Pilates is enjoying a surge in popularity as more people discover the way it improves strength, muscle tone, flexibility, and stamina; relieves joint and back pain; and reduces stress. The method, created by Joseph Pilates, is based on strengthening core muscles while increasing the flexibility of the supporting muscle groups. This book details Pilates' original floor program, with newly revised descriptions and step-by-step photos of the exercises.

This new edition contains information on daily living patterns that can disrupt the body's biomechanics; back-strengthening routines for sports like golf, tennis, and racquetball; exercises for computer users -- upper back, neck, and shoulder routines; more advanced versions of the original exercises; and the stamina stretch, to increase breathing capacity and support abdominals before each exercise. In addition, the book offers an introduction to the history and philosophy of the Pilates system, information specifically for athletes, a chapter addressing pain relief, and helpful illustrations and worksheets.