Editorial Review

In this excellent, intermediate Pilates workout, you add muscular power and endurance to the core stability you've developed. Skillful instructor Moira Stott-Merrithew starts with a review of basic principles, demonstrated in the warm-up, before taking us through a nonstop workout. Many of the moves are the essential exercises taught in Read more

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Reviews (18)

Great workout/Cheap videos
I actually own the basic, intermediate and advanced Stott Pilates videos. While I love the workout, I was highly disappointed that the tapes malfunctioned after a few months of use. Both the beginner and intermediate tapes I purchased wouldn't play - I had to open the case and manipulate the acetate to get the tapes going again. I thought this was odd since I still have tapes that I bought in the early 90s that work with no problem today. When I emailed the Merrithew Corporation - the Canadian company owned by Stott that makes the tapes - to complain, they promised to send me replacements, but never did. The sad part is that I also gave a Stott beginner tape to my mother as a gift and it malfunctioned as well after a few months.

Great, well-instructed workout!
If you are somewhat new to Pilates, I would suggest you start with Stott-Merrithew's Essential Matwork video.She takes a lot more time there to explain how to do the exercises.In this video, she builds on that slow, deliberate instruction, so the exercises go by much more quickly here, with little pausing.Also, in this video, she has us doing more-advanced versions of the "preps" we did in the Essential video.
Not the greatest
I have taken Callanetics in a studio (similar in origin to Pilates, but not as focused on the core), so I felt I was prepared to try an intermediate level DVD.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

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Reviews (10)

Much More than a Physical Workout
My wife (60 plus) discovered Leslie through a church sponsored exercise class. Not only is it a simple yet effective workout which may be easily adjusted to various levels of fitness, but it also reminds us of our need to focus on our Spiritual health.Leslie incorporates spiritual reminders, primarily postive and uplifting.
MY SECOND FAVORITE EXCERCISE TAPE OF LESLIE'S
I'M 51 YEARS OLD AND CAN NOT YET GET UP TO SPEED OF KATHY SMITH. (ALTHOUGH I HOPE ONE DAY I'LL BE ABLE TO DO ALL THE EXERCISE TAPES.) I BOUGHT THIS TAPE FIRST EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN AND LOVED IT! MY ALL TIME FAVORITE IS EASY STRETCH WITH GREG SMITHEY TO GET BACK INTO SHAPE!!! THEN? LESLIE SANSONE'S WALK & FIRM FOR OLDER ADULTS. THEN? THIS ONE!!!

Nice laid back way to sweat!
I actually bought this tape for a friend who is returning to exercise after a several year lapse- but she has knee problems, so I wanted to check out the intensity and impact of this video. This is low impact, low intensity. I did this one last night- all three miles (the viewer who mentions weights is mistaken- they are referring to a different video, there are no weights in this one). I had fun, worked up a sweat, and couldn't believe I did a three mile walk! I normally do yoga (Patricia Walden), pilates (Jennifer Kries!) and I do some form of cardio everyday (Denise Austin is a fav!). I consider myself to be in great shape. But, some days you just don't want to MOVE. Some days you don't FEEL like exercising. On those days, pop this in! You will hear some lovely Christian music, listen to a motivational speaker (she goes light on the religion), and know that you MOVED and got your heart rate up.Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness    3. Fitness/Self-Help    4. Movie    5. Sports Highlights   

Editorial Review

Belly dancers are known for their ability to isolate and move one body part at a time. This video helps you tone arms and abs by learning isolations that target just those muscles. The arm routine uses smooth, flowing movements that complement the accompanying hip moves. Special motions of the wrists and fingers make the moves look dramatic and fluid, sometimes snakelike. Meanwhile, you're working your abdominals by lifting, shifting, and circling your ribcage. This video, more than the others in this series, makes you feel and look like a belly dancer. For example, you do "Egyptian arms" (picture yourself balancing a dinner tray on each hand, elbows at shoulder height, flexed wrists at ear height, fingertips away) while lifting and shifting your ribcage from side to side. The 30-minute workout includes some difficult abdominal moves done on the floor, body weight resting on feet and arms, torso lifted. Read more

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• Developing strong and shapely abdominal muscles is important for maintaining good posture and a healthy back, and is also meaningful for projecting an image of feminine beauty
• This program will teach you moves that are easy and fun
• Bellydance is the perfect exercise to help you achieve your goals, feel good about yourself and have fun
• It is an experience you will look forward to everyday

