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the motions like you can on gym equipment. And then, for every move you

think you’ve mastered, Pilates has another version that’s a little different and

a little harder.

Consider a move called “rolling like a ball” (see Figure 17-1): You balance on

your rear end, roll backward, and then roll back up into the balanced position

again. This move requires a good balance of abdominal and lower-back

strength and is deceptively tough. Liz has seen many muscular bodybuilders

taken down by this move. Pilates teaches you to think about how you use

your muscles during your workout so you use them better in daily life. For

instance, because much of the focus is on good posture and body mechanics,

you stand and sit taller and walk more gracefully. Liz always leaves her

Pilates classes feeling a few inches taller.

Photograph by David Herman and Jordan Levy

Anybody can benefit from Pilates. Liz has been taking Pilates classes for

years. Although she has always been strong and has plenty of endurance

from all the running, hiking, and weight training she does, she continues to

find Pilates very challenging.

a. b.

c. d.

Return to the Balance Point.

Figure 17-1:

Rolling

like a ball.

260 Part V: Cardio-Strength Workouts: Getting the Best of Both Worlds