I wanted to share an essential guide book for Pilates that all instructors should read and own.
Pilates Anatomy by Rael Isacowitz and Karen Clippenger
It has a step by step guide to the execution of over 45 mat exercises. What I really like about the book is the illustrations of the targeted and accompanying muscles for each exercise depicted in red and orange respectively, so that you know exactly which muscles you should be concentrating for each exercise. The anatomical illustrations makes it very clear for visual learners.
There are also technique cues for each step of the exercise to help comprehend the focus of each movement.
Referencing my previous blog post about whether you are ready to be a Pilates instructor, knowing the human anatomy and how each and every muscle work is a pre-requisite to be able to teach the exercises well. This book definitely helps in this regard!
I have read and re-read this book so many times and it’s such a handy reference book to have!