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Reviews (2)

Good pilates and excellent instruction
I used to do the Method with Jennifer Kries and therefore was bummed when I could no longer do Pilates on my back after four months.So I bought this DVD and it has been really fabulous.You don't need all the toys like the ball (just squeeze your legs against your own resistence) and I don't really use a bar for balance.Her weights section is excellent, and sometimes I even use 5 lb weights in some of them to maximize my workout.Also, on the main menu, you can go right to the workout and don't have to speed through the long winded introduction of some of the instructors (how much do you need to hear about the well being of your baby?)
Great Mix
This is a wonderful mix of yoga and pilates that really helped me stay in shape during my pregnancy. And after birth, I was able to lose weight quickly and continued to use the moves I learned with the video. The instructors are really easy to understand and the moves are easy on a pregnant body! ... Read more

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Reviews (3)

Great video for beginning pilates
This is a great video for anyone encountering pilates for the first time.

some serious Pilates instruction!!
Excellent, excellent instruction. This is the 1st of a 4-series set and is truly for a beginner to Pilates. The exercises in this DVD is to build up your core strength in a safe way without straining your neck and back.
Excellent instructional video
This Stott Pilates video is excellent for basics of pilates.Moira Stott offers clear instruction for every abdominal exercise.When starting out, most people don't realize how crucial proper technique is, and Moira Stott gives detailed explanations of each movement without being too complicated or wordy.This video is fun, and most importantly, I've lost inches in my abdominal area by using it just a few times a week.I will definitely look into additional Stott Pilates videos as my level improves. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art House & International    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie    6. Special Interest    7. Special Interests   

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Reviews (21)

well done
This is a nice change of pace from the more gym-style pilates workouts that currently seem to populate the genre.Hilary sets a nice mood, gives very clear and easy-to-follow directions, and definitely utilizes a more holistic approach.She seems to have put some definite thought and energy into the look and feel of this DVD.The only thing I wish were different about this product is that there was no indication of how long the series is on the outside of the box (it's a little over a half hour).Also, she focuses mainly on core work, does less with buns, thighs, arms, etc.If those are your target areas, you might want to supplement this with another workout.I do think this is a worthwhile video for most anyone, and is a great way to get both relaxed and energized before a busy day at work.

Nice intermediate Pilates practice with excellent form pointers
Hilary Burnett's Mind Body Mat combines a very good intermediate level Pilates mat practice with exceptional form pointers. At the start of the workout, Hilary spends about 4 minutes focused on Pilates breathing, first in a seated position and then lying. This was a great refresher for me (although I'd probably skip this segment next time); I particularly liked how she mentioned that your tailbone should be on the floor with your waist slightly up. She then moves into the matwork, beginning with the hundred, the traditional first Pilates exercise. Hilary teaches with a combination of live and voiceover instruction, flowing smoothly from one exercise to the next and following the common sequencing order. At times, she does a higher number of repetitions than usually found on other Pilates videos, which I liked.
Hilary Burnett Pilates Intermediate: A Perfect Practice!
I have been using this Pilates program regularly since I purchased it and I can't say enough good things about it! I have a growing collection of Pilates DVD's/VHS's (Stott, Caban, Karen Garcia, Dozios, Winsor, Kries) and this definitely ranks among the best of them.
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Reviews (10)

Great for everyone!!
Wow!I have been looking for an introduction to Pilates that I can actually get through.I have tried Winsor, Stott, and other random DVDs and this one hit the mark.There are three participants on this DVD and each demonstrates a different level of each exercise.Not an uncommon format, but what is different about this one is that the beginner modifications are actually doable by a beginner (except the roll-up and teaser).I wish the teaser wasn't on here because it is not a move for beginners no matter how it is modified, but it is the last exercise on the DVD so I just skip it.I also skip the roll up for now, but I know I'll work up to it.The girl who demonstrates the "level 3" moves is absolutely dynamite and she is a great inspiration to keep trying.Maybe one day I'll be able to do the exercises the way she does!Also, the instructor is encouraging, cues well, and is NOT annoying (Stott, I'm looking at you!).I know enough about Pilates to know that this is not entirely the original Joseph Pilates vision so Purists need not bother with this DVD.But for those intimated by Pilates, this DVD is a wonderful start that can grow with you.As I've said, the only downside is the inclusion of the teaser because, even with "level 1" modifications, that is an unsafe exercise for beginners.Other than that though, Prevention really came up with a great video for all of us, with or without a six pack.I highly recommend this.

