Fitness & Health

Books & DVDs:

Pilates, Stretches & Yoga

Pilates: Body in Motion

Pilates

- Everyone desiring an at-home, low-impact workout method should include Pilates in their exercise program. Popular for decades with dancers, athletes, fitness professionals, and celebrities, the Pilates Method is the perfect low-impact workout for a stronger, leaner, fitter body. With primary focus on movement precision and total body awareness, Pilates is fabulous for both the body and the mind.

Stretches

- Warming up with stretches just prior to exercising allows your body to move through the paces of your workout with improved flexibility and range of motion. Learning the right stretching techniques will help you do your exercise routines with less fatique, minimal post workout soreness and less chance of an injury. Muscle stretching is also a great way to relax tight muscles and regain your body balance when feeling stressed.

Yoga

- Those who practice yoga understand and enjoy the many benefits of it but those who are just considering a toning-fitness program often ask, "why do yoga? The quick and easy answer is that it's good for you and it makes you feel good. Yoga is a satisfying way to chill out and take care of your body at the same time. Today, many mainstream fitness and health professionals incorporate yoga into their personal routines and encourage others by example and teaching to reap the body and mind benefits of practicing yoga. You can best learn yoga techniques by attending local classes and then supplementing your instruction with professionally produced books and DVDs.

To help you through the maze of instruction materials on low-impact Pilates, stretching and yoga we've picked what we believe are the best training books and DVDS for your fitness program. These are all current, well reviewed and have a 4-star minimum customer rating.

by Alycea Ungaro

$9.38 (paperback)

The most authoritative, step-by-step guide to Pilates available on the market. Using step-by-step mat-work exercises and a wide range of programs, from beginner to advanced, "Pilate's Body in Motion" is one of the best practical guides to learning all of the proper steps to follow and how to avoid common mistakes in your conditioning.

Best Low Impact Workout Books and DVDS

Pilates Books from Amazon

"This is a great book for a beginner or an advanced user who wants to learn the proper form and get great results quickly.
--Michal A. Enders, customer review Read More

The Pilates Body: The Ultimate At-Home Guide to Strengthening, Lengthening, and Toning Your Body--Without Machines

by Brooke Siler

$12.89 (paperback)

While today's Pilates studios take advantage of patented and intimidating-looking equipment that costs thousands of dollars (and therefore charge accordingly for private sessions), each exercise in The Pilates Body can be performed with just an exercise mat. While all parts of the body are used in the exercises, the focus is on the abdominals, or

"powerhouse," which support the back; this makes Pilates an ideal exercise for those with back problems--or those hoping to prevent them. Read More

Pilates Anatomy

by Rael Isacowitz

$13.57 (paperback)
$ 9.99 (Kindle)

With detailed descriptions, step-by-step instruction, and stunning full-color anatomical illustrations, Pilates Anatomy takes you inside the exercises and programs that will tone the body, stabilize the core, improve balance, and increase flexibility. Using the original mat work of Joseph Pilates, you’ll see how key muscles are used, how variations and minor adjustments can influence effectiveness, and how

breathing, alignment, posture, and movement are all fundamentally linked.

Pilates

by Rael Isacowitz

$10.76 (paperback)
$ 9.99 (Kindle)

Strengthen, lengthen, and sculpt your muscles with the full range of Pilates exercises. In Pilates, world-renowned Pilates expert Rael Isacowitz shows you the same repertoire that he has used to train 10 Olympians,

including U.S. figure skater Sasha Cohen and diver Wendy Williams, as well as an elite group of professional instructors who work with celebrities and athletes around the world.

