Rating: Summary: Good but not great Review: I have to admit that Denise Austin is not my favorite workout person, but I have to admit that the first 20 minute section of this workout is wonderful. The second 20 minute section is much harder and I am not able to do most of it. The first 20 minute section I did and really liked it. I definitely felt it the next day. I will continue to do the first section.
Rating: Summary: THUMBS UP ON THIS VIDEO Review: I heartily agree with Shelmarie of Atlanta about the back benefits of this workout. I have been in a great deal of discomfort for over a year with a sciatic condition. I ordered the video and started slowly right after Christmas. I do part I one day and Part II the next, emphasis on quality since I am seriously out of shape. I try to maintain this daily, even weekends because it goes so quickly. More importantly, I've noticed a considerable reduction in my back pain and I am jubilant. Denise does a great job keeping us focused as we move through each step. This is the first time I can honestly say I don't look for excuses to avoid my exercise session. Laudits on this one!
Rating: Summary: Great workout for lower back problems! Review: First, I want to tell every advanced exerciser who is terrified of buying a Denise Austin video -- FEAR NOT. She is not cloying in this video. I have seen Denise on TV and cannot handle how she talks down to her audience (in her kind, well-meaning way) and refers to abs of "tummies" and to cardio as "burning butter." But I could handle Denise here. In fact, this is a reasonably challenging workout and Denise Austin is somewhat sedate in her presentation. What's better, she has created a great workout for those brand-new to the Pilates scene. But let me get to the real point: I don't care if you call it pilates or yoga or Denise Austin's matwork. This video just plain works. If nothing else, everyone should buy this video to prevent back problems. This video's focus on the abs and back (stretching/core stablization) has helped me eradicate some lower back tension that has been nagging me for years. The workout is gentle yet very effective. My only other exposure to Pilates has been through the well-known introductory pilates video, The Method: Precision Toning. I find that Denise Austin's Pilates workout is more interesting and even more challenging for me than the Method's. Sorry if this offends classic Pilates crowd. That's just my experience. What's more, Denise's video is broken down into two 20-minute segments. That works for me! I'm more likely to do a 20-minute pilates/yoga workout than a 45-minute one. So a bouquet of roses goes to Ms. Austin. She's created an interesting, informative and effective routine of yoga and pilates and made it accessible to busy people new to pilates. I hope she continues to produce more videos along this line.
Rating: Summary: Great Video Review: I LOVE this video!! The first 20 min goes by fast and seem fairly easy. But beleave me ~ you will feel it the next day. This is something I look forward to doing & doesn't feel like a chore. The second 20 min. (yoga/pilates section) is a little challenging, but gives me something to work for. There are days when I can do the full 40 min, but on the days when I only have time for 20 min ~ I know I will get a good workout. Good job Denise. Hope to see more like this.
Rating: Summary: A great work out balancing yoga and Pilates Review: The tape is really good. The 2 sessions offer a variety and great balance of yoga and Pilates that really work the body. I have been taking Pilates for almost a year now (both mat and equipment classes) and feel that this tape "works me". It is a great, compact work-out that I can easily fit into my schedule and feel like I got a work out. My only concern/caution is that some of the techniques are contradictory to many of the Pilates instruction, e.g. keeping a flat back on the roll-up. However, for a beginner that may be good. I encourage using this as a platform to explore other Pilates books, tapes, and classes.
Rating: Summary: Not what I expected...... Review: This video was very disappointing and contained very little Pilates. If you want an easy yoga workout, you might be happy with this video.
Rating: Summary: not bad Review: This video is great if you don't mind doing ab work--it is great for posture, balance, and abs/back, but also incorporates those oblique crunches and other exercises I hate. However, I am not a fitness buff at all, never could stick with a program, and I find myself feeling better after this tape and looking forward to sticking with it. You definitely need to incorporate aerobic exercise if you want to look slimmer, but this video definitely improves posture, strength and balance and makes you feel better.
Rating: Summary: Almost as good as real Pilates at a fraction of the cost Review: I love Pilates but at $60 to $100 per hour for a trainer with the "machine" makes the price of the workout way out of my budget. Austin's workout is based on Pilates but all that you need is a yoga mat. The strength, balance and stretching exercises are as close as you can get to an actual Pilates workout on your own. Now I can get my workout and still afford my car payment.
Rating: Summary: I like it.. Review: I am not usually a D. Austin fan. I thought this tape was pretty good. I have only done the first 20 minute segment. But I like it! I have NEVER done yoga or pilates, but I thought it was pretty good. Informative. I felt better after I did it. My abs, spine/back, and legs. I am going to continue to incorporate it into my workout! Definately give it a try-I thought it was worth it!
Rating: Summary: Newbie to Pilates Review: The exercises on this tape is good in supplementing my current workout routine. I workout twice a week and currently do free (light) weights and Tae-bo exercises mixed with some outdoor sports. The tape was well done but believe the 2nd part w/yoga, could be a bit more strenuous. The best affects from this tape is the improvement in my back and posture. I've had back problems for years and didn't know if this was coincidence but after using the tape (both parts) a few times, I've noticed considerably less back pain.
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