Pilates - The Essential Guide - Softcover

Developed to build on the body's core strength in the back, abdominal and pelvic muscles using low impact exercises, pilates has no age limits. Regardless of your level of fitness, pilates can help everyone improve their physical fitness as well as reduce stress levels. Practising pilates also gives the added benefits of helping to alleviate pain from previous injuries and prevent new ones by strengthening those core muscles. Written by a qualified pilates instructor, this book aims to guide people through the learning process with simple instructions, diagrams and information on the basic principles behind the movements and techniques. All the information you need for a safe and effective workout can be found in this book; not only is it a fantastic start for beginners, it is also a great companion to those who are already practising pilates. The book will explain how pilates originated, the basic principles, the fundamentals of pilates, the different exercises and positions and how to move through stages one, two and three of each workout. Author: Annabel Kent

Annabel Kent is an experienced Pilates coach and is passionate about helping people of all ages to feel and look their best by working from the inside out. She started practicing Pilates mind and body exercises from an early age. Annabel was frustrated because she couldn t get her body to listen to her mind so she could achieve an effective, graceful horse riding position. Her disappointment ended when she discovered that Pilates is an ideal workout for horse riders. After taking Pilates classes she noticed a real difference, and so did her horse! Pilates strengthened her core muscles and realigned her whole body. As well as developing better body awareness, she experienced an overall feeling of well-being. This led to increased confidence in all areas of life as she both looked and felt better. Her body shape changed as she became more toned and lean. She had more energy too! Pilates was the only exercise that left Annabel wanting more, rather than simply being a chore. No surprise then that she turned her passion into a lifelong career. She is passionate about Pilates because she knows its power to transform lives. Annabel has written many articles on Pilates, health and well-being, equestrianism, and issues that effect women. She works as a Pilates coach in London.