Features a 45-minute DVD and the bestselling book Pilates on the Ball

• Includes a visual demonstration of selected exercises from the Pilates ball workout described in detail in the accompanying book

• The book Pilates on the Ball has sold 90,000 copies since October 2001

In her bestselling book Pilates on the Ball, certified Pilates trainer Colleen Craig combines the effectiveness of the Pilates workout with the unique capabilities of the Swiss exercise ball, providing an innovative and low-impact way to stay fit. Now she offers a DVD in which numerous exercises from the book are demonstrated, accompanied by Craig’s vocal coaching that explains each step of the exercises. While the book Pilates on the Ball contains over 160 photographs and detailed step-by-step instructions, many users prefer to see the exercises demonstrated live in real time. The accompanying DVD allows readers to see exactly how to position the body throughout each phase of the exercise and also to see what pitfalls can occur and how to easily prevent them. Most important of all, the DVD allows the user to follow along as if in a class setting.

The Pilates on the Ball book and DVD workout shows users of all levels of fitness how to maximize the use of the ball in order to increase athletic performance, build long lean muscles, and tone the abdominal core. The DVD allows readers to take the exercises to new levels of understanding and effectiveness as they put the exercises contained in the book into practice.

Average Customer Review: ( 24 customer reviews )
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Coleen is clearly an expert in her field. She first describes the fundamental principles of Pilates, laying a foundation for transferring those principles to the Exercise Ball. The exercises are described in detail with pointers on how to perform them safely and effectively.

My only complaints about the book are small. The book lacks an index. Given the meticulous editing/layout of the rest of the book, I fondly hope this gets addressed in a future revision. Also, the book doesn't mention the well-respected Exercise Ball body of work that Paul Chek has created. Whether or not the author endorses that work, it deserves at least a mention in the "Resources" section of the book.

In any case, I think this is a landmark book -- and well-needed. Exercise balls are being massively marketed right now; there is a crucial need for instruction on how to use these devices safely and effectively. Providing these students with a well-grounded introduction to Pilates makes it all the better.

66 of 69 found the following review helpful:

New idea in exerciseNov 06, 2001
By John Gibson
As a family doctor, I have always recommended Pilates exercises to my patients. It is a safe, effective and medically very logical exercise program.
Colleen Craig has taken the Pilates system a big step further by utilizing the exercise ball. Her book has clear text, good photos, and helpful case histories to explain the techniques. It has everything needed to embark on an excellent exercise program.
Highly recommended.

J. Gibson M.D., C.C.F.P.

39 of 39 found the following review helpful:

Terrific book that took my exercise routine to the next leveJun 19, 2005
By Jessica Lux
I carefully poured over the reviews before selecting this book. I bought an exercise ball and I quickly got tired of the 30-minute DVD that came with it, so I wanted new challenges.

This book delivers challenges for beginners, intermediate ball users, and the advanced. I am still on the beginner workout and haven't gotten tired of it yet. I like the idea that there are two more levels for me to move into, so I'm not worried about advancing too fast and "using up" the useful knowledge in this book.

Each exercise is painstakingly explained in a standard format. It's very easy to learn the moves and follow along with the pictures. Then, the end of the book has 3 different workouts that use the exercises in different combinations. You can use the page number references to refer back to how to do an exercise if you forget. I've mastered about half of the beginner's workout and it's a terrific exercise every time. I'm going to buy some handweights to move on to the rest of the beginner workout.

Many exercises have a basic and advanced version, so you can do the one you are comfortable with until you are ready to progress to a move that requires more skill at stability on the ball.

38 of 39 found the following review helpful:

great ball workoutJan 12, 2003
By Raylene Hallman
This book provides a great ball workout. Once you have mastered the basics it is very easy to add the new exercises to your workout. After you've mastered the program the back of the book provides a quick guide to each area of exercise. Very helpful.
This is the one book I use for my ball workout.

28 of 28 found the following review helpful:

Great program!Mar 03, 2006
By Busy Teacher
I've been doing Pilates on the Ball by Colleen Craig for a year now. The book alone is not enough; the DVD is essential. I keep one eye on the TV, both ears on the gentle background music and Ms. Craig's voice, and my whole body relaxed, as Ms. Craig leads me through my 45 minute workout, both verbally and visually. I'm in my mid-60's, and this program is helping my posture stay young and my body strong. I've recommended it to several colleagues, and I'd recommend it to anyone. Ms. Craig speaks the instructions on the DVD, so you can follow the exercises even if you can't really focus on the TV screen as you do them. She speaks to bodies which have sore backs or sore knees, and advises people how to be careful so they don't get injured. I just love this program!

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