Pilates is a fitness phenomenon that's been around for nearly 100 years and shows no signs of fading away. Through a series of strength and stretching exercises, it builds core body strength, improves posture, relieves pain, alleviates symptoms of serious chronic diseases, and has a positive impact on all of the vital systems-all while building a connection between the body and the mind. Formal Pilates classes are enormously beneficial; however, they are also very expensive. Using The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Pilates on the Mat, readers can practice Pilates Mat exercises on their own-without all the expensive and intimidating equipment (aka "instruments of torture") found in the studio or gym. The book takes readers through the complete sequence of Pilates Mat exercises with photos and step-by-step instructions. Along the way, fitness expert Karon Karter gives readers: ·A Pilates primer-how and why the method works on every body, inside and out. ·Basics for better breathing and posture. ·Safe instruction for flexing toward your healthiest self. ·Expert advice on Pilates Mat exercises and using simple equipment, such as the Magic Circle. ·Poses and postures to increase range of motion, bone density, respiration, circulation, and muscle control. ·Exercises for toning muscles and melting fat, making the body look lean, healthy, and younger.

This book teaches the basics of the Pilates method of fitness, a whole body workout that strengthens the abs and back and straightens the posture. Practiced worldwide by dance companies, physical therapists, and health clubs, the method is especially good for pregnant women, for people who have special fitness needs because of chronic back pain, joint stress, or obesity, and for anyone wishing to prevent osteoporosis.

Leave back pain behind. For the millions of back pain sufferers, the causes can be numerous, making the search for relief frustrating and complex. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Back Pain and its expert authors explain the many causes of back pain and provide the best methods and techniques for relief and prevention of back pain and maintaining a healthy back. ? Do-it-yourself relief ? Conventional and alternative options ? Chronic pain management ? Exercises, yoga, and Pilates to keep the back healthy

Includes more than 100 nutritious recipes and features flexible menu plans. Offers easy, but effective exercises with an emphasis on Pilates core conditioning.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Body Ball FitnessIllustrated introduces readers to the stability ball, the latest craze to roll out and a balancing act worth trying. Body balls roll several exercises into one- balance and strength training. Karon Karter, author The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method(00286239839), draws on her fourteen years as a movement and Pilates instructor to teach readers total body workouts. Whether they re trying the ball for the first time or expanding their repertoire, this book offers dozens of illustrated exercises to tighten and tone. Includes- Three complete workouts of 10-12 exercises each, for varying fitness levels An additional complete 'Pilates on the ball' workout of 10-12 exercises A series of restorative stretches to ease muscles and that aching back Hundreds of helpful, informative photographs

Explains how to improve flexibility and strength, create workouts in the gym and outdoors, and incorporate exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.