The Bottom Line
This is a magnificent work from Rael Isacowitz, 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 Isacowitz
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 Isacowitz'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.
Read my interview with Rael Isacowitz: Pilates - Art, Science, and Passion
Also by Rael Isacowitz, with Karen Clippenger: Pilates Anatomy - read review
