Return To Life Through Contrology

Contrology is complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Through Contrology you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities. This true rhythm and control is observed both in domestic pets and wild animals —without known exceptions. Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit. In childhood, with rare exceptions, we all enjoy the benefits of natural and normal physical development. However, as we mature, we find ourselves living in bodies not always complimentary to our ego. Our bodies are slumped, our shoulders are stooped, our eyes are hollow, our muscles are flabby, and our vitality extremely lowered, if not vanished. This is but the natural result of not having uniformly developed all the muscles of our spine, trunk, arms, and legs in the course of pursuing our daily labors and office activities. If you will faithfully perform your Contrology exercises regularly only four times a week for just three months as outlined in RETURN TO LIFE, you will find your body development approaching the ideal, accompanied by renewed mental vigor and spiritual enhancement. Contrology is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace, and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play, and in the way you work. You will develop muscular power with corresponding endurance, ability to perform arduous duties, to play strenuous games, to walk, run or travel for long distances without undue body fatigue or mental strain. And this by no means is the end.

"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."--Back cover.

The surprising story of Pilates-the man and the method.

Much has changed in the twenty-first century since 1934 when Joseph Pilates wrote his first book (Your Health) about fitness and health. In 1945, he followed up that book with his detailed and definitive book of exercises, Return to Life Through Contrology. Both of these original books were copyrighted and republished by us, and have now been updated. Joseph Pilates has been nothing short of revolutionary in his impact on the world of fitness and exercise. He describes the results of decades of scientific study, experimentation, and research into the variety of troubles and ills that upset the balance of body and mind. You will also learn every single one of his original 34 mat exercises. It is a fascinating look into Pilates' original thinking and represents the foundation of an entire discipline embraced by fitness enthusiasts, health educators, and exercise trainers around the world.

Discovering Pure Classical Pilates looks deeply into Joseph Pilates' traditional method of mental and physical conditioning by describing its foundations, goals, movement qualities and benefits. Specific attention is given to the ways in which market forces, individual creativity or ambition lead to deterioration and commercialization of the traditional Pilates method. This book harkens back in time to Joseph Pilates' own two books-Your Health (1934) and Return to Life Through Contrology (1945)-by exploring social, economic, psychological and spiritual issues associated with his traditional work. There is so much more to Discovering Pure Classical Pilates! Within this book, you will uncover the passionate and priceless treasures found only in the historically accurate technique as taught by traditionalists throughout the world.

Take a detailed look at your Pilates practice with the superbly illustrated exercises in Pilates Anatomy, Second Edition. Choose from 46 exercises to target a particular body region and delve deeper to stretch, strengthen, and finely coordinate specific muscles. See which key muscles are activated, how variations and minor adjustments can influence effectiveness, and how breathing, alignment, and movement are all fundamentally linked as you work to tone the body, stabilize the core, improve balance, and increase flexibility. Use the Personalize Your Practice section for each exercise to vary your practice and customize your workouts to fit your needs. Here you’ll find modifications to make each exercise more accessible when there are limitations such as tight hamstrings or underdeveloped core strength. Variations provide variety, and progressions are offered to add more challenge to each exercise and serve as valuable stepping stones on your journey to more advanced Pilates exercise. Also included are techniques for breathing, concentration, and self-awareness, providing a unique exercise experience that enhances your body and your mind. Whether you are just beginning to explore the beauty and benefits of Pilates or have been practicing for years, Pilates Anatomy is a one-of-a-kind resource that you’ll refer to again and again. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.

The Pilates Bible is the most authoritative and comprehensive book on Pilates matwork ever written and demonstrates why this hugely popular exercise has gone from cult status to an essential part of our modern lifestyle. Drawing on the latest medical research, the authors have updated old favourites as well as introduced many new. All can be performed with little or no equipment and The Pilates Bible allows you to progress safely at your own pace through Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. There are also special sections on Pilates for new mothers and children, people with problems such as osteoarthritis, back pain and knee injuries, as well as Pilates at the gym and the workplace, and for the performing arts and sport. This is truly the one-stop guide for Pilates novices as well as those hoping to consolidate what they already know.