Pilates Anatomy Paperback – March 10, 2011

As a Pilates educator, I am always on the lookout for good reference books to use whilst teaching Pilates anatomy classes in my studio's instructor certification program. This text is an excellent resource for trainee Pilates instructors and certified instructors, alike. It is written by Rael Isakowitz, Pilates practitioner and author, and Karen Clippinger, a dance/Pilates professor and author of Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology. Together, they tackle Pilates-applied anatomy in a useful and straightforward way, using examples directly from the Pilates mat repertoire. They offer many detailed and clear explanations, accompanied by illustrations, drawings and charts, which help the reader to visualize and contextualize the anatomical knowledge with Pilates applications. I urge Pilates instructors and students alike to purchase this book for their reference libraries.

I LOVE this book. It is a great book for someone who likes to know the nitty gritty of every little bit of what they are doing and why. When I took Pilates lessons my instructor became a little annoyed by my constant questioning about which muscles are we working, how does this affect this set of muscles, what can I do to improve this, and how can I modify this is I have a certain limitation. I think she felt that I was slowing down my learning but for me it was because I wanted to understand so I could do it just right. (or maybe it reminded her of a 3 year old asking questions for which she had no answers). Many people (especially those who are not learning to do Pilates for fun) may find this book filled with too many anatomical details but I think that they would still like it because it gives lots of info (what they refers to as cues) so that you can learn to do it right (not everyone lives near a Pilates studio or can afford classes). If you prefer to learn by watching then this may not be the book for you but I think that you could still benefit from information on technique and modifications. If you feel overwhelmed by scientific names or don't really care about the mechanics of the exercise, stick with a class or CD or Amazon prime video. Also I don't recommend any books on Kindle except for little mini guides and fiction or poetry. As Kindle works now it is not the best format for reference books or complex cookbooks or exercise - anything where the material references back to another part of the book - like this one.

This book gives you the inside knowledge of what Pilates Exercises are accomplishing as per each muscle group. I believe it gives you more incentive to work out knowing this information. It doesn't mean that one needs to attain the knowledge of a physician in order to understand the general concepts. It helps you shape your workout to your needs, I believe. I have been doing Pilates for 3 months with a Personal Trainer and have seen the results but wanted to know more about the subject. I think one day I may become a personal trainer myself as I am very enthusiastic about Pilates. I have worked with weights all my life but I believe Pilates is easier on the joints and yet gives you very good results in muscle tone, balance, and that very famous 'core' strength. In summary, it you want to delve a little bit more into the philosophy of Pilates exercises and how they affect your muscles, and your muscle tone, this is an excellent book and easy to read, and has illustrations as well.

Here is a book that makes sense in both its useful layout and excellent visuals. As a Pilates instructor, I am always on the hunt for books that I can use as a resource and that can double as a teaching tool when shared with my students. Pull out this book anytime you want to gain information about form, synergistic muscle relationships while performing the exercises, as well as the ever helpful Technique Cues and Exercise Notes that help to flesh out each exercise. The very helpful Exercise Finder at the back of the book enhance this user-friendly book by Karen Clippinger and Rael Isacowitz. What this book offers that so many others omit, is this: Clear labels on each diagram...and fabulous illustrations.

Among other factors like smoking history, diet, and family and medical history, doctors look at these markers to measure a person’s health: flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance. "Pilates Anatomy" builds on all four of these areas in this 10-chapter book. It’s a deep dive look into a well-being philosophy that originated in Germany at the turn of the century.For the mainstream, home-based user, this “illustrated” anatomy guide is a little dense - it feels more geared toward instructors or studio managers. The “Look Inside” feature is an accurate depiction of the 200+-page workbook, so if that preview appeals to you, and you are building your knowledge base to professional-level expertise, then this is an excellent resource.If, however, you are looking to expand your yoga or regular fitness routine with a Pilates workout, I recommend Anatomy of Fitness Pilates, instead.

As a Pilates instructor, I have bought many anatomy books, textbooks and dvds over the years, all with merit but none that specifically address Pilates anatomy with such accuracy and profound insight. This is it, folks! Not just an anatomy textbook, this comprehensive book gives you an in depth understanding of over 45 mat exercises, including step-by-step movement and breathing instructions, modifications, technique cues, muscles used and insightful side notes, not to mention the wonderful illustrations showing the proper form and activated muscles used for each exercise. Whether newbie or seasoned pro, no matter where you are on your Pilates journey, you must have this book! Thank you, Rael and Karen, for such an amazing gift. I hope this is just the first in a series that will also include the apparatus as well!