This book might help reinforce things learned in the studio, but is not a substitute for good instruction. It would be practically impossible to read this book and do the exercises correctly. Studying with a certified instructor is the best way to learn the method and avoid injury.This book perpetuates the myth of not breaking a sweat. I am a beer drinking, meat eatin', cigar smoker (much like Joe Pilates was reputed to be) and I've managed to sweat a few decades of toxins out of my system during workouts.