Rating: 
Summary: It's a great workout!
Review: I am 55 yrs. old, work out at home, and attend a weekly Pilates class. I think I am moderately "fit". I had hoped this tape would provide a good at-home workout. I chose this after reading the various reviews for this tape and Kathy Smith's "Abs Workout", and assumed this would be more challenging. Unfortunately this tape is not much more than a beginner's workout, failing to adequately address the lower body, and was a real waste of money. To describe this as a "Lower Body" tape, is simply misleading.
I have been a long term fan of Kathy Smith. I have recommended her Shaper Ball and Aerobic Boxing tapes to friends. I enjoy her style of instruction and the production values. However, this workout simply does not deliver what it promised.
Rating:
Summary: actually, not bad at all
Review: i bought this tape the other day, and i have already done it twice.
I look forward to doing this tape because it's not too long (25mins) and it actually works on the areas where i need it.
The tape consists of 5-6 mins of Kathy explaining what the powerhouse is and how it should feel, then moves on to the work out with the "100" and some other pilates abs sets.
Then moves on the the thighs, inner first and then the outter thighs.
This tape is short but sweet, it hurts after you do it and Kathy only does 4 to 8 reps per set, which is good because they are slow and sometimes painful.
I definitely recommend this tape, it is mostly for the thighs, there are barely any butt exercises that she focuses on.
Highly enjoyable.
Rating: 
Summary: a little too slow for my taste.....
Review: i purchased this DVD because it is difficult to find tapes that focus just on the lower body, and i love pilates. i imagine this DVD would be fine for beginners, but i found it to be all instruction. after the tape was finished, i felt as if i learned a lot, but it was not a very good workout. she seemed like a good instructor though. very slow. so sorry.
Rating:
Summary: Well-done lower body workout that keeps you moving.
Review: I usually love Kathy's workouts but this one was a disappointment though I liked it better than her Pilates for Abs DVD. There are better Pilates DVDs out there. (Try Jennifer Kries Pilates Method for a true workout!) This one could have been combined with her equally short Pilates for the Abs.
Rating:
Summary: Could be better
Review: I usually love Kathy's workouts but this one was a disappointment though I liked it better than her Pilates for Abs DVD. There are better Pilates DVDs out there. (Try Jennifer Kries Pilates Method for a true workout!) This one could have been combined with her equally short Pilates for the Abs.
Rating:
Summary: For strong legs with toning, flexibility, and mental strengh
Review: I WAS ALWAYS INTRIGUED ABOUT PILATES BUT THOUGHT IT WOULD BE TOO HARD. OF COURSE I CHOSE KATHY SMITH BECAUSE SHE'S MY FAVORITE AND I LIKE HOW SHE INSTRUCTS THE MOVES IN THIS VIDEO. SHE'S VERY CLEAR AND USES GOOD EXAMPLES TO DEFINE THE MOVES LIKE PRETENDING TO BE GOING THROUGH PEANUT BUTTER WITH YOUR LEGS. I DON'T BELIEVE PILATES COULD ACTUALLY MAKE YOUR LEGS LONGER, BUT STRETCHES OUT THE MUSCLES SO THEY DON'T BULK UP PLUS OVER ALL TONING. ALSO, THIS WORKOUT REQUIRE ALOT OF THINKING SO YOU DON'T MOVE YOUR MIDSECTION WHICH IS A CHALLENGE.
Rating:
Summary: Effective Lower Body Toning and Strengthening
Review: I've just received this video and tryed it out right away. It's a great work out for toning and strengthening the lower body! It effectively targets the inner and outer thigh area, hips and buttocks. I have other video tapes that work those areas but adding this one to the list of choices added a new dimension to my lower body workouts. These exercises work the muscles in a different way than my other programs. You feel the muscle being worked deep within as you focus on it and keeping your form. Kathy is so easy to follow that you don't spend your time trying to keep up with her so you can focus your attention on doing the exercise correctly. After the workout I felt relaxed and loosened up but I also felt some burn in the muscles during and immediately after the workout. I like to use Kathy's Pilates programs after one of her cardio workouts for a total workout. I highly recommend this one to anybody looking to tone those trouble spots!
Rating: 
Summary: Good Pilates workout for targeting the lower body
Review: In this video, Kathy Smith offers a very good Pilates workout which specifically targets the lower body. She begins with a 6-minute instructional section which addresses fundamentals of Pilates. In this section, Kathy provides excellent descriptions of basic Pilates concepts such as breathing techniques; the c-curve, pelvic scoop, and neutral spine alignments; engaging the hamstrings; and the Pilates powerhouse. This is a great introduction if you have never done Pilates before, but once you are familiar with Pilates principles, you can skip over this section.The actual workout consists of 25 minutes of Pilates mat work. Kathy begins with classic Pilates exercises such as the hundred, leg circles, and shoulder bridge; her assistant, Lija, shows modifications for each exercise. After doing several moves lying on her back, Kathy flips over to lie on her stomach for some work more targeted on the hamstrings and glutes (for the exercises done while on the stomach, Kathy's instructors are dubbed in via voiceover, which is a little odd given that she uses live instruction for most of the workout). The final section of this workout is performed while lying on your side for the Pilates side kick series. Kathy leads a particularly tough sequence of moves in this series, and you will really feel the work in your outer thigh and hip areas especially. The workout ends with a seated mermaid exercise to provide a nice stretch. If you enjoy Pilates and would like to specifically focus on your legs, hips, and behind, this video would be an excellent choice.
Rating:
Summary: Good Pilates workout for targeting the lower body
Review: In this video, Kathy Smith offers a very good Pilates workout which specifically targets the lower body. She begins with a 6-minute instructional section which addresses fundamentals of Pilates. In this section, Kathy provides excellent descriptions of basic PIlates concepts such as breathing techniques; the c-curve, pelvic scoop, and neutral spine alignments; engaging the hamstrings; and the Pilates powerhouse. This is a great introduction if you have never done Pilates before, but once you are familiar with Pilates principles, you can skip over this section. The actual workout consists of 25 minutes of Pilates mat work. Kathy begins with classic Pilates exercises such as the hundred, leg circles, and shoulder bridge; her assistant, Lija, shows modifications for each exercise. After doing several moves lying on her back, Kathy flips over to lie on her stomach for some work more targeted on the hamstrings and glutes (for the exercises done while on the stomach, Kathy's instructors are dubbed in via voiceover, which is a little odd given that she uses live instruction for most of the workout). The final section of this workout is performed while lying on your side for the Pilates side kick series. Kathy leads a particularly tough sequence of moves in this series, and you will really feel the work in your outer thigh and hip areas especially. The workout ends with a seated mermaid exercise to provide a nice stretch. If you enjoy Pilates and would like to specifically focus on your legs, hips, and behind, this video would be an excellent choice.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Lower Body Workout
Review: Kathy Smith challenges you with a Pilates workout for the Lower Body. This targeted, isometric workout will build core strength and stability, while challenging you to think and breathe. Some of the exercises are similar to the Pilates for Abs workout. For example, Kathy starts out with the Pilates Hundred and for a final stretch, she uses the mermaid. Some of the exercises are modifications from the Pilates for Abs video, for example Kathy does the shoulder bridge, but adds a kick. There are even a few exercises that I have not seen in any Pilates workout on the market today. That originality really brings something extra to this workout. The DVD includes a 6-minute warm-up, and a 25-minute workout. This workout runs about 5 minutes longer than the Pilates for Abs workout. It is challenging, and will make substantial gains in your lower body in terms of strength and flexibility. An essential component of a well-rounded fitness regime.
|