"While other Pilates books cover limited apparatus, this is the first truly complete guide to Pilates technique, exercises and equipment. A thorough, well-written, and useable guide to proper Pilates practice."
--Kirkus Reports, Health & Fitness Read More

Pilates Illustrated

by Portia Page

$12.46 (paperback)
$ 9.99 (Kindle)

"Pilates Illustrated" offers a straightforward, highly visual approach and 13 predefined routines (including those for perfecting posture, low back care, morning energy, evening relaxation, and total-body strength) for the quickest, and most effective way to experience the physical and mental benefits of Pilates. With detailed instructions and hundreds of full-color photos, renowned instructor Portia

Page will accompany you step by step on the path to improved health, strength, flexibility, energy, and relaxation. This is the exercise guide that you will turn to time and time again. Read More

See all Pilates Books at Amazon

Pilates DVDs from Amazon

10 Minute Solution: Rapid Results Pilates

by Lara Hudson

$10.19 (single DVD)
$ 9.99 (Amazon Instant Video)

NO TIME TO EXERCISE? We have the solution for you – "The 10 Minute Solution"! Everyone can find at least ten minutes in their day...5 dynamic Pilates workouts that are just 10 minutes each. The workouts were designed by internationally recognized Pilates Instructor Lara Hudson using a technique called Power Precision Sequencing, specifically designed to give you rapid results. Read More

Pilates_For_Beginners_&_Beyond_3-DVD_Set

by Body Wisdom Media, Inc.

$18.99 (3 DVD Set)

This 3 DVD set has everything you need to begin learning Pilates and to progress at your own pace. Never before has a has a single collection of Pilates DVDs contained so much valuable information to help you explore the hworld of Pilates. Be inspired and motivated with this amazing library that will grow with you for

years to come. Over 40 routines for a wide range of needs - Modifications of poses for less-flexible people - Routines from 15 - 60 minute durations.

The boxed set includes: Pilates for Inflexible People, Pilates Complete for Weight Loss and Pilates Complete Sculpt and Tone. Read More

Pilates_Weight_Loss_for_Beginners_DVD_by_Brooke_Siler

Element: Pilates Weight Loss for Beginners

by Brooke Siler

$10.19 (single DVD)

This dynamic beginner's workout is designed to maximize calorie burn while teaching you the basics of Pilates. With a combination of Pilates-conscious cardio and mat Pilates, this sequence uses the principles of control, concentration, precision, center, breath, and fluidity to help you sculpt a new shape. The gentle, low impact exercises will strengthen and tone your whole body to develop a slimmer, leaner body line. Read More

Exhale: Core Fusion - Pilates Plus

by Fred DeVito and Elizabeth Haffpapp

$13.69 (single DVD)

The secret to "Core Fusion Pilates Plus" is that it works from the inside out, integrating your core with every move. The deep-toning approach goes far beyond the surface muscles, working hard-to-reach areas that traditional exercises can’t reach. Infused with yoga-inspired postures and core-conditioning exercises, this invigorating workout produces real results and will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Read More

Exhale_Core_Fusion_Pilates_Collection_DVD

Exhale: Core Fusion Collection

by Fred DeVito and Elizabeth Haffpapp

$21.49 (3 DVD Set)

A quarter of a million people have transformed their bodies at exhale, the exclusive mind/body spa. Now you can get these same results at home. Each program contains five focused segments of just 10 minutes each, for quick results that fit your busy lifestyle.

The set includes: Body Sculpt, Pilates Plus and Thighs & Glutes. Read More

See all Pilates DVDs at Amazon

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Stretching & Flexibility Books from Amazon

Dynamic Stretching: The Revolutionary New Warm-up Method to Improve Power, Performance and Range of Motion

by Mark Kovacs

$9.96 (paperback)
$8.99 (Kindle)

Dynamic Stretching teaches how to effectively prepare your body for physical activity while simultaneously improving strength, power, speed, agility and endurance. With more than 50 exercises—fully illustrated with step-by-step photos—this book shows how to take your workouts and abilities to the next level.
Read More

Prescriptive Stretching

by Kristian Berg

$13.57 (paperback)
$ 9.99 (Kindle)

"Prescriptive Stretching" features full-color anatomical illustrations and step-by-step instructions for 40 of the most effective stretches to eliminate pain, alleviate muscle soreness, improve balance and flexibility, and prevent common injuries. In addition, you’ll find sample stretching programs that you can follow as is or personalize to meet your body’s needs.

