What is it that draws people into the world of Pilates? Each individual has their unique Pilates journey that kickstarts their involvement. But the real question is, what ignites that enduring spark, making people return again and again? The answer lies in a single word: Curiosity.
We're convinced that Pilates is a practice you can stick with because, frankly, it never gets boring. Think of it like peeling an onion. With each layer you uncover, you learn something new and intriguing about your body, which then gets you wondering about the next thing. Each movement skill you master lights a fire to understand and perfect another. And let's not forget about life's journey! As we grow older and dance through life's twists and turns, our Pilates practice doesn't just keep pace—it evolves and deepens, becoming richer and even more meaningful with time.
To add another layer of depth to your ongoing Pilates journey, we suggest diving into some enlightening reads. Below are a few of our top picks. A friendly heads-up, though: these books might quench some of your curiosity, but be prepared to find new questions kindling in their place. Exciting, isn't it?
Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph Pilates? More like Become a Superhuman with Mind-Body Magic! This book is the ultimate playbook from the brainiac who invented the Pilates exercise system. Picture it: Joseph Pilates, the grandmaster of abs, is going to walk you through his wicked method of exercise, called “Contrology.” It's all about getting your brain and body to have a high-level pow-wow. The book details the philosophy behind the method and provides a series of 34 specific exercises, each carefully designed to align the spine, strengthen the core, increase flexibility, and promote overall health. This is a beginner's must-read!
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk is a deep-dive into the riveting world of trauma. Think of van der Kolk as your friendly neighborhood brain whisperer, explaining how trauma can play a game of musical chairs with your brain, shuffling around areas responsible for all the good stuff like pleasure, control, and trust. But hold on, it's not all gloom and doom! This book also serves up a menu of brain-boosting treatments, from groovy neurofeedback to chill mindfulness techniques, and even a side of yoga. It's like a wellness buffet for your brain! It's science meets resilience, telling the story of how trauma survivors can bounce back and reclaim their lives. A read that's equal parts enlightening, empowering, and just a little bit entertaining.
In The Body: A Guide for Occupants, author Bill Bryson embarks on an awe-inspiring tour of the human body, exploring its miraculous intricacies with his signature blend of wit, wisdom, and profound curiosity. Bryson navigates the inner workings of our bodies with ease, from the atoms and cells that make up our form to the marvels of the brain, heart, and immune system. Each chapter serves as a tribute to human biology, discussing how our bodies function, how they heal themselves, and how, despite the universe's countless attempts to annihilate us, we continue to survive. It's an enlightening, often humorous, journey that celebrates the wonder of being human.
If you're still on the fence about the idea that breath is fundamental to movement, a core concept in the six principles of Pilates, then this book might just change your mind in the best way. In "Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art", James Nestor transforms the ordinary act of inhaling and exhaling into an extraordinary exploration. Nestor suggests that we modern folks have forgotten how to breathe properly (Oops!), and it's causing a lineup of health hiccups. This book is like a thrilling global scavenger hunt, taking you from ancient burial sites to clandestine Soviet facilities, even to a top-secret lab where Nestor willingly becomes a human guinea pig (talk about dedication!). Weaving anthropology, medicine, and the freshest scoops in lung science, Nestor makes the compelling case that changing our lives could be as simple as taking a breath — the right way
"The Pain Management Workbook" by Dr. Rachel Zoffness is your handy guide to kicking chronic pain to the curb and reclaiming the zest in your life. Harnessing the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and a sprinkle of neuroscience, this workbook is packed with tools that break down the mystery of pain. The aim? To reduce your reliance on meds, introduce you to healthier thinking habits, and guide you in creating a tailored, all-encompassing pain management plan. This book doesn't just focus on physical pain—it tackles the emotional side too, underlining the mind-body connection. Get ready to seize control of your life and show pain who's boss!
Your Pilates journey is unique to you. The books we've mentioned are ones that we at Pilates in Common have found particularly insightful and relevant to the practice, but there's a whole world of excellent reads out there that can help you tailor your Pilates experience. If you have a favorite book that's enriched your Pilates practice, we'd love to hear about it. Please share it in the comments below!
By: Destinie Slavich
Top photo by: Tabitha Turner
