Presents a guide with step-by-step explanations and photographs of Pilates exercises broken down into sections for beginner, intermediate, and advanced fitness levels and listing the physical and mental benefits of each exercise.

"The Venice Nutrition Program is not a diet--it's a healthier way for anyone, at any age, to get control of their body. Based on the principle that regulating the body's blood sugar is the key to long-term weight management, the program emphasizes three primary strategies to keep the body functioning efficiently: eating at intervals of 3-4 hours throughout the day; eating meals that maintain the most efficient ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat; and eating a targeted number of calories at each meal. Readers will quickly find that adopting these nutritional guidelines burns body fat, boosts their energy levels, increases muscle mass, regulates their metabolism, and eliminates sugar cravings. Macdonald has worked with thousands of clients and in doing so, learned that no two people are the same or start from the same level of fitness and health. Unlike other blood sugar-regulating programs on the market, the Venice Nutrition Program is customizable, and begins by teaching readers how to work with the metabolism they're starting with, and how to readjust whenever their metabolism recalibrates. The body is dynamic and constantly adjusts to challenges--from increased stress, changes in eating habits, or a decrease in physical movement, for example--as it strives to regain equilibrium. Nutrition is just one important piece of the Venice Nutrition Program, though, and Macdonald--a former personal trainer and health club manager--has also developed a carefully honed exercise plan. With those two primary components of his holistic strategy in place, he explains how sleep, vitamins/minerals, water, and stress management complete the picture of optimum health"--