Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Wow! What an unexpected surprise!
I saw this video at a local discount store and picked it up on a whim. I didn't expect much, but it was cheap, so I grabbed it.What a pleasant surprise! I use this video regularly and definitely feel and see the results. Michelle Dozios clearly explains and demonstrates every move but is never condescending, irritating or intrusive. She also shows modifications for beginners and advanced exercisers, plus demonstrations of what NOT to do. I'm not a Pilates expert, but I've seen some of these positions before on other Pilates videos, so I'm guessing they're pretty standard. You'll really feel it in your abs. (I think that overall, Pilates is much more effective -- and interesting -- than crunches for toning abs. I know I see a big difference when I do this video regularly.) This is purely Pilates. There's no cardio, no weights. I like to alternate this video with cardio and weight work; additionally, you can skip the ab section on your other videos and use this instead. This is a great intro to Pilates, and you sure can't beat the price. I highly recommend it.
Rating:  - Good Introduction to Pilates
This DVD has none of the lush production of other Pilates DVDs or tapes that I have seen. The music accompanies rather than inspires or encourages. The studio is Spartan.What this DVD is is a solid introduction to the beginning and intermediate levels of Pilates. There is an introduction about 10 minutes long that explains the significance of and the proper position for the powerhouse and spinal alignment. The instructor, Michelle, takes the time to teach the proper method of breathing during the exercises. After the introduction, there are two groups of exercises at the beginning and intermediate levels. The beginning group of exercises has 18 basic Pilates exercises. It looks like the intermediate group has about the same number. The strength of this DVD is that each exercise is demonstrated in a detailed fashion along with easier and more challenging variations. You should have little ambiguity performing the exercise correctly after listening to the explanation and seeing the exercise performed. In addition, common problems encountered performing each exercise are shown in an exaggerated fashion, so you clearly understand what not to do. I had read two highly recommended books on Pilates, but seeing the DVD really put it all together for me. After using the DVD 3 times this week, I am feeling muscles I haven't felt in years and have developed a sense of when I am not standing properly or slumped over at the desk. I did have a low grade lower backache for a couple of days (which is somewhat normal according to the books) but that has passed. I recently also joined a health club where they offer free Pilates Mat workouts. After watching one session and working out one session at the health club, it clear how much better the instructor on the DVD is. Finally, for me, this workout would not work on VHS format. I really enjoy the ability to step through the exercises rather than FFW or REV.
Rating: - a great introduction to Pilates
With 30 lb to lose after the birth of my third child, you'd think I'd be looking for a serious fat blasting aerobic videotape. But the posture one adopts when pregnant caused me to have tightness and pain in my lower back, and I was looking for a workout that would strengthen and stretch it.Pilates seemed like the perfect option, and this video presented it beautifully. I have never done Pilates before, but this workout was very "do-able" for me. The first time I tried it, I watched the first segment that explains Pilates, and teaches you how to maintain form to get the best benefit of the exercises. It also introduces you to some of the jargon. The workout itself is wonderful. The music is very subtle, and the instructor explains things clearly. She's not intimidating, she tells you to go easy if you need to. The exercises are varied- some are more difficult than others, but they get easier the more you do them. Pilates also doesn't require a million reps of each move, it's more focused. The mini stretches she shows in between moves are a gem. The instructor has extremely muscular legs- I wonder if she got them from Pilates alone. The only thing I didn't like about her is that her feet are dirty. The results? My abs are tightening, and my back feels much better
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