Return to Life Paperback – October 5, 2012

Great tool for learning the fundamentals of Pilates.

The book is short, succinct, and effective. Mr. Pilates put together an effective resource in this book which describes his philosophy towards fitness connected with a persons liveliness and health, and explains how this program invigorates the user. I will rather master these exercises before continuing towards what pilates has become today. I am a fit person who often does kettle bells, yoga, occasional barbell weights, and more, and I found myself cringing a few times with seemingly simple movements from this book. Tread carefully! Yet an excellent resource.

Gives foundation on contrology and JP's story.

Like many other brilliant philosophies, minor changes through generations of Pilates instructors have cumulatively changed the exercise routine developed by Joseph Pilates to the extent that the creator himself might be appalled by what is passing for his work in many studios. This book brings the work to the student as Joesph Pilates intended them for the average person. While I would not take issue with someone who has practiced the routine as very precisely taught by Pilates himself, the now common practice of using the exercises as an aerobic workout, or teaching people with a diminished sense of physical self the exercises as practiced by dancers does a great disservice to their potential health and well-being. Pilates is teaching the philosophy, psychology, and physiology of health step by deliberate step. If you want to feel your best, read the words of the prophet himself before engaging a teacher 12 generations away from the master. You might get lucky with your choice, but knowing what Pilates was trying to teach will go a long way to inform your practice.

This is the cardinal text of Joseph Pilates innovative work, written in Joseph Pilates' words. Most of the introductory text is an exposition on the importance of employing his techniques (contrology) to create a healthier and stronger body. The rest of the book is documented with black and white photographs depicting all of the Pilates movements as modeled by Joseph Pilates. It's a very short read and may help new students approaching their own studies of Pilates, although it doesn't provide an in-depth explanation of all of the muscle groups being used.

As a Pilates instructor (not classical), this is a must-read, as it enlightens on Mr. Pilates' original view for what the movement system should be. I loved reading his own words about "Controlology" and I highly recommend this to any Pilates instructor or enthusiastic to have a true appreciation for the original essence of the movements, which I find to be much more freeing that some of the variations I've learned.

This book has the history of Pilates and then the proper order of Mat exercises as per Joseph Pilates. I found it a nice refresher since I was STOTT certified many years ago, while also useful to prepare for the PMA Exam.

This book is in black and white, but it was first published in 1945. It contains a history of the man (Joseph Pilates) that founded the Pilates' Method for physical fitness, control and mindfulness of body structure and posture, and a series of illustrated instructions for 34 of his Poses and Exercises. This is the book all Pilates' enthusiasts should read, and perhaps own, as it will become a constant reference guide to the correct manner for poses when at home.I am very happy with my purchase and it did arrive at the time promised and in good condition.