Rating: Summary: A solid Pilates workout video that yields results Review: If you are completely new to Pilates, I would still recommend Pilates for Dummies - this one might be too difficult for you. But for other Pilates beginners or intermediaters, this video is really among the best I have seen. I should know - I own a good chunk of the Pilates DVD out there. The DVD is free of the useless promotions and extra features, it's simple and to the point. The instructor is a bit new age; some users might see her colorful outfit and bracelet as a distraction. But if you can get past that, she gives you a solid workout with concise instructions. I particularly liked how she demonstrates different approaches to the workout for users with different levels of flexibilities. It will be difficult to outgrow this DVD and get bored with it. I highly recommend you to give it a try if you are serious about Pilates or getting fit.
Rating: Summary: A workout you will LOOK FORWARD to!!! Review: Since the birth of my son, I have been looking to get back into shape. Well, no matter what your fitness goals are, this inexpensive yet invaluable DVD will not let you down. It provides the perfect combination of strengthening, toning, and stretching. Niedra Gabriel, the instructor/choreographer, is patient and understanding, giving modifications so that anyone can get the perfect level of challenge. Part 1 is every exercise featured as a marvelous dance that alternates stretching and strength training. It is challenging, yet exhilarating, and, personally, I get lost in it. Turn it up loud; the music (which thoughtfully changes every minute or so) is entertaining, thought-provoking, and encourages a great mood. Don't worry if Part 1 is too much; Niedra says herself that "the goal is to be able to do Part 1 without interruption". Part 2 is a comprehensive guide to each exercise (and there are many!) complete with at least 2 different variations (beginner/advanced). It is essentially the same workout, but with a patient, friendly, informative, and most of all understanding instructor with over thirty years experience under her (size S) belt! Buy it and you will be taken by pleasant surprise.
Rating: Summary: Great for serious pilates students! Review: This is an excellent dvd for pilates beginners. Niedra's instruction and imagery are extremely helpful. She shows modifications for those of us who are less flexible, too. My only complaint is that I wish the instructional section of the workout had music. This is a must have for any serious pilates student, highly recommended!
Rating: Summary: An Excellent Pilates Workout Review: This is my favorite Pilates workout on video (and I have several). I would have to disagree with another poster, however - I do not think this video is for beginners. I would classify this as intermediate to advanced. Some of the exercises in this workout are very difficult. I have been working out for over 3 years and consider myself an advanced exerciser and I found this workout to be very challenging.What is great about this workout is that it is short but very thorough and challenging. The workout is divided into 2 segments (each about 20 minutes long). The first segment is the complete workout. Each exercise flows into the next and there is no talking whatsoever - just music and the name of each exercise is spelled out on the screen. The workout is so wonderful and flowing...it almost feels like a dance. The second segment is an instructional segment in which Niedra goes through each exercise and teaches you how to do it. It is good ot watch this segment before you do the workout for the first time. All in all, this is an A+ pilates workout....a challenging and flowing routine with a great instructor and the music is awesome too. Nicely produced as well. I highly recommend it for intermediate to advanced exercisers.
Rating: Summary: Great DVD Review: This is the best pilates dvd I own. I got several - including pilates for dummies - to get started. This one explains the technique the best and allows easy movement among all the different exercises in part 2 instructions. I had never done pilates and found I could not learn by doing the movements while watching the instruction. With this DVD, I sat and watched several movements and day and slowing learned all of them. I don't think I would have stuck to learning the movements if not for this DVD. Worth the money.
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