Brooke Siler - The Womens Health Big Book of Pilates: The Essential Guide to Total Body Fitness

This book is intended as a reference volume only, not as a medical manual. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical help.

The information in this book is meant to supplement, not replace, proper exercise training. All forms of exercise pose some inherent risks. The editors and publisher advise readers to take full responsibility for their safety and know their limits. Before practicing the exercises in this book, be sure that your equipment is well maintained, and do not take risks beyond your level of experience, aptitude, training, and fitness. The exercise and dietary programs in this book are not intended as a substitute for any exercise routine or dietary regimen that may have been prescribed by your doctor. As with all exercise and dietary programs, you should get your doctors approval before beginning.

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Book design by Laura White

All photography by Beth Bischoff, with the exception of photos on Getty Images/Susan Schiff Faludi

Stylist: Marysol Ortiz

Hair/Makeup: Anja Grassegger and Misuzu Miyake

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the publisher.

ISBN-13: 9781623360931 ebook

ISBN-13: 9781623360924 trade paperback

ISBN-13: 9781623361006 direct hardcover

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To those who value love as an everyday practice: I dedicate this book to you who uplift others by living through integrity, truth, and compassion.

To those who recognize laughter and tears as everyday practices: I dedicate this book to you who value emotional expression and who listen deeply to yourself and others with an open, warm, and humorous heart.

To those who appreciate the monumental importance of accountability as everyday practice: I dedicate this book to you, who are digging deep and awakening to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, allowing you to organically take care of the world around you.

Do your work. Never stop doing your work.

The importance of health and fitness was instilled in me in childhood. I was the youngest of six incredibly sporty siblings, and my father was listed in the US almanac for his track-and-field prowessphysicality was a given in my house. The fact that my dad also worked in the field of medical electronics and talked passionately daily about the bodys ability to heal itself made a strong impression on me, too. I learned from a very young age that our bodies are miraculous entities that sometimes need our help and guidance, and, at other times, simply need us to get out of their way and let them do their thing.

When I was 11, my mother was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis. Our next 26 years together allowed me to see the other side of health and fitness. We spent years in alternative treatments, countless hours in physical therapy offices, and, in her last years, doing sporadic Pilates sessions together. Even though my mother couldnt move her left leg, had very little control over her left hand, and had such severe scoliosis that her lower right ribs sat on top of her hip bone, we were always able to craft creative Pilates sessions that illuminated her strengths (great abs!) and aided in facilitating her limited circulation. Best of all, they made her feel stronger, both physically and mentally. These sessions were deeply rewarding for us both and gave me confidence in recognizing the power of the human spirit.

As a product of these two incredible humans, my genetics are a mixed bag. On the one hand, I have the athleticism and physique from my fathers side of the family, but darn it if I didnt also get asthma, allergies, poor circulation, and a connective tissue disorder from my moms side. I see each side as bearing its own unique gifts, and my Pilates practice has helped me live with and appreciate both. Im a big believer that were given what we need in this lifetime. If you struggle with elements of your own body, health, or life, it is critical to embrace those struggles as what my brilliant spiritual teacher calls uncomfortable opportunities for growth. This is not to deny any pain involvedbut when you look at obstacles as opportunities, their entire paradigm shifts! Pilates can help you do this.

I discovered Pilates in my midtwenties. I was a self-proclaimed gym rat: Strong and healthy, I loved weights, treadmills, and step classes. But I was humbled by the challenges Pilates offered. Suddenly, I was working from a deep, mysterious place called the powerhouse, and it proved tricky and entertaining. Since I couldnt afford private Pilates lessons on the exotic and tantalizing equipment, I relegated myself to taking as many group mat classes as possible.

A few months in, already feeling a giant transformation, I ended up on the doorstep of Dragos Gym in the hands of the grande dame of Pilates herself, Romana Kryzanowska. Already in her seventies, Romana taught faithfully from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. Having been Joe Pilatess chosen protge (he called her my most conscientious disciple), Romana was full of knowledge, stories, zest, and zeal. I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Dragos became my home for years, and I shadowed Romana and absorbed as much of her passion and dedication as I possibly could.

What I learned about Pilates from Romana goes well beyond using props like springs and straps. Romana taught me about authenticity, loyalty, playfulness, diligence, taskmastering and nurturing, tapping into intuition and imagination, commanding with kindness, pushing with positivity, and being creatively compassionate. All of these qualities are also how I would describe my personal Pilates practice, and they are what I hope you will find in yours by using this book!

I will let you in on a little secret: We all struggle with our bodies. As a Pilates teacher, I feel extra pressure to look perfect. In fact, I dont know one model, dancer, or instructor who isnt hard on herself or hasnt had some form of body dysmorphia. Whether we are skinny, ripped, or neither, we all have stuff were working on. Were all works in progress. Where you are now is neither where you were nor where you will be. It is simply now. The more in touch we can become with that idea, the easier it is to let go and have some fun. Whether or not you end up with a perfect body doesnt really matterdont get too attached to the outcome, and you might be surprised at your own transformation!

I have often said, Pilates is only as good as its teacher, and guess whatthat teacher is actually you! My role is your guide, your cheerleader, and, hopefully, your inspiration. Pilates has helped me through asthma, two pregnancies (and births), one heart surgery, and the emotional roller coaster of life. Its the glue that holds me together. I feel as passionate about Pilates as I did in my first mat classmaybe even more so. I am beyond honored to meet you as you begin your own journey. With Pilates, youll move toward your individual goals with strength, humor, compassion, and a lot of sweat! Your body is an incredible, adaptable canvas: If you empower yourself to take the brushes in your hand, then there is little in the way of creating and discovering the true masterpiece that you are.