Best of all, Prescriptive Stretching shows you how to quickly assess your pain and identify the stretches to reduce discomfort. Read More

Stretching for Functional Flexibility

by Phil Armiger and Michael Martyn

$36.31 (hardcover)

"Stretching for Functional Flexibility" is a reference guide for the safe, effective, and efficient application of stretching exercises to improve range of motion and movement potential. Based on the most current research, this text is a valuable reference for professionals dealing with the health and performance of the musculoskeletal system. The text provides all of the information necessary to design and

implement a safe and effective stretching program. A companion Website will offer the fully searchable text and an image bank for instructors.
Read More

Stretching for 50+: A Customized Program for Increasing Flexibility, Avoiding Injury, and Enjoying an Active Lifestyle

by Dr. Karl Knopf

$11.16 (paperback)
$ 8.99 (Kindle)

Designed to meet the unique needs of the 50+ person, the carefully modified stretches in this book are easy to learn and safe to perform at any age. Illustrated with step-by-step photos and explained with clear captions, the stretches in "Stretching for 50+" can reverse years of muscle tightening, helping you perform daily activities without pain and enjoy sports and leisure activities without injury. Read More

Full-Body Flexibility - 2nd Edition

by Jay Blahnik

$13.57 (paperback)
$ 9.99 (Kindle)

Improve flexibility, balance, and strength in three steps! Only the "Full-Body Flexibility" system blends the best stretching methods from yoga, Pilates, martial arts, and sports training into stretching sequences for your every need.

In this updated edition, you’ll find 175 stretches and 23 routines. Whether you’re seeking to

improve overall fitness or simply searching for a more effective way to stretch, "Full-Body Flexibility" is your guide for staying active, healthy, pain free, and injury free.

"This is a smart, straightforward approach to stretching for flexibility, strength, and injury prevention.” --Lindsey Emery, Fitness Magazine Read More

The Genius of Flexibility: The Smart Way to Stretch
and Strengthen Your Body

by Bob Cooley

$12.24 (paperback)
$13.99 (Kindle)

"After a life-threatening accident, Cooley developed a series of 16 resistance stretches that he says gave his body a degree of flexibility that far surpassed his pre-accident levels. Cooley explains that program here, organizing the stretches into four difficulty levels and addressing personality

Stretching & Flexibility DVDs from Amazon

TRX Essentials Flexibility

by TRX and Fitness Anywhere

$33.04 (DVD + Training Manual)

Originating in the U.S. Navy SEALS and developed by Fitness Anywhere, Suspension Training is an innovative method of leveraged bodyweight exercise. TRX Essentials Flexibility is a tailored program of stretches to help you get back the length of

muscle and ease of movement your body needs for peak performance and health. Fitness Anywhere's Education Director Fraser Quelch takes you through a series of active stretches that open muscles and connective tissue. Read More

AM & PM Stretch for Health

by Madeleine Lewis

$11.99 (single DVD)

Designed with targeted stretching programs to improve your flexibility, leaving you feeling invigorated in the morning and helping you realign your body at the end of the day.

"I have had this DVD for six months and love it. I don't have an especially stressful life, but I'm amazed to find the tension in my muscles when I

complete this stretch. It truly is energizing. A great way to start and end the day. I am glad I have this resource." --Sunny, customer review
Read More

Ballet Boot Camp Stretch

by Jessica Sherwood

$19.95 (Single DVD)

This unique workout offers a varied, flowing mixture of stretches created to lengthen muscles, increase flexibility and release tight joints. This energising and strengthening workout will help you to build your center of power and develop your body's core muscle groups. You will elongate and strengthen your entire body, in particular your abdominal and back muscles.
Read More

Full Body Stretch

by Karen Voight

$18.99 (Single DVD)

Start with core conditioning exercises to bring circulation into your body creating a lean, defined midsection and a strong limber back. Next, follow Karen through a series of deep stretches that will bring relief to stiff necks and

shoulders and will eliminate tension held in your back, hips, and legs. Treat yourself to this DVD and you'll find yourself looking forward to doing it even when you are tired or stressed. Keep it up and you'll see your posture improve and your energy levels increase, as your whole body gets fit and flexible. Read More

Perfect in Ten: Stretch - 10-minute workouts

by Annette Fletcher

$13.99 (Single DVD)

This streamlined series of passive and active stretches is arranged in 10-minute segments that can be easily fitted into busy schedules.

