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Book Review: Pilates, by Rael Isakowitz

About.com Rating five out of Five

By Marguerite Ogle, About.com

Updated: November 28, 2006

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Pilates Books

Pilates - by Rael Isakowitz

BASI Pilates

The Bottom Line

This is a magnificent work from Rael Isakowitz, one of the great Pilates masters of our time. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for for detailed insight into Pilates theory and practice. It is a book dedicated to the serious Pilates student, and will make a valuable addition to any practitioners library.

Pros
  • Beautiful introduction to Pilates workout theory
  • Thorough review of Pilates mat and apparatus work
  • Exercises are given for beginner through advanced level
  • Exercises are explained well
  • Fully illustrated with photos
Cons
  • The languaging of this book is not suited to the beginner

Description

  • 210 exercises are presented, with photos and good descriptions.
  • This book includes exercises for beginner through advanced levels.
  • Exercise descriptions include muscle focus, objectives, modifications, and imagery.
  • Isacowitz does use exercise science language throughout the book.
  • One should be familiar with basic terms of anatomy, and movement such as adductor, abductor, flexion and extension.
  • 3 Chapters are provide a detailed introduction to Pilates.

Guide Review - Book Review: Pilates, by Rael Isakowitz

Pilates, from Rael Isacowitz, is a beautifully put together book. It covers a tremendous amount of information about Pilates exercises from mat work to reformer, cadillac, barrel and wunda chair.

While Isakowitz's book is paperback with black and white photos, it is a large book and somewhat hefty book, with a dramatic cover, and the overall impression is almost that of a coffee table book. However, with over 300 pages of detailed exercise descriptions and Pilates exercise theory, this is not a book to just have lying around. This is a book that will see repeated use.

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