Pilates Resources

We have gathered a number of Pilates resources for those who wish to learn more about this movement, including videos, books, websites, other organisations and our own series of Pilates tips.

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Pilates Books and Other Resources

Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph Pilates

Return to Life

In this small 16 page book, Joseph Pilates details the brea(d)th and power of the Pilates method. The book covers both his philosophy and the technique of the classical exercises. He outlines the effective and enduring approach to whole body health (mind-body) that is now one of the fastest growing fitness programs in the world. Essential reading for anyone interested in Pilates.

Your Health by Joseph Pilates

Your Health

In this book, you will learn Joseph Pilates’ fundamental tenets of posture, body mechanics, and correct breathing. You will discover his first teachings about spinal flexibility, physical education, and his law of natural exercises. It is a fascinating look into Pilates’ original thinking and analysis and represents the foundation of an entire discipline embraced by fitness enthusiasts, health educators, and exercise trainers around the world.

Pilates by Rael Isacowitz

pilates rael

A really great book, giving detailed overviews of all of the classical Pilates exercises with Rael’s own twist – Mat, Reformer, Chair, Cadillac and Barrels. A resource for Pilates instructors and practitioners alike. Note though that exercises are based on Pilate’s original classical repertoire. Rael is the founder of BASI Pilates and is a world renowned instructor.

Pilates Anatomy by Rael Isacowitz and Karen Clippinger

pilates anatomy rael

This title includes Pilates as you’ve never seen it before! With detailed descriptions, step-by-step instruction and stunning full-colour anatomical illustrations, “Pilates Anatomy” takes you inside the exercises and programmes that will tone the body, stabilise the core, improve balance and increase flexibility. Using the original mat work of Joseph Pilates, you’ll see how key muscles are used, how variations and minor adjustments can influence effectiveness and how breathing, alignment, posture and movement are all fundamentally linked.

Centered by Madeline Black

madeline-black-centered

In her book Centered, Madeline Black offers an interdisciplinary approach to physical training, combining the newest advances in science, and integrating the movement systems of Pilates, yoga, Gyrotonic® and other fitness disciplines. Centered clearly describes the complex connections of the musculature, fascia and joints and their implications for movement re-education and healing. It weaves science and philosophy bringing meaning to function versus structure and body dysfunction.

This richly illustrated book offers Pilates instructors the education and practice to advance their work to become movement practitioners, learning to fully grasp biomechanics and information on posture and its dysfunction to sufficiently implement changes for clients.

Sport Pilates by Paul Massey

sport pilates

In this definitive guide to sports injuries and their rehabilitation, Olympic Pilates instructor and physiotherapist Paul Massey shows how the majority of sports injuries are preventable or treatable using Pilates. Sport by sport, Paul Massey identifies the most common injuries, revealing how to spot the signs and symptoms of specific problems. Focusing on both prevention and treatment, Massey’s clearly illustrated program of exercises and professional treatment tips shows you how to integrate Pilates into all your sport activities.

Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais-Germain

anatomy of movement

A great book to help you understand anatomy and movement. Detailed drawings and explanations of the bones and muscles, detailing the movements available for each and every joint in the body. An extremely useful tool to enhance your understanding of anatomy.

Anatomy of Movement Exercises by Blandine Calais-Germain

Anatomy of Movement Exercises

The bible for safe spinal mechanics and the crux of the new Pilates Education Manifesto as decreed by Rebecca Leone. Pages 13-25 are where you’ll learn the details of the hinges in the spine where loads concentrate, the dire consequences of improper forward bending and ways to mitigate those consequences.

No-Risk Abs, A Safe Workout Program for Core Strength by Blandine Calais-Germain

No Risk Abs

This book is full of must-know information but specifically on pages 55-56 Calais-Germain explains the importance of monitoring and calibrating the force and resistance used against a body during not only a private session, but especially in groups.

Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery by Eric Franklin

Dynamic Alignment

Eric is a movement teacher, and this book gives and overview of how to use imagery to improve your movement. Not just for dancers, everyone can benefit from Eric’s teachings on movement.

Taking Root to Fly by Irene Dowd

Taking Root to Fly

This little book, which is a collection of articles about functional anatomy, or in Dowd’s terms “the anatomy of movement” is a great read and is a must for anyone who teaches alternative mind-body exercise or dance technique; it will give you a new way of thinking. The title “Taking Root to Fly” is an example of the many pithy turns of phrase that make this book so profound. The paradox that a dancer or martial artist who moves as if floating, derives this lightness from sinking into the ground, caught in four short words.

Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists by Thomas W. Myers

anatomy trains

Anatomy Trains is a unique map of the ‘anatomy of connection’ – whole-body fascial and myofascial linkages. The Anatomy Trains concept joins individual muscles into functional complexes within fascial planes – each with a defined anatomy and ‘meaning’ in human movement. Anatomy Trains leads to practical new holistic strategies to improve stability, coordination, and resolve long-standing compensations in postural and movement patterns.

The Evolution of Biomechanics: Bringing movement theory back to life by Stephen Braybrook AKA The Movement Man

the evolution of biomechanics

Stephen is a human movement expert, author of The Evolution of Biomechanics and the creator of Brain-Move. He helps movers, movement therapists and rehabilitation experts across the globe understand human movement from a fresh, integrated perspective.

Simple Steps to Foot Pain Relief: The New Science of Healthy Feet by Katy Bowman

foot pain relief

Don’t just treat your foot pain–strengthen your feet to prevent it. Back with an expanded edition of her popular book Every Woman’s Guide to Foot Pain Relief, biomechanist Katy Bowman has created a new version for both men and women in all walks of life. With updated material and new visuals that illustrate exactly how to strengthen and mobilise your feet, Simple Steps to Foot Pain Relief will show you how to change the way you move your body to prevent pain, heal your feet, and halt damage to the rest of your body.

Move without Pain by Martha Peterson

move without pain

Unlearn the psychic and physical responses to stress that cause discomfort, in less than 15 minutes a day! These easy movements will relax and release chronically tight muscles, resulting in a more efficient, coordinated, and pain-free body. This gentle workout can be done anywhere, anytime, at any age.

Other Organisations

BASI Pilates

BASI-logo-300x116BASI Pilates (Body Arts & Science International), founded by Rael Isacowitz, is a world renowned Pilates school based in Costa Mesa, California, USA. BASI has certified instructors worldwide and Live & Breathe Pilates is a host studio for the BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training and Mat Teacher Training courses as well as other continuing education workshops presented by BASI faculty.

Irish Osteoporosis Society

Irish Osteoporosis SocietyIrish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) was founded by Professor Moira O’Brien in 1996 as a patient support organisation for those suffering with Osteoporosis and their families. It’s a great resource for information on osteoporosis and osteopenia and also offers support via newsletters and events nationwide. You can get guidance on diagnosis and treatment also.

Irish Cancer Society

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Ireland, after skin cancer. Better treatments mean that more and more people are now living long and full lives after breast cancer. However, the number of cases is rising.  Every year, around 2,600 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 660 women die from the disease. 1 in 10 women in Ireland will get breast cancer at some stage in their lives – mostly in women over the age of 50, but you can get it at a younger age. Men can also get breast cancer but it is very rare.

Arthritis Ireland

Arthritis Ireland provides vital support services to thousands of people living with arthritis in Ireland, Ireland’s only organisation working single-mindedly to transform the experience of people living with arthritis and those who care for them.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Association of Ireland

The Ankylosing Spondylitis Association of Ireland (ASAI) is a self-help organisation set up by people affected by Ankylosing Spondylitis in Ireland. They were established in 1986 in response to the need to supply information and support to AS patients, their families and friends in this country.