8 Best-Selling Pilates Books Millions Love

Discover Pilates books written by leading experts including Salena Hicks and Brooke Siler, all best-selling and reader-approved guides.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a fitness discipline as nuanced as Pilates. This set of eight best-selling Pilates books captures a range of approaches—from foundational philosophies to targeted workouts—empowering you to strengthen and tone your body with proven methods. Pilates remains a popular path to holistic health, blending physical conditioning with mind-body connection, which these books reflect with clarity and authority.

Authored by figures like Salena Hicks, Brooke Siler, and Joseph H. Pilates himself, these works have shaped how enthusiasts and professionals alike approach Pilates. Whether it's Hicks’ accessible 10-minute daily routines or Isacowitz’s anatomical precision, the expertise behind these books has influenced widespread practice and education worldwide.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Pilates needs might consider creating a personalized Pilates book that combines these validated approaches into a unique guide customized for your goals and experience level.

Best for busy women beginners
Salena Hicks is a certified Pilates instructor with over a decade of experience who created this book to help women achieve effective workouts at home. Her approach combines more than 175 step-by-step videos and illustrations with a 10-minute daily routine, enabling you to tone your body efficiently even with a busy schedule. Salena’s expertise ensures that whether you’re new to Pilates or have some experience, you’ll be guided safely and clearly toward better strength and flexibility.
2024·128 pages·Pilates, Fitness, Exercise, Home Workouts, Toning

Salena Hicks is a certified Pilates instructor who designed this program to meet the needs of busy women seeking effective workouts at home. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how to perform over 175 exercises through detailed photos, videos, and step-by-step instructions, making it easy to follow along safely. The book emphasizes a 10-minute daily routine that balances toning with stress reduction, guiding you through a 21-day challenge that fits any schedule. If you want to strengthen your body and cultivate mind-body awareness without gym equipment, this guide offers a practical path. It’s especially suited for beginners but offers value to anyone wanting a convenient Pilates practice.

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Best for at-home Pilates practice
The Pilates Body offers a unique approach to Pilates that focuses on accessible, equipment-free exercises you can do anytime at home. Brooke Siler, owner of New York's re:AB Pilates studio, presents a carefully crafted program combining clear instructions, photos, and visualization to help you strengthen and realign your body. This book has become a trusted resource for those seeking to improve posture, flexibility, and muscle tone without bulky machines, making Pilates more approachable and effective for a wide audience.
2000·208 pages·Pilates, Fitness, Strength, Body Toning, Flexibility

What started as Brooke Siler's dedication to mastering Pilates in New York's competitive fitness scene became a practical guide that demystifies this mind-body exercise for anyone practicing at home. You learn a structured sequence of mat exercises designed to tone and lengthen muscles without bulky equipment, supported by clear illustrations and visualization techniques. The book delves into improving posture, flexibility, and balance, offering tangible ways to realign your body and enhance well-being. If you want a straightforward program to strengthen and streamline your physique with Pilates, this book gives you the tools without overwhelming jargon or unnecessary complexity.

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Best for personal strength plans
This AI-created book on Pilates strength is crafted based on your background, current fitness level, and particular challenges. You share which Pilates areas you want to focus on, and the book is written to address your specific goals with proven methods. Personalizing Pilates this way means you get a guide that matches what you truly need, making your practice more effective and rewarding.
2025·50-300 pages·Pilates, Pilates Fundamentals, Core Strength, Posture Alignment, Flexibility Training

This tailored Pilates book dives into battle-tested Pilates methods renowned for delivering consistent strength and flexibility improvements. It explores foundational principles alongside advanced exercises, all carefully matched to your unique background and fitness level. By focusing on your specific challenges and goals, it reveals how to build lasting core strength, enhance posture, and prevent injury through a personalized lens. The book balances proven techniques with your individual interests, fostering a deeper understanding of Pilates practice and its mindful connection to body awareness. This approach ensures your learning experience is both effective and engaging, tailored precisely to what you need to progress confidently.

Tailored Content
Pilates Conditioning
3,000+ Books Created
Best for Pilates foundational philosophy
Joseph H. Pilates’ Your Health offers a rare glimpse into the origins of Pilates, presenting an early 20th-century exercise system designed to rebalance body and mind. This book draws from decades of Pilates’ own research and experimentation, illustrating how his Contrology method addresses physical imbalances through conscious muscle control. Its enduring appeal lies in the clear articulation of principles that have influenced modern fitness, making it a valuable read for anyone wanting to go beyond contemporary Pilates classes and understand the foundational science behind this discipline. Those seeking to deepen their knowledge of physical education’s evolution will find this work particularly insightful.
1998·66 pages·Fitness, Pilates, Physical Education, Body Balance, Mind-Body Connection

What started as Joseph H. Pilates' personal mission to correct physical imbalances evolved into a systematic approach to exercise that reshaped physical education. In Your Health, Pilates presents his philosophy of achieving harmony between body and mind, grounded in decades of scientific observation and experimentation. You’ll encounter his detailed explanations of "Contrology," a method emphasizing conscious control over muscles to restore balance and vitality. This book offers insights into the causes of common physical ailments and how targeted exercises can mitigate them. If you’re interested in understanding Pilates’ foundational principles beyond modern adaptations, this book provides a direct window into his original theories and practices.