Reviews (19)

Unique upper body toning routine
Bellydance Fitness Arms and Abs is designed to tone your upper body using bellydance-inspired movements. In the first half of the workout, you will do a variety of arm movements, most of which require you to hold the arms at shoulder level or above. Although the voiceover instruction suggests that these moves will tone your biceps and triceps, I felt them mostly in my shoulders, which quickly became fatigued. Eventually, you move on to working the chest and ribs, mainly through isolation movements. The final ten minutes of this workout are performed on the floor. You'll start with several non-traditional abs exercises--eg, leg lifts while propped on your elbows--and then you'll work on more traditional crunches. The workout finishes with several yoga-inspired stretches, and the total time comes in at about 28 minutes.
Oh, my poor arms...
I barely made it through the warm-up, so I know this one is good.My arms and abs are probably the weakest parts of my body, so I was drawn to this video by its title.Veena and Neena aren't nearly as annoying as some exercise video instructors, and they make it all look so effortless.I'll definitely be working out to this video for a while, until I can make it through the whole thing.Fun and a great workout, which is what I've been looking for.After this I'll buy anything Veena and Neena put out.

Very decieving!
I started out on this and it was easy...but as time went through..by the end of the half hour I was in pain!! If this doesnt make me loose nothign will! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

This is an excellent muscle-endurance workout, full of challenges and variety. Instructor Tracie Long is superb, cueing seamlessly while giving plenty of technique tips and modifications to make the moves easier or more difficult. There's no annoying pep talk, whooping, or counting--just straightforward instruction to make your workout more effective. This 45-minute weight workout switches constantly between lower and upper body (sometimes doing both at once). Long sensibly gives stretches every so often to relieve muscle tightness. You'll need a barbell, an assortment of free weights, and a tall (12- to 14-inch) step or equivalent. The tape box and introduction claim that this workout includes a 26-minute high-intensity sequence, but this 45-minute tape did not have a cardio sequence. No abdominal routine, either. Although the routine ends with the words "more to come," the only "more" was a long commercial. Read more

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Reviews (29)

Short, tough workout...
This is one of the most sought after Firm videos that are out of print.It is a compilation of the strength segments of the Tortoise and the Hare which are also out of print, but without the ballroom aerobics.Tracie Long leads this workout (as she led both Tortoise and Hare) plus there snippets of her in between segments letting you know what is coming up.
Great Workout!
After reading all of the rave reviews of this tape, I just HAD to have a copy of my own, so I got 1. First of all, let me say that Tracie is THE BEST Firm instructor. Her cueing & pointers are top-notch. The workout is challanging & thorough. Like others have said, it's a mixture of Tortoise & Hare minus any cardio or ab work. After doing this workout 3x a week for 3 weeks, I'm seeing serious muscle in my upper body. I follow this workout with Sculpted Buns, Hips & Thighs for ab & floor work. If you're lucky enough to find a copy, GET IT!

TOUGH TAPE IS EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD!
Tough Tape is just that, Tough!I had waited to buy this tape, it has been around at my local bookstore, and finally I decided to purchase it.. I thought, for some DUMB reason that this tape wouldn't be very hard,and i didn't like the cover, so I didn't get it.. I just did it for the first time yesterday.( I am an advanced exerciser, who is better at cardio than weights though) but this tape BLEW me away!I think I am a very strong girl, but after using 15lb dumbbells over my head for the tall box climbs in this video, my legs felt like gel by the end. Day after, and I am STILL sore!in a good way!I have mainly all the FIRM's that count, and this one is a HUGE edition to my twenty five plus video collection!I am young, and don't get sore that often, but with this video, I feel like I worked to THE MAX!Tracie, what can you say, she is exceptional.I used to not like her, but I have come to respect her on this video as a straightforward, non cheerleader instructor.This video is tough, and I am sure that results will come fast with this one!Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

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Reviews (7)

Great Instructor, Safe, Easy & Good Workout
I have always been active but have never exercised or weight trained prior to being diagnosed with osteopenia. One can feel confident that they are indeed helping their bones and not causing further injury to them with Mirabai Holland's expertise as an aerobics/exercise instructor and her many certifications. In addition, her voice is very nurturing and pleasant. I only wish that there were more of a variety of videos to choose from for people that are concerned with strengthening their bones.
Top-Notch Workout for Bones
I'm a former gym junkie and lifted weights three times a week for years. I must say that Skeletal Fitness has completely replaced my lifting routine. I now have confidence that I'm doing everything to stave off osteoporosis for my entire body--including areas that my previous routine didn't address, such as the wrists. I would award the video 10 stars if I could--it's that good. Plus, Mirabei presents herself as the kind of instructor anyone would welcome into her home on a regular basis.

