Pilates Workout for Dummies

Rating:
Summary: I loved it, this is a great DVD for Pilates beginners
Review: I am new to Pilates and after following this DVD for couple times I decided to stick with it. It gives very clear instruction and quite a work out. I felt more toned all over after just a few sessions. Michelle is a great instructor.

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Summary: Excellent place to start
Review: I recently took this video out of the library and like it so much I plan on purchasing it. I also own Hillary Burnett's Pilates Basics which I think is also very good, but Pilates for Dummies is slightly more challenging and offers modifications for both beginner and intermediate levels so you get more out of it. I really like Hillary, and plan on checking out her intermediate video when I'm ready, but I think the Pilates for Dummies is the smarter buy when starting out. The only thing Pilates for Dummies is missing is a little atmosphere. It's as basic as you can get but it gets the job done. In general I think Pilates is great and look forward to doing my mat exercises.

Rating:
Summary: The best for beginners and intermediate
Review: I've tried a good number of pilates videos and this is the only one I would recommend highly. It is perfect for beginners and it is also good for those at the intermediate level. Michelle's style is appealing and she gives you the necessary cues about body position throughout each exercise. I also like the fact that the exercise routines are relatively short. I can usually finish them in 20-25 minutes and that keeps me interested in exercising every day. I had previously taken a pilates class but my husband was a novice and we have both found the dvd to be very useful. (I moved quickly to the intermediate routine and my husband just moved up a little slower.) Once you have learned the routines you may find the pace a little slow but I still find the cues about position useful so I simply add a few positions or perform the exercises at a slow and controlled pace to fill in the gap. I find that I also need to mix in yoga (Rodney Yee) and cardio for more stretching and aerobic fitness in my weekly exercise regime, however I think that the pilates is perfect for strengthening my core muscle group. If you want more positions to add to your routine then I would recommend "The Pilates Body" by Siler.

Rating:
Summary: Pilates for Dummies
Review: I hate to work out, but this video is challenging and goes by quickly, so it's not so bad! The explanations are clear, the instructor shows ways to modify to make the exercises more challenging or easier, depending on your fitness level. Overall it's a excellent video. My only beef with it would be the fact that you have to wait through all the explanations during the workout. When you're a beginner, it gives you a moment to rest, but once you've got the technique down, you don't feel you need all that explanation. I usually fast forward to the next exercise. It would have been nice if they had added a second section that went from exercise to exercise without all the explanations. The workout itself is excellent. After just three times I actually felt like my mid-section was tighter and after just two weeks, I already feel like I'm stronger. I haven't noticed any visual body changes yet.

Rating:
Summary: This is a great video for Pilates beginners!
Review: I bought this video because I was truly a "dummy" having never done Pilates in my life. It is a great video to learn Pilates. The instructor goes slowly and demonstrates each movement before the viewer performs them. The video also gives you a more "basic" and a more challenging way of doing the exercises, so you can modify your workout accordingly if you are a beginner and as you become stronger. I would definitely recommend this video to anyone!

Rating:
Summary: Just what I needed
Review: I love this workout! I was really out of shape, and I have asthma, so I didn't want to do anything too aerobic. But this is perfect! It's challenging, but not overwhelming. I can definately feel the workout, but I'm not completely wiped out after. I would advise you to pay attention, though, and if something actually hurts, don't do it. This workout will definately improve your fexibility, but you have to work up to it. I would highly reccomend this workout!

Rating:
Summary: just right
Review: I am a Pilates beginner who has done some gentle yoga. I love this workout. Michelle Dozois is just right: encouraging without the phoniness of Denise Austin, instructive without drawing it out. This is a tape that you can continue to use as you gain experience with Pilates as modifications are shown for basic and advanced users. I prefer this to the Ana Caban tape (which was ok, but this one has more exercises and a faster flow.

Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Exercise Tape/DVD
Review: I had never tried Pilates before buying this program and was worried that I would have problems keeping up with the instructor (Michelle Dozois), or hurt myself doing the poses incorrectly. This workout is well organized and the motions are communicated very well. Of course I can not perform them nearly as well as she can--because some are challenging for me--but in a good way. This exercise tape fits any mood I'm in, even when I think I'm feeling lazy!

Rating:
Summary: A great intro to Pilates
Review: I'm trying several types of exercize at this time in my life. I'm 41 yrs old and a new mom of a 6 month old. Time is important to me. I've done this only a few times so far so I can't speak to results yet, but I'm hoping it'll do what's promised. As far as a workout video its explained well and not 'too' hard to do. You do need to be very careful that you're not straining your neck when doing the back exercizes. She doesn't address that early on so just be careful. Otherwise, I've been pleased so far.

Rating:
Summary: Great introduction
Review: This is the first mat workout I've done and this tape is great! Michelle does a great job of clearly explaining each exercise. Because it is so instructional, I plan on moving on to other tapes that have less down-time between exercises after I have gotten the moves to be very familiar, but for a first tape, I made the right choice!