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Best for detailed muscle insights
Rael Isacowitz stands out with over 40 years as a Pilates practitioner and educator, holding advanced degrees and founding BASI Pilates, a global education network across 40 countries. His extensive experience, combined with expertise in dance and body mechanics, underpins Pilates Anatomy, offering you a trusted, richly detailed guide to mastering Pilates exercises with anatomical precision and thoughtful customization.
Pilates Anatomy book cover

by Rael Isacowitz, Karen Clippinger··You?

2019·272 pages·Pilates, Anatomy, Fitness, Muscle Activation, Exercise Variation

What started as a desire to deepen understanding of Pilates mechanics became a highly detailed exploration of muscle engagement and exercise variation in Pilates Anatomy. Rael Isacowitz, with decades of experience and a master’s degree in dance, teams up with Karen Clippinger to guide you through 46 illustrated exercises that focus on strengthening, stretching, and coordinating specific muscles. You’ll learn how subtle adjustments in breathing, alignment, and movement influence effectiveness, with personalized modifications for varied skill levels and physical limitations. This book suits both newcomers wanting to build a solid foundation and seasoned practitioners seeking to refine their practice with precise anatomical insights.

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Best for original Pilates exercises
A Pilates' Primer offers a rare glimpse into the authentic teachings of Joseph Pilates, presenting his early 20th-century philosophies alongside the full set of his original mat exercises. This volume consolidates his foundational principles on posture, breathing, and body mechanics, making it a valuable resource for those who want to connect deeply with Pilates' original vision. Its continued relevance and preservation of Pilates' work demonstrate why it remains a cornerstone for practitioners and instructors aiming to honor the method's roots and apply its natural exercise laws effectively.
A Pilates' Primer : The Millennium Edition book cover

by Joseph Pilates, Judd Robbins·You?

2000·158 pages·Pilates, Body Mechanics, Breathing Techniques, Posture, Physical Education

Joseph Pilates' foundational work, compiled in this primer, reveals the original philosophies and exercises that shaped his method. You explore his 34 original mat exercises alongside principles of posture, breathing, and spinal flexibility that remain relevant today. This book suits anyone serious about understanding Pilates from its source, offering clear insights into body mechanics and natural movement. While some newer editions expand on this content, this volume preserves the authentic teachings that continue to influence fitness and rehabilitation specialists.

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Best for rapid Pilates results
This custom AI book on Pilates Reset is created based on your experience level, specific interests, and fitness goals. By sharing your background and what you want to achieve, you receive a tailored 30-day Pilates plan designed to deliver fast improvements. Personalization matters here because Pilates effectiveness depends on addressing your body's unique needs and progress pace. This book focuses precisely on what will help you reset your routine and build lasting strength efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·Pilates, Pilates Basics, Core Strength, Flexibility Training, Posture Alignment

This tailored Pilates guide offers a focused 30-day journey designed to deliver rapid results through daily routines crafted specifically for your needs and goals. It explores foundational Pilates principles alongside variations suited to your experience level, ensuring each sequence supports your unique body and objectives. By blending popular, well-established Pilates techniques with personalized adjustments, this book reveals how to build strength, enhance flexibility, and improve posture efficiently. The tailored content keeps you engaged and progressing by addressing your specific interests and challenges, making the learning process practical and rewarding. Whether you seek better core control, muscle toning, or injury prevention, this guide matches your background and targets your Pilates aspirations precisely.

Tailored Content
Rapid Results Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for mat Pilates progression
Pilates: Body in Motion by Alycea Ungaro stands out in the Pilates field for its user-friendly design and stepwise approach to mat-based exercises. This global best-seller offers clear photographic instructions and practical checklists that help you avoid injury while progressing through beginner to advanced sequences. Whether you want to practice Pilates at home or deepen your understanding of mat work, this book supports your journey with its accessible framework and expert guidance. Ungaro's influence in Pilates shines through in a guide that continues to resonate with a wide audience seeking effective body conditioning and mindful movement.
Pilates: Body in Motion book cover

by Alycea Ungaro·You?