Great Video
I loved this video!!It is a balanced easy-to-follow workout for anyone with concerns about osteoporosis, or for anyone new to a fitness program.The instruction is one-on-one, making you feel like you are having a session with a personal trainer.Very little equipment is required.Mirabai Holland provides detailed direction on how to do each exercise, as well as explanations of what the exercise is intended to accomplish and why it is important.At the beginning and the end of the tape, there is lots of very valuable information on the causes, treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.A real winner!. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fitness    2. Special Interests   

Editorial Review

Paula Abdul's fans will really have fun with this 45-minute, high-energy dance workout. Even the warm-up is energetic and jazzy. Abdul teaches two dance routines. She introduces a 16-count pattern slowed down, then speeds it up until you're up to tempo, adding on until you've got a routine. Don't expect teaching expertise from Abdul--she cues the moves, but never explains how to do what she's demonstrating. Just watch and follow. You may need to pause this video a lot at first to learn the moves--she doesn't repeat the slowed-down moves enough to catch them--but after you get them, it becomes pure fun. She is assisted by two of her tour dancers and a crowded class of what she calls "ordinary people," though they're mostly young, good-looking, and very fit. The production is colorful and flashy. The constantly changing camera angles are distracting and sometimes annoying, because they hinder you from watching the feet to learn the moves. You'll enjoy the playful cool-down to Village People's "YMCA," led by the males in the class. An abdominal segment and stretches finish the workout. Coordination and rhythm required. Read more

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Reviews (122)

good music, too hard to follow for beginners...
I will admit that Paula is inspirational BUT she doesn't give you enough time to "learn" the move before putting you in full gear. I loved the music and Paula's upbeat personality but felt it moved way too fast. This video will definitely get your heart a pumpin'.

Fun - but not easy: Dance like no one's watching! (warning: bad music)
I'm not the most coordinated person; I found this video difficult to learn. BUT had a great time, just moving my "best guess," in the meantime. I get so crazy with videos that explain to you for an entire minute while you are frozen and just waiting to get on with it. Paula Abdul just jumps right in and you have to sink or swim. Disadvantage is that it will take a few viewings before you can accurately emulate these moves. Which can be seen as an incentive to use this video again and again. It is now part of my regular rotation, and each time I put it in it's a challenge to get up to speed...but a fun time while I struggle with my coordination challenges. I mean, we're at home, right? I'd never brave a class like this in reality ... but can freely embarass myself over laughter at home.
Challenging Workout and Fun!
I've had this "tape" for 10 years.I came online to get it in a DVD format before I destroy the tape that I've used off and on for the past 10 years. If you don't like to dance, don't bother with this DVD. However, if you like to dance, then that's what will make this one fun.When I first started this VHS, 10 years ago--and 10 years younger--I thought it was hard.It took me a bit of practicing before I could get the steps; but I DIDN'T QUIT.Eventually, I got all the moves. I didn't even have all the range of motion either, but that improves as your body gets use to doing the routines.I haven't worked this VHS for a few years, and I needed to get in better shape so I pulled it out again.I am 47 years old, and about 30 pounds overweight, and if I can do this routine at my age (it took me about two weeks to be able to get through it again), anyone can do it.The key is, you must love dancing and this kind of aerobic workout.You can tone the movements down until you get better at them, and rev it up as you get better.But once you get it, you will always want to do it. This is a great workout, and I will be doing it for along time. For all the nay sayers: either they don't really like to dance, or they just gave up too soon.And by the way, this was not called "Hip-hop" 10 years ago."Hip-hop" is just a new name which includes a lot of old styles.I don't particularly care for "Hip-hop." And I would not consider this a "Hip-hop" DVD. ... Read more

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Reviews (10)

..disappointed..
Upon inital use of this tape, I felt that it could have gone to a more advanced level.Although it does an adequate job of reviewing basic postures.What is lacking is a thorough workout so that a user will want to use this tape as a guide on a regular basis.Great for beginners but no more.