Fairly good routine :-l
Prevention not only have a great magazine going on, but they have really good dvd workouts for you.I've got the majority of their dvd's and this one is another good workout.Michelle Dozois is the instructor and you may be familiar with her from some of the Shape workouts.She's a good cuer and has a very pleasant personality and not at all intimidating.
Pilates Workout for Abs
Michelle Dozois presents a multilevel workout in which you can mix and match exercises for your comfort level.
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Subjects:  1. Exercise    2. Exercise/Fitness    3. Fitness    4. Fitness/Self-Help    5. Movie   

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Reviews (36)

Horrid!
Stilted instructor.Annoying music.*This* from the entertainment capital of the world?Why is this on DVD when it doesn't let me skip past all the annoying intros?Instructions are delivered separately from the exercises themselves, and after three of the exercises, I gave up and threw it away.I have taken several pilates classes over the years, and this one is awful.

Just asked my doctor
I bought this tape and was surprised to find that the majority of it took place while lying on one's back. I asked my doctor (this was in Spetember 2004) and she said I should DEFINITELY not use it. So I don't. What a waste of money.

Very good, calm workout
Ok. First of all, the routine is a little boring. So, if you are a fitness nut who used to doing Taebo and spinning, then you may fall asleep. But for most of us pregnant women, I think its great.
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Reviews (78)

A disappointing first-time-Pilates experience!
Like any other woman, the words `weight loss' sucked me right in.You can never lose too much weight!This was my first experience with Pilates and I have to say, it is not very far from the basic toning moves I have been doing for years.I found it to be extremely slow and ridiculously easy.The DVD is probably better suited to those who have never really experienced step aerobics, circuit training or other such exercises of higher intensity.Also, the highest number of reps she will do is ten - not enough to even break a sweat!
Great Exercise -- NOT for WEIGHT LOSS
I performed the exercises almost daily for 3 months and lost less than 3 pounds.My core muscles are already strong, so I was doing the "advanced" track on all the exercises.I enjoy the scenery, the sounds, the positions and the pace.I found Deason's voice to be acceptable (I find the sound of most recorded exercise instructor's voices to be irritating, but not Deason's).
A wonderful, low-key workout
I have, or had this workout on VHS until my VCR ate the tape. (That's why I am here today, I am wanting to get the DVD, the workout is worth the re-purchase) I really do like this disc, and it is great for those of us who DO want a low-key workout. If you want to work up a major sweat aerobically (Is that a word? Eh, it is for this review) then this workout is ***OBIVIOUSLY*** not for you. The tape says it is conditioning for weight loss and does not say anything about it being a huff-and-puff tape, so really there is no reason to be surprised (as a prior reviewer was) that this workout is not one of those. But if you are like me and simply want to firm up and gain some strength, but have no intrest in doing hard-core workouts, then by all means get this DVD. Stephanie Deason is delightfully mellow and takes the time to tell you exactly how to "do" Pilates. She also gives you plenty of time to complete each segment, something most instructors fail to do.
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Editorial Review

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Reviews (42)

great workout
I got this one for so cheap that it doesn't matter to me how great it is, but it really was surprisingly a good workout. I like the length of it.It is a little tough to follow the dance routine in the middle, but you just have to be brave enough to keep trying and to keep doing the workout video.I love the last pilates section.The stretching segment is a great way to end a workout...I just like how this video actually includes everything you SHOULD do for a well-rounded workout.

NOT A FAVORITE
I bought this video thinking I was going to get a killer workout that emphasized all the thing I enjoyed dance,streching, weights. This was not it, the tempo of the video was slow, the instructers were not engaging.This video just did not hold my interest enough to want to do it on a regular basis. In fact I traded this video in at a local video trade store.However I would recommend THE METHOD DANCE TO FITNESS.

The Best "All in One" Workout
This tape lives up to its name...You get a stretching/warm up segment that uses ballet movement and other basic stretching.Followed by a cardio routine that mixes in weights (great for toning arms...regular pilates sometimes misses the arms), followed by an EXCELLENT pilates segment.You can even break the segments up and just do the warm up/cardio one day and the warm up/pilates the next day.Try this video!You won't be dissapointed! ... Read more

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Editorial Review

"In the same way that a tree needs to be strong to support its limbs, the goal in Stott Pilates is to develop and maintain core stability as you work towards optimal strength and flexibility," says Moira Stott-Merrithew. Pilates uses the core muscles of the abdominals to develop a strong, streamlined body and help you move with ease and avoid injury. This 28-minute introduction to Stott Pilates is for beginners; instructor Moira Stott-Merrithew introduces you to the principles and techniques, such as breathing, "imprinting," and shoulder stabilization. She then teaches a 20-minute workout consisting of 14 (although the video cover claims 22) exercises in their most basic forms. For example, she teaches "the 100s" by first having you do just the arms, then add the correct breathing, then add the abdominal contraction. Although she explains each exercise patiently, she sometimes performs them quickly, so you may want to pause the video and practice at your own pace. She rarely offers modifications, and some of the exercises demand strength and flexibility even at the beginning level--it might have been helpful to have another demonstrator showing modifications. The production is nice, with clear visuals and soft music. Read more

