The Official Body Control Pilates Manual

Unlike many fitness books (including yoga), there is nothing superficial, glamorous or intimidating about the visuals. Photos (from various angles) are cleverly backed up with extra diagrams where needed, plus illustrations of the relevant muscles. Instructions are simple and surprisingly easy to follow.

At first glance this might seem more like a teacher’s manual. After a detailed introduction, it is divided into beginners, intermediate, advanced and prescriptions. On closer examination, with the huge emphasis on explanations of how different muscles work, and the level of detail, it is a cross between a medical and fitness handbook. Indeed to many the health benefits of Pilates will be an additional, welcome, surprise.

In the end, however, it is an indispensable health guide, appealing both to hard-core Pilates fans as well as newcomers. The final section (Prescriptions) on work, play, health and even the performing arts, provides simple and invaluable advice, and even if you have never been to a Pilates class, you can benefit hugely. You are unlikely to ever sit or stand the same way again with this book in your home! —Lorna V.