Tai chi for health
This is an excellent Tai Chi tape; it shows all the moves in each direction: from front, side and rear.I just wish that there was a following tape for the next set of moves.Please tell the person doing this tape that we all could use a second tape!

Excellent for beginners
Simply, this is a very good place for beginners to start. With all of the different tapes, forms and variations of forms available it can be confusing for beginners (like myself).From scratch I learned the form presented in about a month. However, some very important facts were not explained like: What form is taught on the tape? Is the set presented only one segment of the Yang long form? The title is Tai Chi for Health Vol. 1 In order to learn the complete form I'm guessing you need the other Vols. Where can they be found? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

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• Original recording reissued
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Reviews (26)

Helped me lose 65 pounds!
I have never given birth and I love this video!I used it when I first started out dieting and exercising 3 years ago.I could not complete the aerobics part, first starting out.Now, 65 pounds lighter, I do the aerobics part once, rewind and jog in place while rewinding, then do aerobics again.That makes it lasst 55 minutes, and gives 25 minutes of aerobics.It is perfect for when the weather is too bad for walking.
Just okay...
I tried this workout after my 2nd child was born(who is now 2 yrs old). I purchased this for about $2 from an outlet store a couple weeks before I gave birth. I rate it as just okay. I prefer aerobics that are more athletic style than dancey (I have 2 left feet). So, if you are more inclined towards the dancey style aerobics go ahead and try it out for yourself.
nothing unsafe about it!
I have had 2 kids plus 5 knee surgeries, 1 shoulder surgery and the ligaments in my hips are very loose.I never found this tape to hurt (other than the muscles I never knew I had) any part or be dangerous in anyway and I am not a graceful person.I lost 10lbs in 2 weeks and did not change my eating habits.I was working out 5-7 days a week.I love how she is very energetic and supportive.It made me not quit even though the first 2 or 3 times I was tripping over my own feet.The only downfall is my vcr quit and this tape I dont know if it comes in a dvd.Im hoping it will, it is about the only thing I have found that my body responds too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Keep your cool through peri-menopause and menopause by reducingshort-term symptoms and increasing long-term health with this 90-minutevideo from veteran instructor Kathy Smith. The workout includes 20minutes each of low-impact cardio (for heart, bones, weight, and mood),bone-building strength training, and stress-reducing yoga. The cardiosection uses simple moves and patterns (no more complicated than a cha- cha), repeated frequently, with three choices of demonstratedintensities. Experienced aerobic dancers might be bored by the lack ofchallenging choreography, but beginners and moderate intermediates canfind their level here. The strength-training segment is well instructedwith exercises that work the upper and lower body simultaneously, soyou get the most out of your 20 minutes. Smith also discusses thenitty-gritty details of menopausal symptoms, beneficial effects ofexercise, and nutritional strategies, including a Q&A with doctors,making this a good source of information as well as a workout routine.Read more

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• Perfect for both peri- and menopausal women
• Solid medical information and three complete workouts (led by a friendly and supportive instructor who's also experiencing the same changes you are)
• Each workout is precisely designed for specific menopausal concerns: cardio for a strong heart, toning to prevent osteoporosis, yoga for stress reduction and mental agility
• All the moves are fun, easy-to-follow and remarkably varied (e.g. from grapevines to kickboxing in the aerobics, from dumbbell exercise to Pilates core conditioning in the toning)
• Video ends with a thorough discussion of simple techniques to reduce symptoms along with in-depth medical guidance (e.g. hormone replacement, sexual health)

Reviews (23)

I learned a lot about Menopause!
I was very plesantly surprised by this video and I learned a lot about peri-menopause and menopause itself, what to eat, what to do to help relieve symptoms, etc... it's extremely detailed and friendly.
My favourite DVD purchase in the past 12 months
I used to be neutral about Kathy Smith but this DVD really exceeded my expectations.I bought it initially thinking anything I learned about hormonal imbalance and perimenopause from this would be useful, and I thought even a one time viewing would make it worth my while.I was pleasantly surprised, and only wish I'd bought it back in my 30's!It's packed with a wealth of information.So much so, the DVD version is more practical so you can choose what parts to view on various days rather than having to fast forward through areas.
Great workout for everyone even if you are not going thru manopause
This is the 3rd Kathy Smith DVD that I've bought and I love them all.I like the variation and the intensity of the work out.A must have! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness    3. Fitness/Self-Help    4. Movie   

