Pilates for living : get stronger, fitter and healthier for an active later life /

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Aging successfully means learning how to make and maintain positive lifestyle changes to remain in the best of health. Not just living longer, but better, and embracing aging, rather than dreading it. Regular Pilates practice can enable a fulfilling and active later life, helping to lower blood pressure and remove the causes of aches and pains, which can support independent living and good health.

Pilates for Living combines simple and effective exercises, suitable for all levels and abilities, with expert advice and motivational interviews with those who testify to the transformative powers of Pilates.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Introduction (p. 7)
• Chapter 1 Joseph Pilates: a brief history (p. 11)
• Chapter 2 What Pilates can do for us as we age (p. 15)
• Chapter 3 What is Pilates? The Pilates principles (p. 21)
• Chapter 4 Equipment (p. 25)
• Chapter 5 Postural alignment for living (p. 29)
• Chapter 6 Breathing (p. 39)
• Chapter 7 Gentle warm-up exercises for everyone (p. 41)
• Chapter 8 Balance (p. 55)
• Chapter 9 Foot health and strengthening exercises (p. 59)
• Chapter 10 Mat Pilates exercises (p. 67)
• Chapter 11 Post-activity stretches (p. 181)
• Chapter 12 Three 20-minute routines - all levels (p. 189)
• Chapter 13 The healing power of Pilates for body and mind (p. 195)
• Chapter 14 Finding a mat Pilates class and what to look for (p. 201)
• Glossary (p. 203)
• About the author (p. 204)
• Acknowledgements (p. 204)
• Index (p. 205)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Writing with the over-50 crowd in mind, Pilates instructor Angell share a useful guide to slowing down the aging process and preparing a foundation for a healthy future. Following a brief biography of founder Joseph Pilates (frail and sickly as a child, in adulthood he became a bodybuilder and athlete while developing his fitness program), Angell leads into the basics of a beginning Pilates routine, from breathing to balance. To illustrate poses, she employs photographs of fit men and women from the book's target age group, beginning with warm-up poses, easy bending, and mobility exercises. Throughout the book are professional advice sidebars from an osteopath and a physician, as well as testimonials from Pilates students of varied ages, from 49 to 70, describing their positive results ("My back is stronger-I used to have lower back pain and I rarely do now"). The book's straightforward approach and organization make starting on a Pilates routine seem entirely feasible, and the 20-minute routines, color-coded for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, enhance that message. "Pilates has changed people's lives for the better," Angell says, and self-motivating readers may find this book to be their first, best step toward that change. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Harri Angell is an experienced Mat Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, an England Athletics Leader in Running Fitness, and a member of The Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS). She has also written for Running Fitness Magazine as a roving reporter. She is the author of Pilates for Runners , also published by Bloomsbury.