph Pilates himself, Return to Life Through Contrology.

This direct-lineage is important if you value authenticity. Pilates is wildly popular because it works. Getting information from the source is crucial to understanding how and why it works and making it work more effectively. Students of Reiki know that their teachers will authenticate how many "removes" they are from the originator of the techniques. Knowing you are getting information and counsel from someone who is only "two removes" from Pilates himself is important in the same way.

The other author, Karen Clippinger, brings over three decades of experience in teaching anatomy, devoting more than half of that time to bringing Pilates into academic and rehabilitation centers. That these two incredibly experienced and talented people would come together to develop this book is a blessing to teachers and students of Pilates because it does not exclude any varying interpretation of Pilates; it provides a foundation for and an enhancement of each.

If you don't include an understanding of anatomy in your teaching or practice of Pilates, you undermine its effectiveness. With a solid appreciation of how each movement utilizes and affects specific muscle groups, you can maximize your practice and minimize injuries. This book allows you to see those groups and that helps you visualize your movements in a way that mere words cannot achieve.

What I found particularly useful was understanding the six key principles: breathing, concentrating, centering, controlling, being precise, and flowing from one movement into another. After all, Pilates called his system contrology so knowing how to control or make the connection between your mind and body is essential.

Be sure to read the discussion on the Science of Breathing because, unless you breath properly, you are essentially wasting your time in any exercise. You need to oxygenate your muscles to allow them to perform well, and proper breathing will make you feel as healthier and exercise more effectively. Students of yoga and meditation already know how important disciplined breath is and will appreciate the emphasis and explanations in this book.

As I age, I find it increasing difficult to maintain a youthful posture. I slump and sag with stress and fatigue and long for more upright posture and smoother, more graceful carriage. Iscaowitz and Clippinger cannot guarantee that I get back to that state, but their discussion of what proper alignment of the spine and the function of core muscles surely puts me firmly on the path back to a healthier and happier state of being.

Make no mistake, this is a book for mat work. I own a Pilates machine, but this book is going to have me back on the floor as well. You will see exactly how you should place and align your body. They tell you how to execute each movement, which muscles are directly affected and which muscles offer secondary support to the movement. There are lists of clues to making each movement more effective as well as suggestions for modifications and variations. I enjoyed the Exercise Notes in particular because the notes provide the context and purpose of each movement which helps someone like me who follows instruction much better if I know the rationale behind them. The authors not only discuss what to do, how to do it, but why doing it is important.

I also liked the section on how to customize your own Pilates program and the Exercise Finder at the end of the book. The Exercise Finder helps you understand which of the modern movements were not in the original text of Joseph Pilates in case that is important to you.

This book complements everything I've learned as a Reiki Master and as beginning student of yoga because its emphasis is on understanding and respecting your body, breath, and the mind-body connection. I consider this an important addition to my library and am grateful I was granted a chance to review it through the Library Thing's Early Reviewer program.

Human Kinetics, the publisher, has once again gathered an impressive graphic arts team and the illustrations of Molly Borman clarify and communicate the information necessary to understand how the movements involve and impact the body. From the early general discussions of breathing and skeletal structures to the specific movements, the illustrations make the instructions and cautions come alive. If there are specific parts of your body where you want to effect change these illustrations will help you visualize the process and results. That alone makes the book worth more than its modest price. Being able to know how what you are doing is actually working makes this book invaluable

I love anatomy books --- especially the ones that tell me what muscles I work doing certain exercises or movements. To the already impressive lineup of anatomy books put out by this exceptional fitness publisher is now added Pilates Anatomy by Rel Isacowitz and Karen Clippinger.

Pilates Anatomy presents a visual perspective on correct alignment, posture, and movements. You'll get an inside view of your workout. It includes 213 illustrations with 96 in full-color and step-by-step instructions for 46 of the most effective mat exercises for building a stronger, more articulate body.

The contents include:

Chapter 1. Six Key Principles of Pilates
Chapter 2. Spine, Core, and Body Alignment
Chapter 3. Muscles, Movement Analysis, and Mat Work
Chapter 4. Foundation for a Mat Session
Chapter 5. Abdominal Work for Movement and Stabilization
Chapter 6. Fine Articulation for a Flexible Spine
Chapter 7. Bridging for a Functional Spine
Chapter 8. Side Exercises for an Effective Core
Chapter 9. Extensions for a Strong Back
Chapter 10. Customizing Your Pilates Program

The book has great instructions on how to do each exercise and what muscles are being worked. Several views are included -- the start position, the movement and a larger graphic showing the muscles worked.

The execution of the exercise is provided step-by-step. The targeted muscles are described along with the accompanying muscles. In addition, technique cues are given along with important exercise notes and additional graphics when needed to provide a full explanation.

This book is priceless in planning your palates workout. It's a must-have guide and I highly recommend it to you.

-- Susanna K. Hutcheson
  - Link: http://www.amazon.com/Pilates-Anatomy-Rael-Isacowitz/dp/0736083863