Editorial Review

Maintaining your current fitness level is the goal in this upbeat pregnancy workout from the Read more

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Reviews (72)

Love this video
I absolutely love this video.I am a very active person and usually get bored really easily by workout videos. I especially hate it when the choreography is repetitive and boring.
Thank goodness for a normal pregnancy workout
When I was looking for a way to keep doing aerobics, I turned naturally to Kathy Smith, whose tapes I have been doing for years.But the reviews editorially and from the customers were so bad, I didn't want to take a chance.I also do a lot of Buns of Steel work outs from the 90s, and so when I saw there was a pregnancy tape, I decided to give it a try.The moves are fun and she adds on so you don't get bored.She also does a section of lunges, squats and some stomach work.I think it is a great 40 minutes.Plus the people in the video are really pregnant!!!
Worth It
I really liked this video. It definitely made my thighs sore, so I knew it was working! Worth the money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

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Reviews (8)

A lost treasure
This is a very well done video, Rachel Welch knows yoga and she is a good instructor.This tape deserves to be republished as a DVD

I love this video
Raquel Welch is so encouraging and so natural on this tape.She is the best thing about the whole experience. Raquel is so amazing to watch - absolutely beautiful. She keeps the pace up and at the end of the tape she looks straight into the camera and she is just beaming as she tells you "You did it!!!.........You were great"The workout is challenging and so rewarding.It's great to feel yourself making progress.

Total Beauty & FItness
Bought this tape (& book) in the 80's when I started Ballroom Dance competitions, and loved it. It really helped me to stretch, balance, focus and concentrate. Still have both tape & book - - do tape only occasionally b/c of the 80 minute time commitment. Learned a lot from the book about nutrition and health. Raquel may be beautiful to look at, but she is strong and flexible and really pushes you to do your best throughout the tape. You won't want to whimp out by not doing your best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness   

Editorial Review

If you enjoyed Ana Caban's exceptional beginning-level video, Read more

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• In this more rigorous routine, Ana increases the duration and intensity of previously-learned exercises to give you a comprehensive workout for both your mind and body

Reviews (79)

Voiceovers are Fine Now
Before I purchased this DVD, I read the other reviews that said the production quality of this DVD was poor, especially the voiceovers.I took a chance and bought it anyway. Those reviews were written in 2001.The DVD that I bought in 2006 was fine, very clear and loud sound.I love this DVD, it's very close to my favorite instructor's class and is an excellent substitution for when I can't get to class.They may have re-released it and fixed the previous problems.

Fitness Seeker
While the content of the exercise program is good, the production quality is abysmal.The sound swithces from normal to very echoing, dim and "under-water" sounding every third sentence.The visuals flicker, and alternate from color to black and white.The filming is very unsteady, as if the cameraperson is just a beginner.I contacted the company and they sounded very unconcerned about these problems!Because of this, I am reluctant to purchase another Living Arts-Gaiam product.

Excellent follow up
This workout is an excellent follow-up to Ana Caban's first workout, Pilates for Beginners. The length of the workout and the intensity of the exercises was perfect. I really enjoy Ana's commentary during the workout and I think she is one of the better pilates instructors available on DVD. The range of motion covered and the explanations for them are very helpful and I developed a much better ability to perform exercises like 'Teasers' (one of the more difficult Pilates exercise) and many others. I also really love the Energy Boost workouts on this and the beginners DVD because if I have a busy day ahead of me, I will do the fifteen or twenty minute energy boost workout and be set for the day, even if I don't have time to do a whole long workout. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

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Reviews (21)

Shivered me timbers!
I used this video for the first time yesterday-I do a 45 minute pilates mat workout every night and I thought I would add this one on as a "cool down."Maybe my legs were already tired from the pilates or maybe I'm jsut a wuss, but I couldn't make it further than the first 3 excercises, and only 50 of each rather than 100! And then my legs quivered when I stood up! This must work, because I could still feel wierd little tinglies when I got up this morning!
Great Video
Take my, and others words for it: This video works! I have but to do it four times and I already see/feel results. The exercises work your hips and buttocks so deep that while doing the vido you know that "you have been working hard after this" to quote another Callan video. However, just to let you know, you will need something of a barre, because all the exercises are done with one. Good luck and I would highly recommend this video!

