Yogilates    by Jonathan Urla Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2003 (2002) Hardcover, Softcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Shannon Bigham Having heard of pilates and having a limited familiarity with yoga, I was intrigued by Yogilates: Integrating Yoga and Pilates for Complete Fitness, Strength and Flexibility. Jonathan Urla, a certified instructor in both Vinyasa Yoga and Pilates, has created an exercise regimen that integrates these disciplines. Urla has been a leader and innovator in the fitness and movement science fields for almost twenty years. He has a yogilates website (www.yogilates.com). Yogilates incorporates traditional yoga techniques, such as a focus on breathing, flexibility and 'quieting the mind.' It also incorporates pilates mat work, which tends to concentrate on strengthening the 'center core' of the body. Essentially, Urla combines the techniques and has developed an impressive mind/body exercise program that provides the benefits of yoga and pilates in one regimen. The book's introduction explains the concepts and purpose of yoga and pilates, along with Urla's yogilates philosophy. An informative chapter allows the reader to assess their personal fitness level. There are separate sections for a beginner's series of exercises and advanced yogilates practice. Beautiful and instructive black and white photographs demonstrate exercises throughout the book. Instructions are straightforward and I found this book very user-friendly. I recommend Yogilates to anyone seeking to improve flexibility, increase relaxation, correct poor posture, reduce stress, and tone their entire body. No special equipment is necessary and these exercises are perfect to do in the comfort of your own home. I have already incorporated the beginner's exercises into my own fitness regime and heartily recommend the program to others. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews