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

I found it easy to look at the pictures and directions while moving through the routines.

I especially appreciate the beginning beginners section. It encourages me to go on when I might become overwhelmed by the full routine. The conditions in my left leg have made most exercise difficult or impossible. But with the above mentioned improvement, I have recommended the book to others, and plan to give it to my daughters.

The choice of paper stock use for the cover and body of the book is so enjoyable to touck; it just adds one more dimension to the total pleasure this books brings to my life.


A novice veiw point - the best Pilates Book!   December 14, 2000
A. Woodley (New Zealand)
164 out of 165 found this review helpful

As a complete novice on Pilates and its background I started looking at all the books I could on the subject a few months ago. I had read about Pilates in the Daily Telegraph - the first time I had ever heard of the programme.

There are two points I have to make as a novice - 1 -I'd never heard of Pilates before - and so I wanted to read as much as I could and try things out before I bought and - 2 - there are some very very good books out there on the subject . So I am definitely not an expert opinion here but just an enthusiastic amateur. And I am enthusiastic about it.

First off - if you haven't tried Pilates before - like I hadn't - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by just how easy and fun the exercises are. Every book I read emphasised the need to move up the level of difficulty slowly - which means I have made very noticeable improvements, but I really enjoy the exercises each day. Its a bit like yoga and certainly uses some parts of yoga in the exercises - only I find I domy Pilates exercises where I never really liked yoga that much.

Why do I like this book better than the others I used? Well I found the programme and the explanations which Siler used the best. Each Pilates book I read seemed to have slightly different combinations of exercises and different orders - but all the exercises are essentially the same so I don't know if there is really that much basic difference in them. In the end I just preferred the order and the presentation of Siler's book. She has all the philosophy of and explanations of Pilates in the first few pages. What I liked best though was the is a two page 'order' of exercises - where each exercise is a small picture to remind you of where you are up to.

Following that each exercise is given a double page spread with one page devoted to what to do put in simple bullet points, and the facing page a bullet point list of things to concentrate on while doing the exercise.

So while I did like many of the other Pilates books I found this one the best.


Worthwhile Investment   March 12, 2000
149 out of 153 found this review helpful

After reading about the Pilates Method in magazines for months now, I decided to try it for myself. When I began to look through the book, the models really discouraged me. They looked so athletic and flexible. I kept thinking "theres's no way I'm going to look like this!" But then I actually began reading the book; the introduction and thorough explanation of the Pilates Method. The more I read, the more I was incouraged to start. I started out with the modified beginner exercises and within the first week, my legs and stomach felt tighter, yet flexible. I found this book an excellent way to introduce and instruct the Pilates Method. Each exercise is clearly described and pictured. Sure, the Advanced exercises are still intimidating, but I definitely feel better about myself at having started the program. I actually look forward to exercising every morning before work. Pilates has also helped relieve tension in my lower back. I would encourage anyone who is bored with sit ups and aerobics to read Brooke's book and try the Pilates Method. You'll be glad you did!


BROOKE SILER DESERVES A MEDAL FOR WRITING THIS BOOK   June 6, 2000
Sascha from ABSOLUTION (Los Angeles, CA)
142 out of 147 found this review helpful

As the owner of a Pilates based studio in Los Angeles, I have been looking for ages for a book to recommend to our clients at ABSOLUTION, especially for those who can't afford to work out with us but who would like the benefits of a Pilates-based workout. It is with extreme pleasure that we endorse this book with every fiber of our hard-earned PILATES bodies!

Beginning the practice of Pilates can be a life changing, truly joyful experience that does not require a model's figure or loads of cash... Who needs the added stress? FINALLY There is an instructor capable of translating (with boundless enthusiasm) the exercises for all who are willing to take the time to learn. As she explains, all that is needed is a positive attitude and enough space to stretch out your body at full length. ABSOLUTION is dedicated to sharing Pilates with all who wish to try it, so we will continue to insist that all our instructors and clients read this book if they are to understand the spirit in which Joe Pilates created this fantastic form of excercise. We have copies all over the studio. BRAVO!


A User-Friendly Guide to Pilates Workout   March 17, 2000
103 out of 107 found this review helpful

I bought this book based on the reviews I read here, and I am happy to report that the reviews were right! This is a very user-friendly, extremely informative book for somebody like me, who has been interested in knowing what the recent craze is all about. Low-key, but full of practical information about the exercise and its philosophy behind it, it inspired me to start this very promising workout. It explains each movement thoroughly and shows the entire flow of exercise, using photos. I cannot wait to master all the moves. I hope the author will make a video based on this book soon!