Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Pilates Method

This book teaches the basics of the Pilates method of fitness, a whole body workout that strengthens the abs and back and straightens the posture. Practiced worldwide by dance companies, physical therapists, and health clubs, the method is especially good for pregnant women, for people who have special fitness needs because of chronic back pain, joint stress, or obesity, and for anyone wishing to prevent osteoporosis.

Karon Karter is the coauthor of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Kickboxing, as well as The Healthy Traveler: Eight Steps to Healthful Flying. She is certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and teaches pilates “mat” classes. Her pilates class appears in Fitness magazine’s Fitbuzz column and every week on ESPN2’s Crunch Fitness.