Essential Reading

Return to Life Through Controlology by Joseph H. Pilates. Published in 1945, this is the original work by Joseph Pilates covering posture, body mechanicals, breathing, spinal flexibility and more. He covers 34 original matwork exercises which are the basis of what we teach today.

Pilates Anatomy by Rael Isacowitz and Karen Clippinger. Now in it's second edition this cult Pilates text provides a detailed look into the exercises and which muscles are activated, including the impacts of variations and adjustments.

Suggested Reading

Books

Caged Lion by John Steel, follows the author's journey through the history of Pilates and his own friendship with Joe and Clara.

The Pilates Body by Brooke Stiller, provides easy to follow step-by-step instructions for the full circuit of mat work.

Your Health by Joseph H. Pilates. Philosophies and Principles of Health and Fitness from the guru himself.

Blogs

Pilatesology - the number one source for classical Pilates repertoire this dedicated website hosts internationally renowned instructors true to the source, including instructors taught by Joe himself! Continuing to explore the Classical Pilates approach by subscription.

Anula Maiburg - philosophical, intelligent and funny, Anula brings together the traditional elements of Pilates with modern approaches to movement and challenges us to questions everything about our practice and bodies! Myth busting and appearing all over the world, including on the Pilates Unfiltered podcast below - but we follow her on Instagram.

Madeline Black - integrating movement science, osteopathic theory, manual therapy and more Madeline creates a unique approach to Pilates and promotes education in the movement industry. Her work focus's on clear instruction and her commentary covers general Pilates topics, specific body parts, as well as biomechanics and movement.

Podcasts

JZ Unfiltered - available on Spotify and Apple podcasts JZ Unfiltered is a podcast for Pilates people, by Pilates people. If you love a podcast, this one's for you. Pilates Professional Jenna Zaffino (formerly Pilates Unfiltered) is joined by industry leaders in spirited discussion on the Pilates culture and industry today. It’s funny, insightful, challenging and useful. 'The pulse of the Pilates community!'

Pilates Elephants - available on Spotify and Apple podcasts Pilates Elephants challenges false beliefs and discusses the 'elephants in the room' of the Pilates industry. Bringing accepted science and best practice in exercise, health and movement teaching to the fore, this Australian based series by Breathe Education is worth adding to your podcast library.

Balanced Body - as one of the largest and most established Pilates equipment manufacturers in the world Balanced Body has an abundance of information on contemporary as well as classical equipment and small apparatus. The videos, podcasts and articles are also informative and well researched. A great website to bookmark.

Digital Magazine

Pilates Style Magazine - the leading (and only) magazine dedicated to Pilates, the magazine is a wealth of information on all things Pilates: from teaching, to exercises and advice, as well as wellness and nutrition. There is no shortage of blogs, videos and other handy content to help keep you connected with the global industry and create your best Pilates life. Available by subscription.