RAPilates: Body and Mind Conditioning in the Digital Age

Chuck D., the leader/cofounder of the hip-hop group Public Enemy, and Lopez, his Pilates instructor, show how people of all ages can benefit from the practice of this body-conditioning regime. Now 63 years old, Chuck D says that he wanted to make sure his book offered something that readers over 40 could do effectively and safely. Together, the authors provide a great introduction to Pilates with clear, encouraging, and easy-to-understand directions and mesmerizing illustrations, created by Chuck D., a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee who also has a degree in graphic design. The combination of the text and images help readers better grasp how to do each exercise. The book’s breathing instructions are especially helpful and essential. Some exercises come with a warning for readers who have back or neck issues. Otherwise, they’re designed to be safe for all to try at home with limited or no equipment. Most of the exercises have hip-hop adjacent names, which adds a humorous touch to the tone of the book.