The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body--Without Machines

Author Brooke Siler, who trained with Romana Kryzanowska, the oldest living protege of Joseph Pilates, organizes her book impeccably. After discussing proper alignment and ways to modify the exercises for those with neck, knee, or lower back pain, she jumps right into the 60-plus exercises, which are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. What differentiates Siler's book from the other Pilates titles is that she includes a disclaimer about the models: "The models in this book have been training in the Pilates method for years. Although their bodies may seem to represent an unrealistic ideal for many, they have worked hard to achieve their fitness goals. I hope in earnest that they do not intimidate but inspire." Also, each exercise is given a two-page spread of its own, and is accompanied by clear photographs and helpful graphics. For example, for the "inner-thigh lifts," there's an illustration suggesting that you imagine a stack of books on the lifting leg to help you increase resistance. Each exercise also includes what Siler calls "The Inside Scoop," or tips she's learned from training hundreds of clients. These include the main goal of the exercise; simple modifications for beginners; important keys to remember while doing the move; and no-nos to prevent injury. While it's important to concentrate and get the technique of each exercise down, Siler's book is perfect for anyone looking for a simple exercise program that promises results, requires a minimum of time, and can be done at home or while traveling. --Erica Jorgensen

Product Description
The Pilates method may be today's hottest exercise, but it has been endorsed by physicians for almost a century. Originally developed by Joseph H. Pilates to help strengthen and condition muscles, Pilates is the ultimate mind-body exercise for anyone who wants to tone, streamline, and realign their body without the bulked-up results of more conventional workout methods.

Now, in The Pilates Body, author Brooke Siler--one of the most sought-after personal trainers in the country and owner of New York's top studio for Pilates training, re:AB--provides a complete, easy-to follow program of Pilates exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime, and without machines.

With step-by-step instructions, Siler guides the reader through the complete circuit of mat exercises, each of which is clearly illustrated by photographs, line drawings, and unique visualization exercises. With Pilates you will not only streamline your figure--you will dramatically improve your posture, flexibility, and balance, and enhance your physical and emotional well-being. The Pilates Body shows you how.

I bought this book over 6 months ago, as I felt I needed more than just a regular workout on an elliptical machine. I wrote a review on it shortly after I started and I wanted to update that as a number of people have emailed me for more information.

Some background. I'm 43, female and 25% overweight, not exactly your svelte exerciser, so I knew I needed a routine that wouldn't hurt but would would get results. I work in an office and nothing is worse than sitting at your desk all day aching from the previous day's exercises.

I started as recommended with Modified beginner exercises, the seven basic exercises and did this for about 3 weeks. No pain but some tightness I could feel in my abdomen. As I became confident, I moved onto the regular beginner exercises. Basically, I used my ability to do the "hundred" as a measure of when I was able to move on. I could see my progress from day to day. It was really neat. I did the exercises at least 5 days/week.

As time went on I added more exercises from the full program. One or two each week depending on if they were similar or really hard to do. Some were, some weren't. Still no pain. I am now doing almost all (over 95%) of all, but the advanced exercises at least 5 days/week along with my elliptical machine routine and some weight lifting for my arms. I don't have time, I make time. In my opinion, this is as important as paying my bills. In someways, this is just what I'm doing.

One question, I have been asked is am I seeing muscle definition. The answer is definitely yes. I am still overweight. I'm working on that too (I've lost 25 pounds through just exercising), so I'm not seeing a washboard stomach, as the fat above the muscles are still obscuring them, but I can see definition of my ribs and hips, along with distinct muscles in between. This is nothing I've ever seen before, even in my skinny high school days.

One interesting measure of how far I've gone is watching my teenage children trying to mock me doing the exercises. Both are slim and in good shape, but neither can dive in and do the intermediate exercises that I'm doing with the same ease I am. In fact they are shocked they can't do more than a couple repetitions. Not because it hurts so much, but because they have not build up the strength.

That is another thing that I mentioned in my previous review, these exercises provide the feedback you need to continue on. You see it in each day in each exercise as they become easier. Also you see it in your day to day tasks.

For me, it was an excellent investment.


Best book I've seen on Pilates -- Incredible, Warm, Thorough   May 11, 2000
497 out of 503 found this review helpful

I've been interested in Pilates for a long time, but don't live anywhere near a trainer (and couldn't afford it anyway)

I read article after article until I finally purchased Sean P. Gallagher's book on Pilates.

I was so disappointed.

There was so much to concentrate on for each exercise, and so many to go through. And no matter what I did it meant purchasing expensive equipment within a few weeks (thousands of dollars worth...) I tried for a few days and then gave up in disgust.

Then I read a review for "The Pilates Body." What can I say, everything that has been said is true!