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Reviews (5)

Good Introduction
After having had a friend demonstrate a few Pilates moves I was interested enough to buy this video.It is, I believe, the most basic mat video in the Stott Pilates series.I found the instructions clear and easy to follow, and the workout very approachable -- though as a real beginner, I couldn't do all the moves -- after two weeks I'm getting closer AND people are asking if I've lost weight (I haven't) and I take that as a good result.If I were Stott pilates, I wouldn't have put the intimidating equipment moves in the introduction to the tape though -- it almost scared me off.I like the tape enough to have ordered a few more and to be looking for a Pilates studio locally!
Introduction to the concepts, not a good workout
I have been practicing pilates at a Stott studio and though I'm a big fan of Stott Pilates, this and there other beginner tapes are disappointing. It's useful if all you want is information on the pilates concepts, but I don't see how anyone can get a good workout from them. The level 2 tapes, and up, are all very good and guarantee a good workout. If you don't know anything about pilates, such as imprinting, neutral spine position, and correct breathing, this is a good tape.

Yoga mat+sweatpants+VCR=a brand new you!
Since I live in NYC, I attend Pilates studio classes with instructors who are accredited through Stott's school. I was tickled to see one of my instructors in these tapes! This is an excellent supplement to core strengthening that is essential to Joseph Pilate's teachings. The review "too little substance" irked me, since he/she missed the entire point of this work. You cannot have core strength without proper breath and support. Posture, standing, even the way you sit will change with this type of exercise. Slow and steady is the way to go for injury prevention. If you want a mindless, sweaty workout (and a possible repetitive stress injury), stay at the gym. You will sweat with this workout, it's proper BREATHING that gets you there. Pilates is for thinking exercisers, not mindless hamsters huffing away on a stair stepper. After 2 knee surgeries, a hip that clicks, and a pinched nerve in my neck (all from dancing, skating, gymnastics and yes, stairmasters), I wouldn't think of returning to my gym. There is no need to keep pounding yourself into a sweaty heap once you change your view of exercise with these tapes. 3 times a week at 20 minutes minimum will give you the look, the feel, and the strength you need. Moira Stott (and her modifications) is a godsend. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Jennifer Kries is back with an all-new plan devoted to creating a "leaner, longer, and better body. In Read more

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Reviews (20)

Really love it!
I have never done a workout where I felt a difference after one session.I felt taller, slimmer, and more graceful.Jennifer is encouraging and beautiful to watch.I am constantly trying to push my limits as I work toward my goal of a stronger healthier body - she gives you something to strive for.This is also the first video I have ever done for 3 solid weeks (1 workout a day) without growing tired of it.I am buying this tape for my niece, and I am also purchasing some of Jennifer Kries' other videos.I just wish I had found her years ago!

Full stretching routine included
I use this DVD for the final session called Flow and Flexibility. There are two other Pilates sessions on the DVD, but I only use the stretching (after my Tai Chi workout). It is a flowing, dance-like stretching practice. You work very deep and slowly, but I always feel like I've completely stretched all the muscles in my body when it's completed. Also, try Gaiam AM & PM stretch DVD.
Nice full-body workout blending Pilates with other methods
As other reviewers have mentioned, this workout does not contain any of the traditional Pilates mat work, so those who want this will need to look elsewhere.However, if you are looking to try some of the lesser-known Pilates exercises (particularly, the arm series) blended with other methods such as yoga, this is a nice, full-body workout.Read more

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Reviews (45)

First time Pilates
This was a wonderful beginning for someone just starting pilates!!Lizbeth works ALL muscle groups, you're entire body - which I wasn't expecting.
I felt like a beginner!
I had been working out on a stability for about 6 months and I thought this would be a change of pace for me and figured being a "beginner" workout I wouldn't have a problem. Boy was I wrong! I felt like a true beginner as I worked through the routine and was wobbling all over. Regardless, I still "felt" the results of the workout.
I Love this Video
Really, nothing is better than waking up and moving right into the routine. The grouping of the various positions/moves is logical allowing for quick changes and add ons. I started as a complete beginner and found that I was quickly able to accomplish most of the videos fun stuff. Its pace is nice as well you feel like your not stressed but sufficently <Read more

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Reviews (5)

Very Precise Well Executed Pilates Back Care Program
I have been doing Yoga daily for the past 9 years and have recently started to add Pilates into my program. Though I I have quite a few other excellent Pilates programs, there's no doubt that the Stott seem to have the best overall instruction.
Good ideas, tedious in practice
As other reviewers have noted, the instructor talks and talks and talks and its very difficult to get a workout from this tape. You spend more time sitting and listening to her than actually DOING anything! I think the tape should have been designed to walk through the series of poses with instructions once, then they should have taped it a second time with the movements flowing into one another without all the intermittent chatter.

