Rating: Summary: Really complete and for everybody Review: My Mom and I have started collecting a library of tapes so we can workout at home. I've been working out (yoga, cardio, weights, some pilates) for several years. She just started working out. We both love this DVD. I've been using the Intermediate and Intermediate/Advanced routines and she's starting with basic and beginner routines. There's different lengths of routines so you could always find something that fits into your time and how you're feeling or what you can do. I've only had it for 3 weeks, but I felt lazy a couples days and chose an easier workout instead of one that challenges me. It was better then skipping altogether. This might not be great for someone who already knows everything about Pilates and can do the complete advanced mat workout, but it would be perfect for all other levels. There's lots to choose from and you won't need to get a new tape when you start getting better at it.
Rating: Summary: I CAN do Pilates! Review: This DVD is exactly what I've been looking for - Pilates that starts at a very basic beginning level. I'm not overweight, but I'm also not too flexible and my abs are mostly flab. I was interested in trying Pilates to tone up but wasn't sure I could do it. This tape starts at my level with what looks like over modified excersices that won't do anything. Don't be fooled. When I started doing the routines, I did feel it. After a month of three times a week I'm doing the longer Beginner routines. I can feel the muscles in my abs, my legs and bottom are also benefiting and my back doesn't hurt the next day. I'm also seeing my flexibility improve. This tape has no glitz to it at all, but, the instruction is clear, conscise, no distraction, and it works.
Rating: Summary: The Real Thing. Review: I took a class at a Pilates studio 2-3x wk for about a year. Since changing jobs, I haven't been able to find a class that works with my schedule so I've bought several videos and DVD's to try and continue with Pilates on my own. Even with a year's experience, I've found most of the tapes include a number of really advanced moves that I can't do, and there's little instruction to work up to them. I do what I can, get discouraged or frustrated and look for a new tape. I think that my search is over! The Pilates mat routine is a series of moves designed to be done in a specific sequence. This program does what I haven't seen others do - it starts with the most basic of modified and prep versions and then moves up gradually with each move until you're doing the unmodified version. There's also new moves added at each level. There are enough routines at each level that you won't feel pressured to go beyond your ability until you are comfortable. There's also instruction at the beginning of every level before you get into the routines. Pilates is the only excersice program I've found that I feel and see results in a time that keeps me motivates. After 4 wks of 3x wk, I'm seeing my abs, butt and thighs firming up again. Yeah! It doesn't have elaborate sets, a room full of participants or any celebrity endorsements, but, if you want real Pilates taught by a certified Pilates instructor, get this DVD!
Rating: Summary: Not what I had hoped for... Review: I find that while this DVD offers many workout scenarios for different levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced), it does not particularly offer beginners much as far as detailed explanations of the movements is concerned. I also find the "voice over" format a little impersonal and annoying. I think this is a great DVD for those who may have been exposed to Pilates through either taking a mat class or having some other previous experience, but feel that a better DVD for "raw" beginners is "Pilates for Dummies" with Michelle Dozois. Much more detailed explanation for beginners. Also I highly recommend the book "Pilates - Body in Motion" by Alycea Ungaro...this combined with the "Pilates for Dummies" DVD is a great way for a beginner to get the basics down and to progress further along as well. But this is strictly my opinion.
Rating: Summary: Some have been better Review: This DVD advertises 35 workouts. Actually it is the same workout with maybe one or two changes, additions or deletions. The one thing that bothered me most...she kept referring to "stomach muscles". The stomach is an organ, not a muscle. Should have been "abdominal muscles". I believe in correct terminology when teaching. Cues were pretty good. A better DVD is the Complete Mat Series with Alycea Ungaro.
Rating: Summary: Best bang for your buck! Review: Pilates Complete is wonderful! The instruction is more detailed and precise than any other I've done. With all the different routines and their varying lengths, you can always fit one into your day and it doesn't get old. The level of difficulty progresses so gradually with each routine, you hardly know what you've accomplished until you go back and watch the Basic workouts and realize how much more you can now do. My only complaint are the camera breaks in between some of the moves. They are only but a split second, but were somewhat distracting at first. I realize this was probably done so that she didn't have to repeat the same moves over and over again when they were filming. Over four hours of Pilates would make anyone tired!
Rating: Summary: IT REALLY IS COMPLETE! Review: I didn't know what to expect with this DVD since I am new to Pilates. It was a wonderful surprise with great instruction that allows me to get comfortable with new exercises and then challenge myself more when I feel comfortable. For someone who had a bit of trepidation about trying Pilates, I could not imagine a more perfect companion and introduction to Pilates, as well a clear path for progressing. It seems like it has as many workouts as all the other Pilates DVDs on Amazon combined! It doesn't get better than this.
Rating: Summary: could be better, but still good Review: This dvd is different than any of the other pilates workouts i have & took some getting used to. it took awhile to get used to watching a prim & proper women demonstrate the moves while another voice tells you to breathe & counts in the background (both of which i find rather annoyting). i got this dvd b/cause it had beginner, intermediate, & advanced pilates all in one; however each section uses the same moves just w/no modifications in the so called advanced section. i would have liked there to have been different moves in each section but do find the dvd to still be effective. i do like the fact that each section has 10, 15, or 20 minute sections & that the intermediate & advanced ones utilize weights.
Rating: Summary: Great Workout & Modifications Review: I had been looking for a good Pilates DVD, and after trying a couple of titles, I tried this one and cannot recommend it enough. There are many levels (I am still at the basic/beginner levels, and trying the intermediate levels sometimes) and times of the routines so I am able to choose different things on different days. The best part for me is that the lessons and workouts are seperate. Other DVDs I have tried had too much chatter in the workouts. Here you watch a lesson/introduction for each level and the instructor introduces new poses and modifications for different poses so you know what to expect. If you do not watch the introductions for each level, then you will miss out on instruction and how do do the exercises. You really need to watch them before trying things, the modifications for the routines are in there and not in the routines themselves. Also as you increase in levels there are more options and routines to work with. So as you start there not be as quite of a range of selection as later on. There are 5 levels and the first 2 levels have about 6 -7 routines in total, but later on each level has about 8 routines or so. But even the lower levels has more than the other DVDs I have tried. As others have noted she may not smile during workouts, instead she is giving me valuable lessons and she does have alot of energy as she guides you through the workouts. If you prefer the tapes with more "filler" and "fluff" then you may not like this. If you want to learn and get a good workout, then this is for you.
Rating: Summary: Great Overall Fitness DVD Review: Overall a pretty good fitness DVD with lots of variety. I was impressed with the simple interactive menus, cause I am completely techno "dummy". The disc comes with just about every available time imaginable. I had heard about how Pilates makes you stronger and create a longer svelte type muscles, not those bulky overbearing masculine looking muscles. After 8 weeks my abs look and feel incredible. My girlfriend bought the DVD herself and found out highly beneficial.
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