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Great Pilates book and history of Pilates. Highly recommend for Pilates instructors anyone interested in learning more about Pilates and principles.

This book explains how Pilates is more than just an exercise program. It shows how Pilates takes a holistic approach to health.

Good to read stories!
I was expecting more to hear from this book, more technical advice. I`m a bit disappointed!

Don't pick this book up if you're looking for an exercise manual or a dancer's body in 30 days. If however, you want to do a deep dive into the apologetics of Pilates, this book will hit the spot! This book was just what I was looking for with respect to going deeper in my own Pilates practice. The last thing I wanted to read was another collection of Pilates movements or even worse another trendy Pilates "fusion" program. I was looking for a holistic perspective on classical Pilates as a life practice... not just a workout. Gary has hit the nail on the head for me in that respect. As a serious Pilates enthusiast, it has been difficult for me to articulate the WHY of Pilates in a comprehensive way. Even J. Pilates' own books are less compelling than Gary's (in my opinion) when it comes to explaining WHY we love and choose to practice Pilates. I love that he not only put together this wonderful resource clearly from his own experience and love of the practice, but that he had the input and editorial consent of recognized Pilates experts and elders. I think it's so important that serious Pilates practitioners (enthusiasts and professionals) be able to evangelize Pilates in the way that Joseph Pilates intended... not as an exercise program but as a "Whole Health" approach. Don't know how it could be better for me, but I'd love to see a second edition. Totally loved this book.

Why? Well, I am Pilates crazy (why else would I run this forum) and I am sometimes checking at Amazon (.de, .co.uk and .com) for new Pilates books. In November 2009 I found: "The Pilates Path To Health - Body, Mind, and Spirit", but it was not available at this time. Now finally, I hold it in my hands and I have read it in record time the first time. There are many Pilates books, but most deal "only" with the training itself. A book was missing that elaborated the other aspects of Pilates: Is it possible to actually cure with Pilates? Can Pilates help people to get mentally healthier? Can Pilates perhaps even unite us, with something more universal, something that is normally rather achieved through meditation? Or is Joseph Pilates' claim, quoted by Gary Calderone at the beginning of his book, true: "The acquirement and enjoyment of physical well-being, mental calm, and spiritual peace are priceless to their possessors if there be any such so fortunate living among us today. However, it is ideal to strive for, and in our opinion it is only through Contrologoy that this unique trinity of a balanced body, mind, and spirit can ever be attained." - Joseph Pilates (1945)
Although Pilates trainer & enthusiasts repeatedly tell anecdotes how Pilates helped them in various ways, this is only done very cautiously. Often there is too much fear to be in conflict with the law, doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists or to be pushed into an esoteric corner, which then perhaps even repels customers.
That Gary Calderone - a 2nd generation Pilates trainer in the tradition of Mary Bowen (Mary Bowen a 1st generation Pilates Elder and direct disciple of Joseph Pilates, who simultaneously trained under Carl Jung and also became a Jungian psychoanalyst) - is the first to put out a book on this topic, is not surprising, I suppose. . One can feel her contribution and influence on the book. Another strong influence on Gary Calderone, which one comes across quite often in the book, is Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle, the director of the Pilates Center of Austin. A co-student at a time and a mentor for him in the later years.
Above all of that, Gary Calderone has experienced in his own life the healing power of Pilates and reports that experience in a very frank and open manner. This way of not holding back even dark moments of his own life and career gives him a lot of credibility.

The book is a clear recommendation for the Pilates fan, who does not see Pilates as a fitness method, but who is also open to the "spiritual" and "meta-physical" aspects of Pilates. This means, it is certainly not for everyone, but for the one who is willing to open up to these issues, he is richly rewarded. Thank you, Gary Calderone, for this book!

Epilogue:
The other day I met a consultant. During our conversation he told me that his wife worked as a Pilates trainer. So I asked him if he ever tried Pilates himself. His answer was: "You won't believe it, but Pilates literally changed my life." This is what Gary Calderone's book is about.