In the "Head-to-Toe" section most of the stretches are performed standing, lying on a mat, or leaning against a wall. In the "Sedentary Lifestyle Relief" section, you will learn how to stretch even while sitting in a chair. The "Sports

Stretch" section provides appropriate stretches for a range of fitness activities. And for a deeper stretch, select "Intense Stretch. Read More

Yoga Books from Amazon

See all stretching & flexibility DVDs at Amazon

See all stretching & flexibility books at Amazon

Yoga DVDs from Amazon

Slim Calm Sexy Yoga: 210 Proven Yoga Moves for Mind/Body Bliss

by Tara Stiles

$15.16 (paperback)

Inside this book is the secret to a new you.A slimmer, calmer, sexier you.
The secret? A revolutionary approach to the traditional practice of yoga.
Study after study has shown that yoga offers a multitude of benefits for today's stressedout, busy woman, including a trimmer body, stronger immunity, lower blood pressure,

improved mood, better sex, and more! In this comprehensive manual, you'll find more than 200 body-shaping and lifechanging yoga poses, meditations, breathing exercises, and unique 15-minute routines crafted by yoga superstar Tara Stiles. Read More

Ray Long's Bhanda Yoga Series

Yoga Mat Companion 1: Anatomy for Vinyasa Flow and Standing Poses

by Ray Long

$23.07 (paperback)

Master the science behind Vinyasa Flow and the standing poses of Hatha Yoga. Dr. Ray Long guides you on a visual narrative through the anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology of this ancient art, decoding each pose along the way.

The Mat Companion series provides you with beautifully illustrated, step-by-step instructions

on how to use scientific principles to obtain the maximum benefit from your practice. Each book includes the Bandha Yoga Codex, a simple five-step process that can be applied to any pose to improve strength, flexibility, and precision no matter what style of yoga you practice. Read More

No_OM_Zone_Practical_Guide_to_Yoga_by_Kimberly_Fowler

No OM Zone: A No-Chanting, No-Granola, No-Sanskrit
Practical Guide to Yoga

by Kimberly Fowler

$14.59 (paperback)
$ 9.99 (Kindle)

If you've ever wanted to try yoga but felt intimidated to walk into a class--or maybe tried it but were put off by complicated poses, foreign terminology, or chanting--"The No OM Zone" is for you. This is a practical guide designed to make yoga accessible to everyone, and it is based on the pioneering program by former professional triathlete,

Kimberley Fowler whose pioneering "Yoga for Athletes Workout and DVD" introduced everyday people to yoga with a fun and fulfilling approach.
Read More

The_Athlete's_Pocket_Guide_to_Yoga_by_Sage_Rountree

The Athlete's Pocket Guide to Yoga: 50 Routines for Flexibility,
Balance, and Focus

by Sage Rountree

$10.85 (Spiral Bound)

Yoga teacher Sage Rountree makes it easy for athletes to reap the benefits of the practice year-round. Designed to complement a rigorous training schedule, the book includes quick, five-minute warm-ups to prepare for daily workouts; strength sessions for the off-season and base periods; flexibility sessions as training grows more demanding, including 20-minute

flexibility routines to follow workouts; and focus sessions incorporating breath exercises and meditation to improve restoration and sharpen mental toughness for competition. Read More

See other yoga books by Sage Rountree:

The Athlete's Guide to Yoga: An Integrated Approach to Strength, Flexibility, and Focus $14.93 (paperback)

The Athlete's Guide to Recovery: Rest, Relax, and Restore for Peak Performance $12.89 (paperback)

See all yoga books at Amazon

Healing_Yoga_for_Neck_&_Shoulder_Pain_by_Carol_Krucoff

Healing Yoga for Neck & Shoulder Pain: Easy, Effective Practices for Releasing Tension & Relieving Pain

by Carol Krucoff

$12.21 (paperback)

Everyday activities such as using the computer, driving, or even curling up with a good book can create tension in the neck and shoulders. It's no wonder that so many of us have persistent discomfort and pain in these areas. Healing Yoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain presents simple, yoga-based practices that you can do at work and at home to release muscle tension for immediate relief.