Not what I was looking for
This video might be a good introduction to fitness for someone who is very sedentary and has a low back problem. However, in my case I am very active with a low back injury and the contents of this video had nothing to add to my workout routine.Read more

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Reviews (1)

My arms look great!
I absolutely love this video.It's a 20 minute video that targets only your upper body.It is very challenging.When I first began the video, I had to put down my weights for a couple of the excercises, but now I can make it all the way through.
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Editorial Review

Pilates is one of the hottest exercise trends because it strengthens the "girdle of strength"--the core muscles of the trunk--for a lean, strong, balanced body.Read more

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Reviews (9)

Excellent DVD
This DVD provides a special "Beginners View Mode" that is really cool. They basically have 3 people doing the exercises and give you the option to select a focus on the person doing the "light" version of the exercises, so you can see how to get started.
excellent for beginners
I have been looking for a good beginners pilates tape and this is the one.It was part of a set that Gaiam makes that included a book, the DVD, and a relaxation CD.The combination of the book and DVD are absolutely unbeatable!Both begin by describing the basic tenets of pilates and accompanying exercises.Then the DVD hasmodified beginners, beginners and intermediate to advanced work out levels, where each levelis represented by an individual who is working out simultaneously with the persons representing the other levels; i.e.three people at once doing different levels.The modified beginner can be programmed separately from the main work out if desired.The instructor explains all things in detail in both the book and DVD--perfect for the novice.(MOre advanced people might get bored, but this is what I was looking for)The instructor's credentials are listed in the book; she has studied with Romana and thus her lineage is sound.I think this DVD/book combo is a real find!!

very informative but, annoying mat workout
Okay, Pilates is complicated, posture is very important along with breathing and holding in some body parts while extending others.
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A very nice Pilates routine with a wide range of appeal
Given that I have been practicing Pilates for several years now, I thought this video might be too easy for me, but I decided to give it a shot.What I found is that this is a nice, 31 minute Pilates routine which is likely to appeal to a wide range of Pilates students.The workout is led by Annika Carlson, whose gung-ho enthusiasm reminded me of another famous Pilates instructor, Mari Winsor.Annika is assisted by Jamie, who shows modifications of the exercises with the help of a chair, pillow, and towel.
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Editorial Review

Pilates is an intense, controlled way of working your coremuscles--the back and abdominal muscles that stabilize your body--usingtechnique, breathing, and concentration. Veteran instructor Kathy Smithleads an effective 30-minute Pilates workout. The 8-minute warm-upteaches the essentials of Pilates, followed by a 22-minute Pilatesroutine that targets the abdominals. Smith is an excellent instructorwith a knack for explaining technique clearly. "Imagine a balloonpulling you up toward the opposite wall," she says as she teaches thedifficult Teaser. She demonstrates the basic, sometimes modified, moveswith another exerciser showing more advanced positions. Smith continuesto emphasize technique, breathing, and proper position through eachexercise, making sure you understand how to get the most out of eachmovement. This is an excellent introduction to Pilates, especially--butnot exclusively--for beginners to this discipline. Read more

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• Tape shows you how to use Pilates abs exercises to develop a flat stomach and the tall, graceful bearing of a dancer while building core strength for sports and daily activity
• Improve strength, coordination, circulation, flexibility and posture
• 8-minute warm up teaches you essential movements and mental focus to activate your "powerhouse" or stable core
• 22-minute abs routine focuses on the deeper layers of muscle that flatten the abdomen, while lengthening and stabilizing the spine
• Low reps and mental focus make this workout powerfully different from anything you've felt before

Reviews (30)

good beginner workout
This is a really good abs workout.It is shorter than SMith's other pilates workout for the lower body.I found that the exercises were harder and I was unable to complete the workout the first time.However, I give this workout four stars because it has some of the same ecercises as the Lower Body workout and it is not as long. I simply felt that Kathy Smith's Pilates for the Lower Body was the better video of the two.This works best when used with that workout.

Great technique pointers make this a great abs workout!
At the start of this video, Kathy Smith takes a full 7 minutes to discuss proper form and alignment.She covers important Pilates terms such as the powerhouse, and she also offers detailed form pointers including how to pull your navel toward your spine, how to tilt your pelvis, and how to contract your pelvic floor (similar to Kegel exercises).Although I was already familiar with Pilates, I found this section to be a very helpful refresher, and I appreciated Kathy's unique instruction. Good introduction for beginning exerciser
This video would make an excellent introduction to Pilates for the beginning exerciser.As usual, Kathy explains each movement very well and reminds the exerciser to engage the powerhouse throughout the video.However she spends little time on each movement and the intensity level is very low.As an intermediate/advanced exerciser I did not feel like I got a good workout - way too short in reps and too long in instruction for longterm use to be of benefit. ... Read more

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