Since its original development by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, the Pilates Method of exercise has become popular worldwide as a means to a stronger, leaner, more flexible body, greater energy levels, and an increased ability to cope with the stresses of everyday life.

Borrowing principles from Eastern and Western exercise philosophies and endorsed by medical and fitness professionals, Pilate is not repetitions of meaningless exercises but a holsitic approach to creating balance through engaging the body, breath, and mind. By working the body 'smart' rather than 'hard,' exercising the Pilates way leaves you stimulated, not exhausted, and results in long, lean muscles rather than bulk.

Simply Pilates comprises a complete workout, progressing step-by-step through a series of beginnner-level exercises which can easily be performed at home with nothing more than an exercise mat.

Contents

Introduction
The benefits
Practical matters
Centering & breathing
Breathing exercise
Posture awareness & pelvic stability (leg slides, leg lifts, shoulder stabiity)
Spinal mobiity (pelvic tilt, pelvic curl, knees side-to-side)
Abdominal warm-up (chest lift, hundreds prep, hundreds, roll up prep)
Abdominal strengthening (oblique lifts, single leg stretch)
Spinal rotation (spine twist)
Side stability, gluteals & inside thighs (side leg lifts, wall glutes, cushion squeeze)
Scapula stability & back strengthening (arm raises-front and side, back extension)
Full body integration (teaser prep balance, rollovers)
Stretches (hamstrings, quadriceps, glkutealls, hip flexors, neck)
Glossary
Conclusion
About the author