Siler recommends taking all the time you need to learn the movements, she provides modified exercises for beginners to build up to the actual exercises and she gives a much more indepth account of Pilates system than I've ever seen before.

The information on visualization and the mental aspect of a workout is not present in any other materials I have seen.

There is no strict program provided (a plus or bonus depending on how you look at it...) instead the reader is encouraged to progress at their own pace, not moving on until they have the previous movements down. Finally, instead of trying to sell the expensive equipment, Siler is the ONLY Pilates trainer I've EVER seen who says that the original system never had equipment, and that the matwork alone can give a complete workout.

I now have confidence in my ability to perform the exercises properly and effectively (though it'll take a long time, I think it will be worth it)

This has become one of my favorite books, it is so well written and effective, and most of all Warm and friendly.


An excellent explanation of Pilates   January 31, 2000
256 out of 267 found this review helpful

Pilates is a highly-touted exercise program used by some of the world's most admired bodies: those of dancers, models, and actors and actresses. Although Wellness and Fitness Centers have entered the American marketplace on a grand scale, there is a scarcity of certified Pilates instructors. This means that there is a real need for books and videos introducing the Pilates program to the public.

"The Pilates Body" is an excellent source of information about this complex workout system. It is complex because it involves unique postures and movements that utilize several muscle groups to perform. Breathing is important, as is the positioning of various parts of the body such as one's chin, feet, and shoulders.

"The Pilates Body" provides detailed information about these exercises. Brooke Siler starts out with an inspiring and motivating introduction, in which she emphasizes the importance of "combating the mind's self-deprecation" in order to succeed. She covers the fundamental principles of Pilates matwork, lists "key elements to mastering the mat," and answers frequently asked questions.

Devoted solely to matwork that can be done at home, the book is organized by type of exercise: modified beginners, the full program, advanced extras, standing arms, and cooldown. Exercises are categorized by difficulty: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and very advanced. Step by step instructions are included, as are sequences of photographs that depict a model performing the poses. Stiler includes a visual image to guide each posture; this is illustrated in the upper right corner of each page with, for example, the picture of a mermaid, of someone with a balloon tied around her chest, or someone with straps holding down her legs as she rolls up. In this way Stiler emphasizes the importance of the mind-body connection for Pilates success.

Further instructional points include the goal of the exercise, keys to success, and no-nos to avoid. The back of the book includes a directory of Pilates Studios, a glossary of terms, and information about the author.

This book is so thorough that it should answer any question about Pilates that may arise in an individual's mind, except for one: how are the equipment and accessories associated with Pilates used? That answer is found in "The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning" by Sean P. Gallagher and Romana Kryzanowska. The two books used together are an excellent resource for the would-be Pilates practitioner who does not have a Studio nearby. "The Pilates Body" is highly recommended for anyone interested in this compelling fitness program.


The Pilates Body   January 13, 2000
Linda (NH USA)
239 out of 242 found this review helpful

Ms. Siler's book is probably the most inspirational exercise/spiritual motivator that I've come across in a while. Siler has developed a program that is easy to follow, feels great and (most important) is something I really enjoy fitting into my day. I've dabbled in Pilates before but since moving to a small town, I haven't found the program locally. I'm delighted to have access to it again through The Pilates Body--the exercises are easy to follow and the book is well laid out. Check out the "no-nos" that alert you to ways you may be doing the exercises incorrectly. Most exercise books don't include these types of tips. I highly recommend Siler's book.


Pilates can change your life   April 5, 2000
211 out of 244 found this review helpful

The Pilates Method changed my life, in more ways than I can list. The changes in my body, esp. my torso & arms are amazing. I'm extremely flexible and walk taller. I started noticing improvements within 4 sessions.

However I have to tell you that I came to the program as a hardcore runner with 7% bodyfat, so the changes in definition were v. obvious and immediate.

I used to run 35 miles a week and work out 6 days a week, stretching, push-ups & sit-ups. I used to do 300 crunches a night, it would take me about 30 minutes.

Now, while I still run (it's one of my passions) I do Pilates in the evening. A full session will only take about 20 minutes. Done gracefully, with elegance, precision & speed, it's comparable to circuit training.

While I love running, it's primary benefits are cardio and to the major muscles. Pilates exercises ALL the muscles in your body, it tones, strengthens and stretches you efficiently without tiring you out. In fact, a Pilates session done correctly will energize and refresh you, it's better than a double espresso in the morning.

I am continually amazed that Joe Pilates could create such a revolutionary system, and plan to get certified so I can share this program with others.

One day I'll write my own book. In the meantime, Brooke's book seems the friendliest for beginners. The instructions are clear and precise, and the photographs & models are inspiring.

Now then: navel to spine, stretch those arms, anchor than neck, breathe deep (deeper) and begin!