Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure. To achieve the highest accomplishments within the scope of our capabilities in all walks of life we must constantly strive to acquire strong, healthy bodies and develop our minds to the limit of our ability.
— Joseph H. Pilates
Return to Life
Through Contrology
|
Pilates Books and More
Resources in Print for Students and Teachers
Pilates Methodology is based on sound scientific principles. If you are a student just starting out, mastering the fundamentals is paramount. If you are a teacher of Pilates, it is crucial that you understand the human musculoskeletal system and its relationship to efficient, graceful movement. These books will help.
For Students
|
Pilates Basics
by Jillian Hessel
Learn authentic Pilates from a second-generation master who has studied under Joseph Pilates' most revered students. There are a handful of fundamental skills everyone must learn before they can reap the full benefit of Pilates — and this accessible book lays them out clearly in precise and inspiring detail.
144 pages, spiral-bound
Rodale Press, May 2003
ISBN 0-87596-913-5
|
|
|
The Beginner's Guide to Pilates
by Sian Williams and Dominique Jansen
A week-by-week Pilates program, covering basic principles of effective Pilates technique and presenting basic, intermediate, and advanced positions. Includes sections on matwork and equipment, whole-body movement, and breathing and control. With a Foreword by Jillian Hessel.
96 pages, paperback
Barron's Educational Series, July 2004
ISBN 0-76412-763-2
|
For Teachers
|
Return to Life Through Contrology
by Joseph H. Pilates,
with William J. Miller and Judd Robbins
Read the monograph that started it all! This book, originally published in 1945, represents the first major publication detailing the exercises, poses, and instructions fundamental to the matwork developed by Joseph and Clara Pilates.
93 pages, paperback
Presentation Dynamics, Inc., February 1998
ISBN 0-96149-379-8
|
|
|
Anatomy of Movement
by Blandine C. Germain
This book demystifies musculoskeletal anatomy and focuses specifically on matters of bodily movement, clearly identifying areas where stress, strain, and tension can cause imbalance, discomfort, and disease. The text overflows with helpful and attractive line drawings.
289 pages, paperback
Eastland Press, October 1993
ISBN 0-93961-617-3
|
|
|
Taking Root to Fly: Articles on Functional Anatomy
by Irene Dowd
Beautifully illustrated by the author, these 10 articles cover such topics as "Finding Your Center" and "Visualizing Movement Potential," which show dance and fitness teachers how the body was designed to move efficiently and effortlessly when it is working within anatomical principles.
96 pages, paperback
Publisher: Irene Dowd; 3rd Rev. edition — August 1995
ISBN 0-96458-050-0
|
|
|
Manual of Structural Kinesiology
by Clem W. Thompson and R. T. Floyd
The logical presentation and concise writing style of this trusted text provide a straightforward look at human anatomy and its relation to movement, muscles and muscle groups, and exercises for strengthening and developing those muscles.
288 pages, paperback
McGraw-Hill Humanities, 14th edition — August 2000
ISBN 0-07240-842-1
|
|
|
Muscles: Testing & Function
by Florence Peterson Kendall and
Elizabeth Kendall McCreary
The thoroughly reorganized and updated fifth edition of this renowned classic provides unparalleled coverage of manual muscle testing, plus evaluation and treatment of faulty and painful postural conditions.
480 pages, hardcover
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 5th edition — March 2005
ISBN 0-78174-780-5
|
« top
|
 |
