Rating: 
Summary: Is Brooke listening? We're still waiting for your video!
Review: I have Brooke Siler's original book (March 2000). It is still the best book on Pilates method out there, but however good it is - we all know - nothing, but nothing beats a lesson on video. That is why The Pilates Body Kit is such a let down. One would think that in the past three years Ms. Siler was working on a companion video to her popular book. Why the author chose to produce this kit with cards and audio cds is very perplexing, considering the there are so many Pilates method videos out there (good and not so good). Ms. Siler has missed her chance to produce a superior one.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent for those recovering from surgery/illness
Review: I highly recommend this book. I am not a dancer by any stretch of the imagination, unless if you consider being able to trip over your own shoes an art form. Yet I have had no trouble picking Pilates up and even seeing (and feeling) results after only 3 wks. I have had 13 surgeries in my life resulting finally in an auto immune pain disorder, and so I have been at a total loss for exercise recently. Everything makes me hurt. People have been recommending Pilates to me, but I couldn't afford to (and was afraid to) take a class. This book has really been a godsend for me. I do it 4 x week, and I have become so strong. (Stronger than my fiance, if you ask me!) I can hold poses for much longer than I could even a week ago. It's really fun to see the rewards of your work- it keeps me going. I love Pilates- and Brook Siler for making even me able to say "Yeah, I do Pilates."
Rating:
Summary: Excellent for those recovering from surgery/illness
Review: I highly recommend this book. I am not a dancer by any stretch of the imagination, unless if you consider being able to trip over your own shoes an art form. Yet I have had no trouble picking Pilates up and even seeing (and feeling) results after only 3 wks. I have had 13 surgeries in my life resulting finally in an auto immune pain disorder, and so I have been at a total loss for exercise recently. Everything makes me hurt. People have been recommending Pilates to me, but I couldn't afford to (and was afraid to) take a class. This book has really been a godsend for me. I do it 4 x week, and I have become so strong. (Stronger than my fiance, if you ask me!) I can hold poses for much longer than I could even a week ago. It's really fun to see the rewards of your work- it keeps me going. I love Pilates- and Brook Siler for making even me able to say "Yeah, I do Pilates."
Rating:
Summary: I was a skeptic, but now I'm sold on this kit
Review: I learned Pilates from tapes and DVDs by other instructors, but now I prefer using this CD for my every day workouts. I like the efficient pace of the workout tracks. They provide great guidance without including every laborious instruction from the introductory tracks, and there are no gaps where an instructor is blabbing and you're sitting on the floor waiting to do the next exercise. Therefore, if you do the 20 minute workout, you're really doing 20 minutes of exercise. I was skeptical about buying this system, but thought it was worth a chance for the price. Now, I'm sold on it. Not only is it easier to fit a workout into a busy schedule, but the results are better, too. I agree with other reviewers, however, in hoping to see another CD soon with a more advanced workout.
Rating:
Summary: good way to start the day
Review: I like the fact that I can exercise without waking anyone up--I do this cd with earphones. I also like that there are separate tracks for the learning sessions, and the actual workout sessions, unlike Alycea Ungaro's cd.
Rating: 
Summary: A nice reference if you already know the basics
Review: I love pilates. It's a great workout, and you quickly feel the results. (If you have lower back pain, consider pilates. It strengthens your back muscles and may help to ease your pain.)
If you have never done pilates before, this may not be the right starter kit for you. Pilates exercises are not necessarily intuitive. How your body is positioned is very important in pilates, and you may find it easier to learn with a video, so that you can watch how you body is supposed to move through each exercise.
Once you've learned the basics, the flashcards will make your life easier. I take the flash cards with me when I travel. They're small, pack easily and serve as a great reference tool. With this in mind, if you are already familiar with pilates, the flash cards are worth the money.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Brooke Siler does it again!
Review: I love this kit! I have used it countless times, both on the road and at home! I am amazed at the precision with which Siler talks you through each exercise, whether you are brand new to Pilates, or a seasoned veteran. I have gotten an amazing workout every single time I've used the kit, and it makes Pilates so much more accessible! I am seeing changes in my body, and have sent the kit to all my girlfirends as spring gifts to get them into swimsuit shape! This is a must buy!!!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Idea!
Review: I purchased this kit on a whim at my local bookstore. Never having done Pilates before, I was a little intimidated by the process but the kit really helped me learn! The flash cards are wonderful and teach you how to properly do each move. I would definately reccomend this to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Makes it easy
Review: I think that this kit made working out a pleasure. I found the CD easy to follow and educational. It improved not only my body- but my state of mind.I would suggest this program for all of you who hate to work out and "forget"....
Brooke's kit makes it FUN!!!
Rating:
Summary: Brooke is an amazing teacher and this kit is SO practical
Review: I'm new to Pilates but was familiar with Brooke's book which I think is the best, clearest explanation of Pilates that you can buy. But I could never figure out how to look, read, AND DO pilates at the same time. These CDs and cards make it easier than I ever thought possible. I'm able to glance at the flash cards for visual cues but then focus on what MY body feels like while I'm doing these exercises. Plus I can repeat sections of the class until I get it right and with a video you just have to keep moving. If I had to watch a video, I would not be able to focus as well. And as Brooke says, Pilates requires focus and attention. The little drawings on the flash cards bring home the details of each exercise. And Brooke's instruction seems to be answering every question I have the very second I have it!! She is truly a gifted teacher and I'm amazed at what an effective teaching mechanism this is.Thank you, Brooke!!
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