This is Pilates as you’ve never seen it before.
With detailed descriptions, step-by-step instruction, and stunning full-color anatomical illustrations, Pilates Anatomy takes you inside the exercises and programs that will tone the body, stabilize the core, improve balance, and increase flexibility.
Using the original mat work of Joseph Pilates, you’ll see how key muscles are used, how variations and minor adjustments can influence effectiveness, and how breathing, alignment, posture, and movement are all fundamentally linked.
Choosing from over 45 exercises, you can target a particular body region and delve deeper to stretch, strengthen, and finely coordinate specific muscles. You’ll also find techniques for breathing, concentration, and self-awareness for a unique exercise experience that enhances your mind and your body.
Whether you are just beginning to explore the beauty and benefits of Pilates or have been practicing for years, Pilates Anatomy is a one-of-a-kind resource that you’ll refer to again and again.
Chapter 1. Six Key Principles of Pilates
Chapter 2. Spine, Core, and Body Alignment
Chapter 3. Muscles, Movement Analysis, and Mat Work
Chapter 4. Foundation for a Mat Session
Chapter 5. Abdominal Work for Movement and Stabilization
Chapter 6. Fine Articulation for a Flexible Spine
Chapter 7. Bridging for a Functional Spine
Chapter 8. Side Exercises for an Effective Core
Chapter 9. Extensions for a Strong Back
Chapter 10. Customizing Your Pilates Program
Rael Isacowitz is a world-renowned practitioner and teacher of
Pilates. He has over 30 years of Pilates achievement and is a prominent
lecturer and teacher at symposiums, universities, and studios around the
globe.
Rael earned his bachelor of education degree from the Wingate Institute,
Israel, and holds a master of arts degree in dance from the University
of Surrey, England. During his career he has worked with numerous
Olympians and many professional athletes and dancers.
Rael’s early Pilates teachers included Alan Herdman and thereafter
several of the first-generation Pilates teachers (known as the Elders).
To Kathy Grant, Ron Fletcher, Romana Kryzanowska, Eve Gentry, and Lolita
San Miguel, Rael owes the inspiration and friendship that have guided
his career.
Rael has mastered all levels of the Pilates repertoire and is noted for
his unique athleticism and passion for teaching as well as his synthesis
of body, mind, and spirit. In 1989, he founded Body Arts and Science
International (BASI Pilates), which has developed into one of the
foremost Pilates education organizations in the world. At present, BASI
Pilates is represented in 20 countries.
Rael has authored the definitive book on Pilates (Pilates, Human
Kinetics), published a series of training manuals on all the Pilates
apparatus, produced DVDs, designed the revolutionary Avalon equipment,
and created Pilates Interactive, the groundbreaking Pilates software. He
is a regular contributor to several industry publications. Creativity
and energy suffuse his work. For Rael, teaching Pilates is the ultimate
gift. Isacowitz resides in Hood River, Oregon.
Karen Clippinger is a professor at California State University at
Long Beach, where she teaches functional anatomy for dance, body
placement, Pilates, and other dance science courses. She is also on the
faculty for Body Arts and Science International (BASI Pilates), where
she teaches Pilates certification programs. Furthermore, she teaches
continuing education courses for BASI Pilates and other prominent
organizations.
Ms. Clippinger holds a master’s degree in exercise science. Her lifelong
passion is to make anatomical and biomechanical principles accessible so
that people can better understand their bodies, improve technique, and
prevent injuries. Her textbook, Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology,
exemplifies this mission; reviewers have lauded the book for its
combination of scientific comprehensiveness and practical wisdom.
Before joining academia, Clippinger worked as a clinical kinesiologist
for 22 years at Loma Linda University Medical Center and several sports
medicine clinics in Seattle. She has worked with hundreds of
professional dancers and elite athletes and consulted for the U.S.
Weightlifting Federation, U.S. race walking team, Pacific Northwest
Ballet, and California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and
Sports. During that time she was drawn to Pilates because of its
tremendous versatility and profound benefits for people of varying
abilities and aspirations.
Clippinger is a renowned presenter in Pilates, dance, anatomy, and
biomechanics. She has given more than 375 presentations throughout the
United States and in Australia, Canada, England, Japan, New Zealand, and
South Africa. Clippinger was also an exercise columnist for Shape
magazine for four years. She resides in Long Beach, California.
"Karen and Rael are two of the most respected names in the Pilates
field, and Pilates Anatomy brings together their clarity
and passion. This book is at the top of my list." -- Nora
St. John, Education Program Director, Balanced Body University
"There is a wealth of information in Pilates Anatomy.
The Pilates world is fortunate to have this resource." -- Peter
Davis, Cofounder of IDEA Health and Fitness Association and Inner
IDEA
“Pilates Anatomy by Rael Isacowitz and Karen
Clippinger is an exceptionally well-mapped journey into the muscular
anatomy and kinesiology of Pilates exercises. A must-have anatomy book
for any serious student of Pilates, Pilates Anatomy will surely appeal
to anyone interested in how muscle groups work together in exercise.” -- Marguerite
Ogle, About.com/Pilates