2002·176 pages·Pilates, Fitness, Exercise, Body Conditioning, Mat Exercises

Alycea Ungaro, a pioneer in mat-based Pilates, crafted this book to bridge the gap between Pilates theory and practice, helping you master foundational to advanced exercises with clarity. The book breaks down fifty key Pilates movements, like The Hundred and Swan Dive, using detailed photos and concise checklists that guide your form and safety. You’ll find four progressive routines tailored to different skill levels, allowing you to build strength and flexibility methodically. Whether you're starting Pilates at home or looking to refine your technique, this book offers clear, structured guidance without overwhelming jargon.

Global Best-Seller
Published by DK
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Kristen Payton is a fitness expert specializing in Pilates who has crafted engaging workout programs to help women meet their fitness goals. Known for clear, step-by-step instructions paired with visual aids, she designed this book to offer accessible Pilates training at home without expensive subscriptions. Her approach combines exercise with mental focus and practical tracking tools, aiming to make Pilates approachable and effective for weight loss and body sculpting.
2024·110 pages·Pilates, Weight Loss, Home Fitness, Body Sculpting, Flexibility

The methods Kristen Payton developed while creating this Wall Pilates guide challenge the usual gym-centric approach to weight loss and toning. Drawing from her extensive fitness expertise, Payton offers tailored workouts designed specifically for women aiming to lose weight through accessible wall-based Pilates exercises. You learn to perform over 150 exercises safely, with clear video and audio guidance, and track your progress daily using included charts. The book suits anyone hesitant to commit to costly subscriptions or in-person classes but determined to sculpt their body and improve flexibility at home. If you prefer hands-on instruction paired with a structured fat-burning challenge, this book delivers that experience.

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Allan Menezes' guide stands as a carefully structured resource capturing Joseph Pilates’ original physical conditioning techniques, enhanced for today’s fitness enthusiasts and athletes. Its appeal lies in the detailed exercise breakdowns and specific attention to back pain relief and sports training, making it a practical tool for those wanting to build strength and flexibility while managing discomfort. With its rich visual support and targeted routines, the book serves anyone aiming to integrate Pilates into their conditioning regimen with a focus on healing and athletic support.
2004·224 pages·Pilates, Physical Conditioning, Back Pain, Sports Training, Core Strength

When Allan Menezes revisited Joseph Pilates' original methods, he crafted a guide that balances tradition with modern needs, especially for those battling back pain or aiming for sports conditioning. You’ll find 88 exercises categorized by difficulty, accompanied by over 240 photos and illustrations that clarify each movement. The book dives into Pilates' philosophy and offers unique routines like The Stamina Stretch and The B-Line Core, which target breathing, core strength, and posture adjustments to ease pain and improve athletic performance. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Pilates while addressing specific physical challenges, this book offers a structured approach without overwhelming you with jargon.

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Proven Pilates Methods, Personalized for You

Get Pilates strategies tailored to your goals without generic advice that misses the mark.

Targeted workout plans
Efficient learning path
Customized practice routines

Validated by Pilates enthusiasts and fitness experts alike

Pilates Power Blueprint
30-Day Pilates Reset
Pilates Foundations Code
Pilates Success Formula

Conclusion

These eight Pilates books collectively highlight how versatile and effective Pilates can be for different goals—from building foundational strength and posture with Joseph Pilates’ original exercises to targeted weight loss using wall-based workouts. If you prefer proven methods with clear guidance, books like "The Pilates Body" and "Wall Pilates Workouts for Women" offer accessible routines to start with.

For those interested in deeper understanding and precise muscle work, "Pilates Anatomy" and "The Complete Guide to Joseph H. Pilates' Techniques of Physical Conditioning" provide expert insights into how Pilates supports rehabilitation and athletic training. Combining these resources can give you a well-rounded Pilates practice.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Pilates book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in strengthening their bodies and enhancing wellbeing through Pilates.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "The Pilates Body" if you want a straightforward, equipment-free guide. It's great for beginners wanting a clear sequence to build strength and flexibility without being overwhelmed.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Pilates?

No, many like "Wall Pilates Workouts for Women" and "A Pilates' Primer" cater to beginners with step-by-step instructions and foundational exercises.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts like "A Pilates' Primer" and "Your Health," then explore practical guides such as "The Pilates Body" before diving into specialized books like "Pilates Anatomy."

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick a book that fits your goals. For example, choose "Wall Pilates Workouts for Women to Lose Weight" if weight loss is your focus or "The Complete Guide to Joseph H. Pilates' Techniques of Physical Conditioning" for back pain relief.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Your Health" and "A Pilates' Primer" delve into Pilates philosophy and theory, while books like "Wall Pilates Workouts for Women" and "Pilates" offer hands-on exercises and routines.

Can personalized Pilates books complement these expert guides?

Yes! Expert books offer solid foundations, but personalized Pilates books tailor content to your unique goals and experience. They blend proven methods with your specific needs for efficient progress. Learn more here.

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