Pilates Method - 2 Disc Set

Rating:
Summary: Great workouts, pilates or not
Review: I had the Pilates Perfect Mix DVD and decided to add these videos to my workout because I liked the other so much and was getting great results. Each of these videos offers a different type of pilates training and used together, I am now able to make a different workout each day depending on what I want to concentrate on. I love all 3 videos and am very happy with the results of toning, cardiovascular and stretch.

Rating:
Summary: Great Combination
Review: I had the Pilates Perfect Mix DVD and decided to add these videos to my workout because I liked the other so much and was getting great results. Each of these videos offers a different type of pilates training and used together, I am now able to make a different workout each day depending on what I want to concentrate on. I love all 3 videos and am very happy with the results of toning, cardiovascular and stretch.

Rating:
Summary: Friends don't let friends buy this DVD set
Review: I started out very hopeful and excited about using this DVD set; but was very disappointed in the quality of the instruction.

Ms. Kries' cueing is basically non-existant. She does not tell viewers how to position themselves properly in each pose/exercise -- just fires off a basic "and curl down!". huh? From where exactly? Using what muscles? We never find out. She does not ever tell the viewer which muscles he/she should be flexing or relaxing for any movement. It's just "lift". From where? From the knees, the back, the buttocks? It's a mystery, never explained. Anyone who has had experience with workout videos knows the importance of telling the viewer what each movement is supposed to accomplish and which muscles they will be working. What the viewer in this series is offered is "pay attention to your abdominals". Okie dokie, gee thanks.

She never tells the viewer how to position the back or neck, even during the yoga poses. Ask any instructor in yoga and they will tell you this is actually dangerous. Ms. Kries whips through various poses with no instruction to the viewer on how to properly hold most of his/her body. And in yoga this is very important to your safety! (I had to giggle at her addition of "we'll do something called cobra" while thrusting her back upward, and again, without telling us what the frick cobra is or what it is supposed to do) In all seriousness, a viewer inexperienced in yoga could very easily hurt his/her neck, back or knees. I can't see any way that the total body benefits of each pose would be manifest by using her cueing -- the cueing is non-existant.

Thank God I took some ballet when I was 8 years old or I would have been lost in that section. Again, little or no cueing as to what muscles the viewer should be working for each exercise. Arm position cueing is basically ignored other than to leave the viewer to watch what she's doing and hope they're guessing correctly.

Ms. Kries has no patience for those who don't have flexible hamstrings! LOL She plunges into each straight-legged movement with absolutely NO instruction for the beginner as to how on earth they are supposed to learn to do the movement like she does. All she offers is to "the first time through" use soft knees, then straighten them. Good grief. Again, no instruction on placement of any other muscle group while the viewer is learning how to flex/extend into these movements. Good luck, people!

I would not recommend this DVD set to anyone. I'm so glad amazon has this section for us to be able to contribute our experiences. Please save yourself the $$ I spent and buy a different DVD.



Rating:
Summary: Great workouts, pilates or not
Review: If you're interested in the basic moves of yoga, pilates or ballet--or if you're looking for some variety in any of those disciplines--this is a great set. Jennifer Kries touches on the basics of all three, offering a solid workout in the process.

The 3-Dimensional Toning Video (my favorite) offers two workouts:

1. The first is a 30 minute, low-impact cardio workout that begins with very nice stretches, continues with ballet, and ends with yoga. It says that it's "Pilates-based," but you won't find any classic pilates mat moves here. Regardless, the workout feels good and should make beginners and intermediates work up a good sweat.
2. The second segment is a 20-minute core conditioning workout that is mainly pilates matwork. The moves are fairly basic and won't be much of a challenge to those advanced in pilates, but provide a good, quick workout/introduction for the rest of us.

The second disc, Precision Pilates, contains 3 20-minute workouts:
The first two use pilates methods to sculpt the upper body and lower body, respectively. The upper body workout uses light handweights. Both require few reps, but still leave a slight burn in the muscles they're working. The last sgement on this disc is a yoga-inspired "Flow and Flexibility" workout, which provides a solid cool down or stretch.

Both DVDs are divided into chapters, which makes it easy to use this set for a combination of cardio, sculpting, or stretch. All of the workouts leave me feeling a little more balanced and lean, without feeling knocked out.

Jennifer Kries is likeable and motivating, though her cueing is not always great. You will need to watch her the first few times you do the routine. She does use terminology from ballet and yoga, but she explains the motions--you don't need to know the terms.

Because the routines only touch on ballet, yoga and pilates, you might not get as intense a workout as you would if you just focused on one. Also, if you're very familiar with one discipline, that section might seem too easy. If you want a good mix, however, this is a great set.

Rating:
Summary: It takes some getting used to, but you'll get results
Review: These DVDs aren't perfect, yet they remain some of my favorites. Jennifer's cueing is off at times and I do wish she'd explain more physiology (which I know she knows).

I find her workouts very relaxing and calming.(even the "energizing" ones.) I also find it very difficult to quit working out to her discs. I tell myself I'm going to do a 30 min. session and once that one ends I just have to do the next one. She makes it all feel so easy that you might not even realize how hard you've worked. You get your muscles warmed up and might even break a sweat. But you'll feel it the next day. And you'll notice it in the mirror. They even helped me quit smoking after 20+ years. (yep, I started when I just a young ballerina, 13y/o!)

Definetly worth buying if you can get them at a good price.

Rating:
Summary: Not for beginners
Review: This DVD is not for everyone. I have tried pilates and yoga but am not a dancer. Although it is interesting to see how Kries puts all three together it is very difficult to follow. She does not give instruction on the form nor does she give you much notice when changing from one move to another. If I had never practiced pilates or yoga I would be lost. If a beginner tried this they would not know how to do the moves properly. If you have experience in all three areas you may like this DVD but don't try it unless you're already familiar with yoga and pilates.

Rating:
Summary: pilates fan
Review: This should not be labelled as a pilates workout. There is really only a small section with a condensed mat workout. The rest is very flowy, dancy low-impact exercise. Some of which could be hard on the knees if done improperly. Lots of deep plie type stuff. It might work for you if this is the exercise you want, but if you are looking for PILATES, don't buy this. I wish I hadn't. Even the beginning Gaiam series with "perky" Ana Caban is better.

Rating:
Summary: U will start getting a lean, toned result.
Review: You will definitely see your posture and notice your body toning and start getting leaner.
I recommend you buy Pilates Workout for Dummies first, if this is the first time you do Pilates.
She incorporates Yoga and Ballet. She also, informs you on the importance of breathing and contraction of your stomach. I really enjoy this workout. You will sweat, and notice a difference.
The only reason I did not give it 5 Stars, was that she moves from one exercise to another without explaining them. This frustrated me at first, because I had to constantly stare at
the TV to make sure I was doing it right.
But thanks to Pilates for dummies I now do this workout smoothly.