"Gary Calderone and I fi rst met many years ago and realized that we had
a very strong connection in the aspect of Pilates embracing a philosophy of
whole being health, incorporating the spiritual and mental components of
Joseph Pilates' philosophy and lifestyle. Calderone has done an amazing
job of capturing the essence of Joe's work in his new book The Pilates
Path to Health: Body, Mind, and Spirit. This must read is a signifi cant
addition to the limited library of the work enjoyed my millions around the
globe. Calderone's insightful recount of `Contrology' brings awareness to
vital aspects of our health as individuals and as a society. By heightening
our awareness of self through Pilates, we heighten our awareness of our
infl uence of others, which can lead to a glimpse of reality and the hopeful
global shift towards peace one Pilates Enthusiast at a time.
It is minds like Calderone's mind that will help speed up the day, where
a critical mass will embrace a peaceful and balanced state between mind,
body, and spirit hastening the shift in our world's paradigm from one of
anger to one of love. The beauty of Calderone's book is his ability to make
it personal and write it so that everyone can enjoy the deeper benefi ts that
are associated with this great work that we all love and has changed our
lives as admirers, enthusiasts, and teachers of Pilates. Great work, Gary!!!"
--Brent D. Anderson, PT, Ph.D., OCS, President of Polestar Pilates
156 The Pilates Path to Health

"I have known Gary for twenty years; he is one of the fi rst graduates of
The Pilates Center Teacher Training Program and learned directly from
Romana, as well as Amy and myself. He has been passionate about the
Pilates method since his fi rst lesson and this book is the latest expression
of his long-held dream to share the wonders of Pilates with the world.
Because there is so much trendy hype about Pilates it is imperative that
the real value of this work be spoken about loudly and creatively as Gary
has done in this book. Pilates is transformative. We teachers are blessed
with the experience of taking victims of terrible pain and re-forming them
into powerful, pain free activists with a zest for living. In partnership with
our clients we help them not only effect powerful transformations in their
bodies but in their mental states, watching reclusive, angry individuals
grow empathetic and giving, shifting into delighting in their lives and the
world, being able to participate actively in making a difference in their own
lives but also the lives of others. As Gary describes so richly, the power of
Pilates is so profound it can motivate them to change the deepest patterns
of their lives and then touch those around them newly.
This book shares much of the truth of Joseph Pilates' method and
aligns it with other great modern thinkers to bring it into the 21st century."
--Rachel Taylor Segel with Amy Alpers, Co-founder and
Co-owner The Pilates Center, Boulder, Colorado

"There are many books on the market that describe the Pilates method
in detail and precision. However, Pilates is not just another workout fad.
Joseph Pilates' message is a profound commitment to the life well lived.
Health is a balance of the body, mind, and spirit. These are the essential
elements for happiness and success. Gary Calderone has applied his study
and life to the embodiment of the Pilates philosophy, reminding the reader
that Pilates is more than an exercise regimen; it is a path of study and
enlightenment."
--Pat Guyton, PMA Certifi ed Pilates Teacher(tm),
Pat Guyton Pilates, Inc., Pilates Conservatory®

"Gary asks the right questions, inviting us to think outside the box about
living a balanced life through the practice of Pilates. He masterfully unlocks
the essence of Pilates' greatest secret--why and how Pilates profoundly
impacts both student and teacher, weaving threads from other disciplines
to confi rm their universal connection. He illuminates the truth about how
choices for our inner health are mirrored in the manifestation of our outer
experience, thereby strengthening global consciousness. Truly inspiring!"
--Clare Dunphy, Peak Pilates Master Trainer,
Director, Progressive Bodyworks, Inc.

