Pilates for Life: The most straightforward guide to achieving the body you want at home

I’ve been interested in Pilates for a while, but YouTube videos were too easy and Les Mills trial didn’t satisfy me either as although I followed the movements, I still was not sure if my deep muscles were working as they should, as the flow was fast and no explanations were given.So I browsed through reviews, found Darcy Bussell Pilates and bought both DVD and book, as I want to be able to take my exercise mat into the garden in summertime and just follow the book sequence.I have really enjoyed following the DVD, as clear explanations are given, moves are shown and I do like seeing her muscles working, as in some previous Pilates video that actually wracked my DVD player (came from the US, I think) the presenter was moving so effortlessly that I thought oh no, this isn’t for me.This DVD is right for me and I am doing the mini program daily, the full program when I have more time.

I've tried several Pilates books and been disappointed by them all: they simply don't describe and illustrate the positions and movements clearly enough to follow - and with a first and a PhD in physics I don't think the problem's just me being stupid! This one is different: the descriptions and illustrations are almost crystal clear, and the rationale for them is explained at just the right level to be helpful. And it's blessedly free from the mystic mumbo-jumbo that infects a lot of books on Pilates and yoga. Maybe it's because Darcey approaches Pilates as a working tool, not a religion. Anyway, 10 out of 10 for practical value. And beautiful to look at as well!

. . . however one does not necessarily need to if they buy the DVD. The pictures and instructions though, are great.

I have both the book and DVD and rate both highly. You don't need both as each give good clear images and descriptions of the exercises. I really enjoyed the DVD, the exercise routine seems quite easy but you certainly know you've done it the next day!! The choice of music might not be to everyones liking but I find it very relaxing. The book covers the same exercises and information regarding the benefits of each one as the DVD, it doesn't of course have the music, but the images, descriptions and layout are very good and if you are a book lover, its a lovely book to have.

Bought for a present for someone fairly new to Pilates. A beautifully produced book very clearly, concisely and simply described. Easy to understand and beautiful photographs of Darcy demonstrating the moves. However, her hamstring stretch is much more flexible than most of us can achieve in early stages! I wish! Even if it doesn't inspire you to take up Pilates, it is still a lovely book to have and will inspire you to persist if you already do Pilates.

The Pilates class that I haven taken has stopped, so I thought that I would buy a book, in order to continue. Most of the books on offer were extremely, and unnecessarily complicated with drawings and diagrams that were hard to decifer. This book is an excellent book for beginners and people who have been doing Pilates for a while. The exercises are helpfully grouped together and the pictures are brilliant, there is no difficulty in understanding the exercises at all, and therefore absolutely no excuse not to get stuck in!

At last a book that fits in with my life style. I just wanted a book to give precise and detailed instructions with plenty of photographs to illustrate the point. Have looked at other Pilate books. Most of which seem to expect a dedication to Pilates beyond what I have to offer. I'd thoroughly recommend this book to anyone thinking of taking up Pilates.

I believe others have mentioned it before in the reviews, and it is true, it is a difficult to read book, with a lot of space wasted throughout to give it a look of "fanciness". The book is essentially exactly the same as the DVD which is a much better teaching tool than book.