Book excerpt: Gain the competitive edge with the innovative training methods in Pilates and Conditioning for Athletes. This science-based, multidimensional approach to athletic conditioning helps you build a strong and flexible foundation by infusing Pilates into training, resulting in complete training programs that tap into the seven pillars of training needed for success: Agility Flexibility Mobility Power Speed Stability Strength Begin with proven assessment protocols that have helped elite and professional athletes reach the pinnacle of their careers and remain there. Evaluate your movement patterns, range of motion, strength base, flexibility, and core strength to determine your baseline and guide your selection of exercises and sequences to turn weaknesses into strengths. Then follow detailed instructions for 124 Pilates mat and traditional conditioning exercises to strengthen your core, improve your posture, increase flexibility, and correct muscle imbalances. You will learn the following: Breathing exercises to increase lung capacity and reduce stress Stretching routines to open your hips, hamstrings, and back Joint articulation to improve range of motion and balance Resistance training for strength and power Medicine ball training for working in diagonal and transverse planes A dynamic warm-up series to begin each training session You can take the confusion out of your training plan by adding one or more of the 19 foundational, intermediate, and sport-specific workouts to help you achieve your performance goals. Successful athletes never leave their training to chance: Every workout is planned, every exercise is done for a specific reason, and each movement and program builds upon the previous one. Whether you are a weekend warrior, a college or professional athlete, or a 70-year-old triathlete, Pilates and Conditioning for Athletes will help you incorporate Pilates training to become a stronger, faster, healthier, and better-equipped athlete. Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes both the book and exam.