Digital Copy Innovations in Pilates Mat Work

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The Pilates industry needs innovators and forward-thinkers like Mr. Anthony Lett. Since I first met Anthony in 2011 he has never ceased to display creativity, intelligence and a never-ending abundance of new ideas. Innovations in Pilates; Matwork for Health and Wellbeing is another of Anthony’s well thought out and beautifully presented books. It brings new dimensions of understanding to the Pilates Matwork and will not doubt contribute to the professionals’ and enthusiasts’ knowledge and enjoyment of the Matwork. Mr. Lett’s specific focus on flexibility is enlightening, and his breaking down the classic Pilates repertoire and the flexibility requirements of each exercise will prove extremely helpful to all that practice Pilates, be it on the mat or apparatus. Most importantly, Innovations in Pilates; Matwork for Health and Wellbeing will provide a road map for the safe practice of Pilates. Although Pilates is commonly thought of as a very safe system of exercise, and in the hands of well educated teachers and practitioners, it is, Pilates can also be damaging if certain basic physical requirements, one of them being adequate flexibility, are not present and the exercises are not well understood. Anthony has used the original/classic Pilates exercises, as performed and taught by Mr. Joseph Pilates as the foundation and springboard for his work. This is an approach that was used in Pilates Anatomy (Human Kinetics) authored by Karen Clippinger and I. It proved to be very valuable for a broad spectrum of the population that practices Pilates. I am certain Anthony will share the same success. He deconstructs the exercises into smaller movements making them easier to digest and perform. Many of the Pilates exercises are very complex and this system of deconstruction will no provide valuable stepping-stones in the learning process. He then offers stretches to help achieve optimum performance of each exercise. These stretches are based on the most contemporary exercise science and research to be both safe and effective. The stretches include both individual and partner stretches. The book is exquisitely illustrated and each illustration conveys layers upon layers of information. I have no doubt that this book will enhance anyone’s practice of Pilates, but more importantly it will offer a path to wellbeing with unhindered and unrestricted movement in daily life.