Great way to focus on tough toning areas in only 20 minutes
In this short workout, instructor Callan Pinckney expands on the hips and behind exercises included in her original Callanetics video.This is a very different form of exercise, as the movements are small and precise but performed for a high number of repetitions (100 of each here).Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

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Reviews (3)

Back To Basics With Jane...Essential Stuff
Start Up With Jane Fonda", may be nearing 20 years old, it may make you laugh at the hair and wardrobe selections, but this 25 minute gentle workout has beaucoup benefits still.
Best exercise video for those with health problems
I have used Jane Fonda's Start Up for well over ten years now.I have extra copies in case of breakage. I have a bad back and fibromyalgia and can only tolerate gentle to moderate exercise. This workout is perfect for me.If I find after I do it that I can do more then I move on to something more strenuous. Great for overall stretching and toning.

Great Video For Your I Don't Want Exercise Days!
This a great video for people who have either very little time or need a very gentle workout to prepare them for more streanous exercise.It is also very good for those who are just starting to get into shape and need to start out very slow.
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Reviews (22)

Great arm workout!
I have used this tape a few weeks now, twice a week, and it still isn't easy to do. My arms and shoulders feel worked! I really like how this series of exercises works all three aspects of the deltoids, as well as the upper back, chest and arms. I'm getting ready for summer, none too soon. I'm sure this series will get me there. (I especially like the legs workout in this series as well.)

Great arm workout!
I have used this tape four weeks now, twice a week with 5 lb. weights, and it still isn't easy to do. My arms and shoulders feel worked! There are three sets of each exercise, which actually work my muscles to fatigue. I really like how this combination of exercises works all three aspects of the deltoids, as well as the upper back, chest and arms. I'm getting ready for summer, none too soon. I'm sure this series of tapes will get me there. (I especially like the legs workout as well.)

The best upper body workout EVER!!!
I started this tape in the beginning of January 2006. I started out with 3 lb weights and after three weeks I was up to 5 lb weights.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

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Reviews (22)

Good for tired moms! (and dads)
I've had Leslie's tapes (1 & 2 mile) for quite a while now, but I haven't used them in a while. I'm trying to up my excercise everday to try to lose 20 pounds that I've gained over several years of basic inactivity and a desk job. This tape is great because I can squeeze it in with very little time commitment. I get up at 5, jump into my tennis shoes and excercise in my pajamas, and it feels great that even if I don't get any more excercise for the rest of the day, I've at least done a mile!

This Workout Is Wonderful!
My mother, who is 46 years old, started doing this workout a couple months ago. I always shrugged it off until a couple days ago. I was watching the video while my mother did it and I really had an urge to try it. Leslie seemed very friendly and inviting, but not overly annoying (like other instructors in many workout videos), and the workout is simple with just enough difficulty. This is really great if you're out of shape and don't have a lot of time. Anyone can do it...it's really easy and dare I say, fun! Whether you're 17, like me, or 70...skinny or chubby...this video is for you. I highly recommend it.

Great workout!
I love this workout. It is so easy with no complicated moves. I was able to work up a sweat doing it. It is only about 18 minutes so I can always find time to do it. My children even try to do the moves. I have the 2 and 3 mile also and they are great. There is not much stretching in the end though. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Moira Stott-Merrithew has updated Read more

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Reviews (18)

This video does what it says it will do!
Essential Matwork really provides a good foundation for a correct understanding of Pilates. I had been doing Pilates for about 6 months and found that there were some muscles I was not working the right way. The exercises can seem simple if you aren't doing them correctly. So yes, it takes patience to learn the right way, but that makes this video an excellent place to get started! Once you master these basic skills, going on to another Stott video will keep you from getting bored.

