Pilates on the Ball: A Comprehensive Book and DVD Workout Reviews

• A Definitive Text for Pilates-style ball exercises

  
  By on 2001-11-28
  First, I must say that this is a beautiful book. Each exercise is described in text and with a sequence of pictures. Exquisite care was taken to layout these photographs in a practical and eye-pleasing fashion. The small drawings of muscles are quite instructive -- in the style of _Anatomy of Movement_. Generous margins are available for notes and comments.

  Coleen is clearly an expert in her field. She first describes the fundamental principles of Pilates, laying a foundation for transferring those principles to the Exercise Ball. The exercises are described in detail with pointers on how to perform them safely and effectively.

  My only complaints about the book are small. The book lacks an index. Given the meticulous editing/layout of the rest of the book, I fondly hope this gets addressed in a future revision. Also, the book doesn't mention the well-respected Exercise Ball body of work that Paul Chek has created. Whether or not the author endorses that work, it deserves at least a mention in the "Resources" section of the book.

  In any case, I think this is a landmark book -- and well-needed. Exercise balls are being massively marketed right now; there is a crucial need for instruction on how to use these devices safely and effectively. Providing these students with a well-grounded introduction to Pilates makes it all the better.
  
  

• Terrific Pilates Innovation

  
  By A12MTOT416UVCR on 2002-04-04
  This is a great book. It adapts Pilates exercises to the popular fitness ball. More than just a variation on the mat workout, it provides ball substitutions for many Reformer and other equipment exercises in the Pilates program. The instability provided by the ball really requires one to focus on balance and posture. Colleen Craig provides clear detailed instruction and photos on all aspects of each exercise including the difficult but important breathing timing. Her video is just as good as the book and assists with visualizing the exercises.
  
  

• New idea in exercise

  
  By A3OLXOOGI6BE6L on 2001-11-06
  As a family doctor, I have always recommended Pilates exercises to my patients. It is a safe, effective and medically very logical exercise program.
  Colleen Craig has taken the Pilates system a big step further by utilizing the exercise ball. Her book has clear text, good photos, and helpful case histories to explain the techniques. It has everything needed to embark on an excellent exercise program.
  Highly recommended.

  J. Gibson M.D., C.C.F.P.
  
  

• great ball workout

  
  By A29ZOAIAVUUJ6G on 2003-01-12
  This book provides a great ball workout. Once you have mastered the basics it is very easy to add the new exercises to your workout. After you've mastered the program the back of the book provides a quick guide to each area of exercise. Very helpful.
  This is the one book I use for my ball workout.
  
  

• Excellent

  
  By on 2001-11-13
  First, this book is simply an enjoyable read. Next, the author does a great job explaining the breathing and postural details which are so critical to pilates. And finally, it's jam packed with well-photographed exercises for all levels of ability.
  
  
• Terrific book that took my exercise routine to the next leve
  By A2EBLL2OYEQJN9 on 2005-06-19
  I carefully poured over the reviews before selecting this book. I bought an exercise ball and I quickly got tired of the 30-minute DVD that came with it, so I wanted new challenges.
  
  This book delivers challenges for beginners, intermediate ball users, and the advanced. I am still on the beginner workout and haven't gotten tired of it yet. I like the idea that there are two more levels for me to move into, so I'm not worried about advancing too fast and "using up" the useful knowledge in this book.
  
  Each exercise is painstakingly explained in a standard format. It's very easy to learn the moves and follow along with the pictures. Then, the end of the book has 3 different workouts that use the exercises in different combinations. You can use the page number references to refer back to how to do an exercise if you forget. I've mastered about half of the beginner's workout and it's a terrific exercise every time. I'm going to buy some handweights to move on to the rest of the beginner workout.
  
  Many exercises have a basic and advanced version, so you can do the one you are comfortable with until you are ready to progress to a move that requires more skill at stability on the ball.
  
  
  
  
• At last a good and responsible Pilates book!
  By A31A5RKTYJ2JJ6 on 2004-09-03
  I am a Pilates instructor and I found the book to be top, I am recommending it to my clients.
  
  
• Great program!
  By A16XG5T3N8TG5X on 2006-03-04
  I've been doing Pilates on the Ball by Colleen Craig for a year now. The book alone is not enough; the DVD is essential. I keep one eye on the TV, both ears on the gentle background music and Ms. Craig's voice, and my whole body relaxed, as Ms. Craig leads me through my 45 minute workout, both verbally and visually. I'm in my mid-60's, and this program is helping my posture stay young and my body strong. I've recommended it to several colleagues, and I'd recommend it to anyone. Ms. Craig speaks the instructions on the DVD, so you can follow the exercises even if you can't really focus on the TV screen as you do them. She speaks to bodies which have sore backs or sore knees, and advises people how to be careful so they don't get injured. I just love this program!
  
  
• An excellent book
  By on 2002-07-08
  This book covers a lot of ground in good detail. I like the arm excercises. The author gives breathing (to breath in or out) intruction for each excercise, which I find helpful. It is a helpful and enjoyable book to learn from.
  
  
• Love it!
  By AR13YAIZCR7QO on 2005-09-26
  I am really enjoying this product. The DVD is and excellent guide to begin with and then the book allows for extra exercises and to adapt them to your ability.
  
  
• Mine came with a DVD in the cover
  By A2RNPI6EUUAW3C on 2005-03-19
  This is a very well put together book and the companion DVD that came with mine has given me an arsenal to play with. The demonstators are competent and the quality of the footage is also very good. I was very pleased with this purchase and I am very picky this is one of three references I have for my Swiss Ball set. The others are Cathleen Corning Creagers Ball and Foam roller texts.
  
  
• Overall it was ok
  By A1L37830E6HD59 on 2002-10-27
  I think this book is ok - it didn't inspire me to get exercising, but I liked that with each exercise it gave directions on how to breathe.
  
  
• Good book for beginners
  By A1R1LQD9E0GL9T on 2007-01-09
  This is a beautiful book, but I didn't learn anything new. I'm a personal trainer, and I already knew most of the exercises in this book. I think it would be very good for beginners, but not for the more advanced.
  
  
• Great results!
  By A2YIO6IEDH6FB2 on 2007-01-01
  I've always been fairly fit, but the pilates workout in this book has improved my level of fitness and flexibility. Highly recommended!
  
  
• Not worth the money
  By AB74PVKJN432I on 2007-01-11
  If you have ever used an exercise ball, this book has nothing new to offer. I bought the book specifically for the CD. The CD is terrible - really no program to follow. It is so basic and doesn't take you through an organized routine. I looked through the book; watched the CD one time, and the book is now in my garage sale pile!!
  
  

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• Strength Training on the Ball: A Pilates Approach to Optimal Strength and Balance
• Ultimate Core Ball Workout: Strengthening and Sculpting Exercises with Over 200 Step-by-Step Photos
• Your Ultimate Pilates Body® Challenge: At the Gym, on the Mat, and on the Move