"Gary Calderone's new book The Pilates Path to Health: Body, Mind, and
Spirit has made me more excited than ever about this wonderful work that
I practice and teach. He breathes new life into Joseph Pilates' own book
Return to Life and gives the reader the perspective to appreciate the gift
and potential impact of Contrology that was given to the world."
--Joyce Yost Ulrich, PMA® Certifi ed Pilates Teacher,
Yamuna Body Rolling(tm)Practitioner, Owner, Pilates Treehouse

"I am thrilled to see how far this manuscript has come. It has become very
readable and I am confi dent that it will be well received. There is a fi ne
line between describing the benefi t of Pilates in a way that is grounded in
examples and explanation and advertising for Pilates. I think there might
be a little crossover happening at times, but overall, Good Job!"
--Marguerite Ogle, the guide to Pilates at About.com.

"This book is relevant and necessary for our future and our evolutionary
process. This is a service to humanity, a fertilizer for personal growth
and ultimate utopian awakening. Gary's writing and his experience is
authentic; he gives you a telescope glimpse of a better way to live. Gary
outlines our human challenges and provides tools for rising above those
inner confl icts with Pilates as the vehicle. He meets the paradox moments
158 The Pilates Path to Health
with compassion and strength. It is so simply sophisticated, honestly written
with details and experiences that make you hungry to feel it in your body."
--Maila Blossom Rider/Pilates, Yoga and Franklin method
professional/Owner of the Pilates Yoga Company, Windsor, Colorado

"The Pilates Path to Health: Body, Mind, and Spirit by Gary Calderone
is a timely contribution to literature in the Health, Fitness and Wellness
industry. Gary's ability to present the material in a reader-friendly format
with compelling evidence intertwined should be applauded. Our industry is
consistently seeking new models for the delivery of integrated and resultsfocused
initiatives that provide for the healthy lifestyles and outcomes of our
clients. The Pilates approach to health truly focuses on awareness, choice,
and results. As an industry leader I believe this book will add value to
the industry understanding of Pilates and its multifaceted benefi ts. Gary's
writing illustrates his passion for why he and others practice and teach
Pilates. The Pilates Path to Health provides evidence of the restorative
health benefi ts for those who consciously choose the Pilates Method."
--Jeb Gorham, Ph.D., Wellness Director--Central Manager Miramont
Lifestyle Fitness, Former Director of Education Peak Pilates

". . . An inspiring guide to optimal human vitality and balanced living.
Gary Calderone expands the defi nition of `fi tness' in his quest to understand
the mission of Joseph Pilates and the profound results of his work."
--Matthew Zumann, CPT, Structural Therapist--
Jennifer Golden Zumann, CPT, Medicinal Herbalist
(Co-Owners of Pilates Chicago, Inc.)

"This book is a wonderful support for individuals on a path of understanding
themselves through the practice of the Pilates Method. Gary's writing
illuminates aspects of these practices that transform body, mind, and spirit.
In an age when Pilates mainstream popularity and easy access cause the
loss of these vitals elements, it is necessary for strong voices, like this voice,
to be heard, so that the depth of the Pilates Method and what it can offer
the practitioner are not lost."
--Melissa Macourek, Samsara Pilates

"Finally a book on the Pilates Method that is a not a `how-to' but a `why.'
Gary's book speaks to our common love of the work and the amazing
power of change that we all see every day in our practice. This book takes
me back to before the copyright days when the creative differences were
celebrated and there was an amazing unifi ed feeling of how special Joseph
Pilates' method was and how blessed we were to be a part of that vision.
We know how cool this work is and how great it feels. Gary does a good
job of attempting to defi ne this nature of the work."
--Nan Feist, LMP, Pilates Instructor, Somatic Educator

"As we move another generation away from the elders, it is more important
than ever that we take the time and attention to teach our clients and
mentor the new instructors how to receive `the priceless gift of physical wellbeing,
mental calm, and spiritual peace' through mindful Pilates practice."
--Serene Rene Calkins, P.T.