Wonderful workout; wonderful instruction!
I'm a newcomer to Pilates, so I really appreciate the constant and very clear instruction Ms Stott-Merrithew gives throughout this tape.She explains why we do the exercises in the order we do (to alternate work on the abs and back and other muscles).She tells us how to breathe -- an important aspect of Pilates -- not just at the beginning, but throughout each exercise.Do you inhale rolling up or rolling back?Not to fear; Stott-Merrithew will remind you!She instructs exactly how to align your body throughout each exercise, which, if you have read anything about Pilates, you know is critically important to a successful practice.
very good and challenging for a beginner
I had done 2 Pilates classes at my gym (that were too difficult to do safely without basic visual instruction) and also tried the "22 minute matwork" Stott tape when I did this workout.I found it very instructional and safe, but quite challenging for me, which is the perfect beginner video.I am in fairly good shape, and workout 3-4 times a week, am flexible, and this is challenging enough for me to begin with.yes, there are 2 quick audio glitches(no big deal) and I am soooo sensitive to annoying voices and I found her very soothing and professional.I would recommend this to anyone and urge "workout" junkies to be patient and understand the value of learning specific and safe movement, since my knees are paying the price now from aerobics!iF THESE ARE NOT LEARNED CORRECTLY, THEY WILL NOT WORK! PILATES IS ALL ABOUT PRECISION! She tells you to do cardio 3 times a week besides her video, so this is not meant to replace a cardio workout.I echo that it is rushed through, but it is long, so I was glad to keep up the pace.I was sweating and felt beat up the next day(s), so even if it doesn't feel like much, you feel it later, believe me!!!I will be purchasing this video and then moving on to intermediate.The 22 min. matwork was just way too easy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fitness/Self-Help    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

"Go harder. Feel the resistance. Feel the work against your feet. Pedal through the resistance and make it disappear." This beautifully produced home-cycling video features instructor Robert Sherman leading you through an intense workout on your stationary bicycle. Instead of watching the instructor sweat, you watch Hawaiian scenery go by--quiet countryside, vibrant forest, mountain, breathtaking seascape--as if you were cycling outdoors. Sometimes an inset of the instructor shows proper form without distracting from the scenery. Sherman gives instructions about intensity and technique, varying your workout constantly. He guides you through the visualization of the ride as well as providing cycling technique and motivation. "Ride with confidence. Ride with strength. Stay strong as you prepare to face your first hill. Here we go." Although you don't have to have an official Cycle Reebok or Spinning bike, you'll get the most out of this workout if your bike allows you to increase and decrease resistance without dismounting, and cycle standing up as well as sitting. You'll look forward to getting on your stationary bike with this video. "This is what training is all about--going where you've never been, feeling what you've never felt. Let this beautiful Hawaiian scenery take you to the top." This video is 44 minutes, including a warm-up, 30 minutes of cardio riding, and a cool-down. Read more

Features

• Color
• HiFi Sound
• NTSC

Reviews (6)

CYCLE REEBOK IS GREAT
Is a great one!! I love Robert Sherman technic, and I wish you get new ones done by him. Great Video, just wish there were more like it.
When I decided to bike indoors I bought 4 tapes thinking that I would be able to get a varied workout each day.However, this is the only tape I use.The scenery of Hawaii is beautiful and it is nice to be able to bike indoors while feeling as if you are outdoors.It is also helpful to have the narrator telling you what to do and when to do it.I wish I could find more tapes like this one.This is sort of a beginning tape and now that I have been using it for a few months I am ready for the next step.But all I can find are spinning tapes, which are awful, or other scenery tapes, which don't give you instructions about which gear to be in.I would definitely recommend this tape for anyone who wants to continue biking in the winter.I put my bike on a trainer and it works just great that way so you don't even need to buy an expensive stationary bike.

Anything is better than staring at the wall
Although I have never attended a spinning class, I do ride a stationary bike at home.This video is not the best instructional video I have seen, but it does have some great scenery.The instruction is very low key, and the inset pictures of the instructor are helpful especially when the volume is low.While not great, this video does give you a good workout and makes the 30 minutes go by a lot faster than watching the evening news!!I have an inexpensive stationary bike and it works just fine for these excersizes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie   

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (5)

nothing new
Callanetics is wonderful, but I expected something more out of this video than the exact same exercises that are in the full video. As a matter of fact, the arms and abs section is right in the begining of the full video. Skip the quick series and just buy the video.

unique in many ways
Created and demonstrated by Callan Pinckney, this is a "no impact" approach to exercise. The video states that these exercises will "tighten the abdominal muscles from the breastbone to the pubis/release tension in the back of the neck/lengthen the neck/release tension across the shoulder blades/expand breathing capacity by expanding the chest/lift breasts by working the pectoral muscles/eliminate double chins/release tension and stretch the entire back". quick callentics for stomach
please contact me! Had an exercise studio for many years. nowI lovecalllentics and know it is the best program around. know there is a need to have a callentics studio in my large community! would like to trainand run a sucessful callentics studio here! THANKYOU, NANCY WALKER ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Exercise/Fitness    2. Fitness/Self-Help    3. Movie