"In this wonderful book, Krucoff demonstrates safe, gentle, and effective strategies to lessen neck and shoulder discomfort. Be careful, though--yoga's side effects include peace of mind, improved mood, and better sleep. You could get hooked!"
--Timothy McCall, MD, medical editor of Yoga Journal and author of Yoga as Medicine Read More

Yoga For Beginners

by Barbara Benagh (Body Wisdom Media)

$7.99 (Single DVD)

"Yoga for Beginners" is the perfect way to be introduced to yoga and it helps you to explore and experience the numerous benefits of yoga. There are 8 routines to help build strength, increase flexibility, improve your health and vitality and transform how you look and feel.

Routines are led by renowned instructor Barbara Benagh who expertly leads you through tailored workouts ranging from 10 to 60 minutes.
Read More

See Also
Yoga for Beginners Boxed Set $18.99 (3 DVD Set)

Includes:
Yoga for Stress Relief, AM/PM Yoga for Beginners
and Essential Yoga for Inflexible People
Read More

Shiva Rea: Daily Energy - Vinyasa Flow Yoga

by Shiva Rea

$15.99 (Single DVD)

Restore energy, strength, and balance every day with world-renowned yoga teacher Shiva Rea. Offering seven 20-minute practices, this program will help you fit yoga into your busy life every day without having to repeat a workout.

"Inspiring to all" --Yoga Journal

Read More

Yoga for Depression and Anxiety

by Apryl Ryder and Ira Israel

$12.99 (Single DVD)

Yoga for Depression and Anxiety contains a discussion of how our minds function and how yoga treats depression and anxiety. The discussion is followed by a 75 minute all-level vinyasa flow yoga class specifically designed to cultivate peace of mind. Read More

Sara_Ivanhoe's_Yoga_Body_Makeover_DVD_Series

Sara Ivanhoe's Yoga Body Makeover Series

by Sara Ivanhoe

$9.98 (Two DVDs)

2 disc set includes: Power Weight Loss, Power Tone with Weights, Core Power, Lower Body Power, Power Sweat and a bonus routine - On the Ball Yoga. Total body yoga for every day of the week! No time to work out? Sara has developed these fun and powerful yoga routines that target all those pesky trouble spots! If you have 20 minutes a day, you can have that sleek yoga body in no

time. Choose between 6 routines throughout the week and mix it up while you burn calories, strengthen your muscles and feel fantastic.
Read More

Rodney Yee's: Ultimate Power Yoga

by Rodney Yee (Gaiam)

$10.99 (Single DVD)

This DVD includes shorter yoga workouts that can be combined in a progressive sequence so that you can customize the ultimate yoga workout. You also have the option of performing each practice individually, for an express-style workout. Read More

Element: Yoga for Weight Loss

by Ashley Turner

$10.69 (Single DVD)

This dynamic yoga practice focuses on both the physical and mental factors that can affect weight. Physically it combines active vinyasa flow sequences with strengthening poses for optimal body conditioning. The vinyasa flows elevate the heart rate and burn calories while the strengthening poses build muscle and create a more toned, streamlined physique. Mentally this program will help develop the

inner strength of self-acceptance, focus and gratitude thereby reducing stress and creating happiness from the inside out. Read More

Yoga: Gentle Practice

by Zyrka Landwijt

$17.49 (Single DVD)

Get inspired. Get flexible! Experience peace & tranquility while you gain flexibility! This is a great DVD for beginners or anyone new to yoga. Featuring 6 sequences each with their own difficulty level and length: two half-hour sequences, two three-quarter-hour sequences, and two hour sequences. Read More

See complete listing of yoga DVDs on Amazon