Michael Joseph Pilates for Life: The most straightforward guide to achieving the body you want at home

I’ve been interested in Pilates for a while, but YouTube videos were too easy and Les Mills trial didn’t satisfy me either as although I followed the movements, I still was not sure if my deep muscles were working as they should, as the flow was fast and no explanations were given.So I browsed through reviews, found Darcy Bussell Pilates and bought both DVD and book, as I want to be able to take my exercise mat into the garden in summertime and just follow the book sequence.I have really enjoyed following the DVD, as clear explanations are given, moves are shown and I do like seeing her muscles working, as in some previous Pilates video that actually wracked my DVD player (came from the US, I think) the presenter was moving so effortlessly that I thought oh no, this isn’t for me.This DVD is right for me and I am doing the mini program daily, the full program when I have more time.

I have both the book and DVD and rate both highly. You don't need both as each give good clear images and descriptions of the exercises. I really enjoyed the DVD, the exercise routine seems quite easy but you certainly know you've done it the next day!! The choice of music might not be to everyones liking but I find it very relaxing. The book covers the same exercises and information regarding the benefits of each one as the DVD, it doesn't of course have the music, but the images, descriptions and layout are very good and if you are a book lover, its a lovely book to have.

Quite a good book with some good tips on common Pilates moves. I agree with some of the other reviews that say the text and background colouring makes it difficult to read. It means I have to wear my glasses and have good light in the room which I tend not to do when I am exercising

Bought for a present for someone fairly new to Pilates. A beautifully produced book very clearly, concisely and simply described. Easy to understand and beautiful photographs of Darcy demonstrating the moves. However, her hamstring stretch is much more flexible than most of us can achieve in early stages! I wish! Even if it doesn't inspire you to take up Pilates, it is still a lovely book to have and will inspire you to persist if you already do Pilates.

The Pilates class that I haven taken has stopped, so I thought that I would buy a book, in order to continue. Most of the books on offer were extremely, and unnecessarily complicated with drawings and diagrams that were hard to decifer. This book is an excellent book for beginners and people who have been doing Pilates for a while. The exercises are helpfully grouped together and the pictures are brilliant, there is no difficulty in understanding the exercises at all, and therefore absolutely no excuse not to get stuck in!