Great & original
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I believe this book was one of the first "pilates and ball" type books that came out. I remember awaiting its arrival with anticipation! I have to say when I first got it I glanced through it and thought "ok" and put it to one side. To me it looked a bit wordy and there were no colour pictures. However, coming back to it after a while, once you start to read you realise that Colleen craig is the definitive name when it comes to combining Pilates with the exercise Ball and that this book IS very good. I actually prefer her read-a-bit then here are some exercises approach now as it keeps you learning and focussed as you progress. It covers a good range of exercises, and it was actually her second book Abs on the Ball that inspired me to return to this one. Now I view all of her books with respect as I believe they do contain good solid information and Colleen certainly knows what she is talking about. It is not a hip, burn off all your flab in 2 minutes latest craze book that promises ridiculous things but all your burn a hole in is your pocket! but a sensible and very effective book on how to build amazing core strength and get lasting results. The pictures don't immediately grab you as wow, but on careful second study this book proves its worth over and over. I now see this book as the original pilates/ball fusion and therefore the benchmark to judge all others against.
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Having the DVD really helps!
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I already knew the basics of the technique having been to standard Pilates classes before I got the book, which was before it came out with the DVD. As my book was often borrowed by friends I spashed out on the DVD version and am very glad I did.
The DVD is excellent, and the presentation is straightforeward and calm. I have tried other ball based exercise DVDs and found that after a few viewings the presentation drives me mad, however this one is just great.
And of course the exercises are very beneficial. I had back problems on and off since a cycling accident 15 years ago, Pilates has really helped improve my condition and my posture. As an asthamtic, the breathing control has greatly reduced my symptoms. This is one form of exercise I can't recommend too highly.
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Useful, but agree you need some prior knowledge
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I also can't get through any of the routines in 15 minutes...One of my criticisms is that there isn't a quick routine in the book, you need a good chunk of time to do any of them
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A must for Pilates enthusiasts - but begginers beware!!!!
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I bought this book as I wanted a few simple exercises to do on the gym ball at the gym to work those abs, what I found was a very 'technically' correct pilates handbook with exercises that had taken a lot of the classic pilates positions such as 'The Hundred' and other positions that are targeted not just for the abs and adjusted them for use with a gym ball. It will be fantastic for those who are already familiar with doing pilates and the principles (such as correct breathing), but unsuitable for total beginners as you will already need good coordination and strong core stability to get into the positions on the gym ball, in addition to this it is rather hard getting into the positions and reading from the book at the same time and this defeats the 'fluidity' of pilates. The beginning chapters are quite hefty and detail the history of pilates, and the principles in vast detail, the majority of the book details tons of positions using the gym ball - beware here aswell as it uses several different sized gym ball's and sometimes a couple of the same sized ones and I had bought it thinking that the only one used would be 'the big one'. The last chapter details workouts that you can do with 15 mins and 30 mins workout's for beginners, intermediates and advanced levels for you to choose from. Once again if you're a beginner I think it's better to purchase a DVD so you can see the instructor get into the various positions rather than teach yourself through a book. But it would be great for pilates enthusiasts as a variation to floorwork.
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The fun way to keep fit
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This is an excellent keep fit book, combining the ball and Pilates. But don't expect an easy time....some of these excercises require strength and balance. Persevere and you'll get a body you can really be proud of.
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