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Rating: Summary: Keeps on giving Review: After my incessant keyboard slouching started taking a toll on my back, I thought it was time to give a pilates inspired workout a try (I was a dancer in a previous life). The end result? While I haven't lost pounds from this video alone, my posture is better, I look taller, my core is much stronger, and my waist is much more defined. And that was after just two weeks. No kidding.
This dvd is an absolute joy, and just keeps on giving. It starts off very gently with abdominal tilts, but quickly moves into floor work that actually has me breaking into a sweat. It's been a few months now and I'm still trying to master some of the exercises ((the ballisk, anyone?). It works every part of your core, and the leg lifts at the end really give you a burn. The music is soothing yet invigorating, and Lizbeth makes an excellent instructor. Pay attention to her breathing instruction - it makes a world of difference (which you should know if you've tried yoga and pilates before). And the best part are the bonus exercises which are just if not more challenging as the main video.
Rating: Summary: Good Mixture of Core and Balance... Review: At my age(mid forties),I didn't want an exercise program that pushed the extreme since recovery time takes longer. I wanted something for everyday use and also an offset when I do weights or cardio work. I did want to address my history of having a weak core which led to back injuries or quick fatique. Ms. Garcia's program is great for beginners. She doesn't rush the exercises while staying focus on keeping proper form during the routine. I can't do the entire program yet w/ out a pause but the core workout is challenging while not subjecting your neck and shoulders to any discomfort. Using the stability ball promotes comfortable stretching of the muscles. It's an effective program toning my body overall. I didn't choose her program for weight loss but it will likely contribute to burning calories better.
Rating: Summary: Not truly for "Beginners" as titled... Review: Hi. I just received this DVD a few days ago. It was a great abs work out! This DVD is for someone looking to build core strength (particularly abs). I wouldn't recommend this as a weight loss workout necessarily. Also, the title, "On The Ball pilates workout for beginners", I think could leave out the "beginners". If you're not in decent shape I think this DVD would not be a good starting point. I would recommend something more cardio first, maybe an intense yoga DVD. If you are looking for a starting point, I would recommend starting with a yoga DVD by Wai Lana like "Beginners Workout" and then moving your way up. Also, Gaiam's "BalanceBall Beginners Workout" DVD would be a good intro to the balance ball. If you purchase Gaiam's balance ball it sometimes comes with a free DVD sampler which is a great balance ball starting point. I find it best, to first watch the DVDs 1-2 times before doing it, so you are not straining yourself to see the t.v. for each move/position. Have fun!!
Rating: Summary: Good for beginners Review: I am very new to both Pilates and the Stability Ball, and I think this is a great workout for beginners. It's challenging enough that you won't quickly master all the moves or get bored with a too-simple, monotonous routine; but yet it's not so difficult that you're discouraged. It's easy to feel how you're improving - in both strength and flexibility - with every session.
Rating: Summary: Terrific pilates ball workout Review: i m new to pilates and the ball. i find this dvd great for me. i m going to lose the had-two-babies weight and gain back my muscle. this video is getting me on my way. garcia, the instructor, is very clear and the video really flows. the exercises start with the easiest position and then quickly follows with the more challenging position. for me the best thing is how fun it is to work with the ball (vs. the mat) and the flow of instruction.the dvd offers more options than the video--you can turn off the instructors commentary and work with just the music at your own pace(kick it up a notch). also there is a bonus workout. i m really enjoying the workout and only wish this particular instructor did an intermediate workout.
Rating: Summary: Very good, if a little distracting Review: Ms. Garcia is a fine teacher. However, I have to ask why she wears so very little on this DVD. I find that her beautiful body, covered only by bra and shorts, distracts me hugely when I am trying to follow her exercise instructions. She is a very fine looking woman, and if she wants us to listen to what she has to say, then she needs to cover up.
Rating: Summary: Challenging but inspiring! Review: My husband and I have been using this DVD for about two weeks. I usually hate working out to videos, but this one is truly terrific. It's very challenging, but you see improvements in your stability and strength right away. I also love that you don't have to get geared up to start working out. I've been getting up half an hour earlier each morning, and can do the workout in my pajamas before breakfast.
It stretches you out and definitely strengthens your abs. What I especially love is that you can't master it all at once. You get your money's worth with moves it will take months to really perfect.
I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a challenging but fruitful workout.
Rating: Summary: very good dvd. Review: The instructor is always with you. It seems a little hard in the beginning, but after 3 sethiones you feel good. The video very profetinal. I hardly reccomend it.
Rating: Summary: Relaxing, invigorating workout for beginners Review: This is a gentle, stretching core workout. I have been using the stability ball for quite some time, but I didn't think this workout pushed my limits. I would suggest it for a beginner, and anyone looking for gentle, stretching and pilates-based moves. The instructor is good, and explains breathing techniques which assist each move. I did break a light sweat doing this, and definitely increased my heart rate, but I think this workout would be best in conjunction with cardio. Most of the focus is on the core, and I would have liked to see some arms/chest/shoulders included. The music is soothing and matches the pace of the workout. I'd do this workout again after an aerobic session, but on the whole it is not challenging enough.
Rating: Summary: Hard on Core!! Review: This is a good pilates inspired workout on the ball. The ball really challenges the abs. This is not a beginner's DVD. If you are weak in the abs, MODIFY the moves. If you have a bad back, find something else. This workout needs a warm-up segment and a stretch segment. You will need to do these on your own.
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