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Science of Pilates: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice

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Explore the science behind over 50 pilates exercises to master each movement with confidence and control.

DK brings you a ground-breaking health book that will help you revitalize your workouts and perfect your Pilates practice, by understanding the muscle action, breathwork and techniques required, every step of the way.

Did you know that performing Pilates can strengthen your core, improve flexibility and posture, and help to reduce stress and anxiety at the same time? Backed by scientific research, learn how Pilates exercises benefit every system in the body. Science of Pilates reveals the facts with annotated artworks that show the mechanics, the angles, how your blood flow and respiration are affected, the key muscle and joint actions working below the surface of each exercise, safe alignment, and much more!

Go on a journey of self-discovery to explore:

- Specially commissioned CGI artworks depict all the main Pilates exercises with variations that add or reduce challenge.
- Artworks detail the mechanics of each exercise, correct body posture, the muscles involved and how they engage to perform movements.
- Illustrations featuring color-coding to highlight how the muscles, ligaments, and joints engage, stretch, and relax to perform each exercise.
- Pilates programs tailored to different abilities and aims.
- Suggested practices with a progressive increase in challenge over weeks and months.
- Easy-to-follow infographics help explain the hard science behind why Pilates training is so effective and what beneficial physical adaptations it can bring.

Set out to unearth the facts behind the pseudo-science fads, The Science of Pilates is an approachable, entertaining and easy-to read fitness guide for those seeking self-development backed up by solid scientific evidence. The popular question and answer format brings immediacy to the information provided, and the highly visually illustrations truly bring the science to life in a contemporary and accessible way.

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery.

So why stop there?

If you like Science of Pilates, then why not try Science of Yoga to help you better understand yoga anatomy in order to perfect your practice and poses, or Science of Strength Training to support you in your journey to build you strongest body. Complete the collection today!

ISBN-13: 9780744064230

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: DK

Publication Date: 12-27-2022

Pages: 224

Product Dimensions: 7.60(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)

Series: DK Science of

Tracy Ward is an APPI Pilates Teacher with degrees in Biomedical Sciences and Physiotherapy. She is also qualified in Ante & Postnatal Pilates, Kids Pilates, and Therapeutic Yoga, and applies this extensive knowledge to the sports sector and within rehabilitation in her clinical occupation as a Senior Physiotherapist. Tracy has built a hugely successful business as a Pilates Teacher, educator, and writer through her classes, courses, and online presence of her website www.freshlycentered.com.

Table of Contents

Introduction 06

Physiology of Pilates 12

Muscular Anatomy 14

Understanding Local and Global Muscles 16

Understanding Muscle Slings 18

How Muscles Work 20

Skeletal System 22

Bone Strength and Joints 24

Core Muscles 26

Neutral Spine Anatomy 28

Understanding Posture 30

The Nature of Mechanical Pain 32

Pilates and Pain Relief 34

Breathing Techniques 36

Gut Health 38

Pilates and Mindfulness for Stress and Anxiety 40

Pilates Exercises 42

Introduction to the Exercises 44

Simple Posture Exercises 46

Abdominal Curl 48

Oblique Curl 49

Stability Exercises 50

Hundred 52

Variations 54

Rolling Back 56

Variations 58

One Leg Stretch 60

Variations 62

Double Leg Stretch 64

Variations 66

Rocker With Open Legs 68

Swan Dive 70

Variations 72

One Leg Kick 74

Double Leg Kick 76

Scissors 78

Variations 80

Bicycle 82

Shoulder Bridge 84

Variations 86

Swimming 88

Variations 90

Seal 92

Rotation Exercises 94

One Leg Circle 96

Variations 98

Side Kick 100

Variations 102

Hip Twist 104

Variations 106

Side Kick in Kneeling 108

Side Bend 110

Variations 112

Clam Lift and Lower 116

Double Leg Lift 118

One Leg Lifted 119

Strength Exercises 120

Roll Up 122

Variations 124

Roll Over 126

Corkscrew 128

Neck Pull 132

Jack Knife 134

Teaser 136

Variations 138

Leg Pull Front 140

Variations 142

Leg Pull Back 144

Variations 146

Boomerang 148

Rocking 152

Breastroke 154

Criss Cross 155

Control Balance 156

Push Up 158

Variations 160

Mobility Exercises 162

Spine Stretch 164

Saw 166

Spine Twist 168

Cobra 170

Arm Openings 172

Thread the Needle 174

Mermaid 176

Pilates Training 178

General Fitness 180

Beginner Workout Plans 182

Intermediate Workout Plans 184

Advanced Workout Plans 186

Pilates for Running 188

Pilates for Swimming 190

Pilates for Strength Training 192

Pilates for Sedentary Workers 194

Pilates for Women's Health 198

Pilates for Back Pain 202

Pilates for Neck Pain and Headaches 204

Pilates for Scoliosis 206

Pilates for Hypermobility 208

Pilates for Osteoporosis 210

Pilates for Arthritis 212

Index 214

Bibliography 220

About the Author and Acknowledgments 223