Rating: Summary: I would recommend this for a good introduction into pilates Review: I bought the DVD version. For someone that's new to pilates, I think it's a good one to get started with. I acutally wished the intermediate workout was a little longer though. I also liked the instructions at the beginning. It was easy to follow and helped when I started the intermediate workout. I thought the rest periods for breathing needed to be a little bit longer as well. Overall, it's pretty good. I'd recommend it.
Rating: Summary: Fab Review: This is a fantastic introduction to Pilates. The instructor leaves nothing out so it is easy to understand exactly what you should be doing at any one time. The fact that you can take out the music and work out to your own choice is an added bonus.
Rating: Summary: I suck at Pilates Review: This was my first attempt at pilates ever and all i can say is once i roll back, I can't get back up. But overall I think this was a great overview of basic moves, and was a good length. Simply to follow and good directions.
Rating: Summary: Excellent, practical pilates workout Review: This DVD is beautifully produced. The sound is flawless, the lighting, video quality and camera work are stellar, and the skills of Michelle Dozois, not only as an athlete, but as a speaker/teacher, are considerable.There are more authoritative DVDs, such as those from Classical Pilates, but they are more of a reference/documentary than a tutorial. This, however, is a DVD to actually exercise with, rather than one to simply study. It has background music which can be shut off. This background music, however, is extremely tasteful. I'm picky about music, and I found that this music did not detract at all, and might even have enhanced my exercise experience. One thing to note is that the "Beginner" workout contains more exercises, and more difficult exercises, than some people might like. I'm in fair shape, so I enjoyed this. But it might be discouraging for some people. There is also an "intermediate" workout with more exercises, and less talk between them. I'm looking forward to it -- by the time I do it, I'm sure it will bring me closer to the ideal Pilates "flow" or groove. The pacing is wonderful. I found this DVD to be a perfect compromise between a too-slow, all-talk-and-not-enough-movement (GAIM Ana Caban) video, and a too-fast, perfect-form-but-not-enough-explanation (Classical Pilates) DVD. Each workout is broken into tracks so you can easily skip or revisit any particular exercise. This is NOT true of the Classical Pilates DVD, where there is one track per WORKOUT. Given the price, I'd call this a can't miss DVD, unless you are very out of shape, and easily discouraged by seeing a woman who is more capable than you.
Rating: Summary: Pilates for Dummies Review: Pilates for Dummies is the best workout routine I have ever used. The instructor, Michelle, is pleasant, likeable, but not obnoxious like many instructors. Each exercise is explained very well. Although, it is easy to follow, don't be fooled. This is a good workout. I have been doing it three to four times a week for 8 weeks now, and I have lost over two inches from my waist. I was skeptical at first, however, I am a "firm" believer now in Pilates. I urge everyone to give it a try and stick with it!
Rating: Summary: Too Tough for Out-of-Shape Beginners Review: If you are out-of-shape and have never done pilates before, this tape is a little too tough. HOWEVER, it's an awesome tape after you've mastered the basic basics of pilates. I'm keeping it because eventually, I know I'll be able to perform all the moves.
Rating: Summary: Pilates Workout - for Beginners Review: I bought this DVD along with Yoga Workout for Dummies. They are both excellent! The only complaint I have is the "Dummies" series icons and sound effects can get annoying. But Michelle Dozios is an excellent instructor and you learn the basics of pilates, and also tells you what NOT to do. The closest thing to a pilates studio, I guess. Personally, I am just getting back to a place where I am working out again and following a high protein, low carb & low fat diet. So far, so good! Buy with confidence, as this dvd is a good start.
Rating: Summary: Pretty Good Review: This is a good introduction to Pilates and certainly worth the price. I also own the original Winsor Pilates series, and do Winsor more often. But if I couldn't afford the Winsor series, Pilates for Dummies would be my next choice. It's still better than other Pilates tapes I've seen. There are a few Pilates tapes with insufficient instruction on how to avoid injury or pain, but the tips on this tape are very good. If you're new to Pilates this is a good tape to start with, but at some point you may want to progress to Winsor, especially if you want to see more changes in your body like I did.
Rating: Summary: Best Pilates video I've seen! Review: After purchasing the Stott video series and being moderately satisfied...I found the "Pilates Workout for Dummies" to be a first rate option. In order to do the 'other' videos you need to buy their fitness circle equipment (which costs approximately $65 dollars). The "Dummies" video doesn't require additional equipment and is long enough to provide a challenging workout (if you're a more advanced athlete...you can always do the video twice). Michelle Dozois doesn't kill you on reps, but she gives you enough of a challenge so you can feel the results. The price is right too!
Rating: Summary: A good introduction to pilates Review: I've never done Pilates before, and when I started using this video, I didn't think it was going to do too much. But as I started paying attention to my allignment and muscles and everything, I realized it is actually working my muscles. My only complaint is I wish she would count out the reps (she only counts the first rep)- it's hard to keep an eye on the video and also stay in alignment. Also, I know that using the video can't be quite as good as having an instructor there to check that I'm doing it right, but as I've taken dance lessons for 20 years, I'm pretty in tune to how my body's lined up. The workout is only about 20 minutes, so it's good if I don't have a lot of time to work out. I would like to look at some longer and possibly more intense workout in the future. It's a good introduction, though, and has made me more interested in trying more.
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