2007-08-09 Caution: Do not Buy if you are a beginner or over 30!!!!

This book would be fine if you are under 30 and healthy. Some of the other reviews displayed here and the book inself in the blurb on the back state that it is suitable for all levels of fitness. Not!!! I purchased this book and it is certainly not suitable for all levels of fitness. It is very advanced (one of the exercises involve a severe forward flexion and which if you have back problems you should approach with extreme caution) In the beginer's section there is also an exercise called a 'roll up' which is almost identical to a traditional sit up. This should not be in a beginner's section!!! People with low back problems beginning this programme will almost certainly injure themselves if they attempt the beginner's programme. There are no prelimary Pilates exercises which concentrate on showing the beginner how to strenthen their core area by pulling up their pelvic floor muscles and staying stationery. There is no relaxation posture, which is a key posture showing the beginner how to align their body. There is a 'double leg stretch' in the beginner's section which would put extreme strain on the lower back and the only caution advised is 'proceed with caution if you have disc or lower back injuries'. All the postures are illustrated by instructors with extremely young and fit bodies. Looking back at some of the reviews here I see that some of them are written by people who are instructors or have over 5 years experience of this type of exercise so I just want to issue those of you who are not in the first flush of youth and are not fit with back problems and were advised to try pilates as an exercise with a warning before you buy it and injure yourselves. It is really irresponsible to advertise it as being suitable for all levels of fitness. Shame on you Alycea Ungaro.