Rating: 
Summary: Should not be listed in Stretching Video category
Review: I rented this DVD and was surprised at the lack of warm up and cool down. It was really more like a reference guide for moves.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Deal, Great Workout
Review: i like the fact that this workout is quite idiot-proof. but i was a bit disappointed when i watched the Intermediate workout that is included on the DVD....it seemed a bit rushed (i haven't gotten there yet, but will). The foot positions for the Basic version of the Hundreds were not slightly turned out (toes pointed, upper inner thighs squeezed together) like they were in the intermediate. Additionally, the camera didn't move in the basic version, yet moved around a lot more during intermediate, giving the viewer a better perspective of form. i actually rented this from a library before buying it, in addition to reading various reviews. i like how you can actually hear michelle breathing & working hard, so it's not as intimidating as many other videos who make it look easy and that totally psyches you out. i also love how they show you common mistakes and give you options to make it easier or more challenging. i'm a newcomer to pilates. i've tried to do all kinds of work on my thighs, buns...a girl's best friends...and after only about 10 reps of the bun & thigh exercises i was seriously feeling the burn. now, keep in mind that i have muscular legs naturally. i work out on a stepper and have done all kind of calisthenics to get to that effective burning point, but this gets there almost immediately. pilates was a genius. i've only done this workout about 5 or 6 times and i can already feel my powerhouse tightening. i make sure that i workout before i do this dvd mainly as a warmup. considering all the flexibility involved, (which i'm totally not) i'd definitely recommend warming up cardio-wise as well as good, proper stretching so you don't end up "whacking something out." overall, this is a great workout that's fun, easy, and rewarding, and great for a newcomer. Michelle is unintimidating and encouraging. as much as the instructions get old, they kinda don't....you have to always keep proper form in mind & you have to make sure you do it right or else you defeat the purpose.
Rating:
Summary: pilates for dummies
Review: good beginner DVD but lacks variety of workout
Rating: 
Summary: Love this tape!
Review: This was my first pilates video, and nearly 2 years later, still one that I gravitate to. The instructor is easy to follow, has a pleasant attitude, making it a joy to work out! The workout isn't a killer, but you will see results! I have lost 20 pounds and gone from a size 8 to a size 4! Of course, I have dieted and done other types of exercise, but this is my favorite!
Rating:
Summary: This is an excellent Pilates workout for beginners!
Review: I've been using this DVD for 3 days in a row, and already I feel the workout in my abs, legs, and butt. I feel more energized, and actually feel more fit. It's easy to do, anyone could do it, and it's not too strenuous. This is a workout routine I could do every day without feeling burnt out!
Rating: 
Summary: you better have strong back muscles for this one.
Review: Don't attempt some of these exercises if you have lower back problems. This is not for beginners.
Rating:
Summary: First time Pilates user
Review: I live in a small town and finding a pilates instructor is pretty tough to do. I read some of the comments about other tapes and was scared away because there didn't seem to be much in the form of instruction for beginners. Pilates interested me because I want to firm my body and have better posture. Luckily, I read previous posts about this DVD and found many beginners who thought it was educational, yet got a good workout. I was a little worried that the talking would get in the way of the workout, but boy was I wrong! I've only done the workout a couple of times, but I can feel every muscle in my body working. It's not painful, as some other kinds of exercises can be, it's more exhilerating. The instruction is great and the pace is steady. For all of you beginners out there, start with Pilates for Dummies!!
Rating:
Summary: Great Workout, one of my favourites
Review: This DVD is one of the best workouts I have ever bought, Michelle takes you through a couple of quick (20minutes+) routines that are challenging and enjoyable. If you practice this DVD 20-30 times, you will see big differences in your body shape as well as differences in your stance/posture. I have been getting a sore back for years and I find this workout great for building up my back muscles and removing virtually all my back pain. The production quality is high and Michelle has the body of a pilates goddess. She is a born instructor. Can't wait to try some of the other DVD's her breakthru fitness puts out.
Rating:
Summary: Men & Pilates: Where Are They?
Review: Why do you seldom see men doing Pilates? I bought this video but was somewhat disappointed. Although the woman who primarily demonstrates exercises seems good, it's sometimes good to see male strength and stamina show a workout. This helps me understand that Pilates is NOT only for women. So I looked high and low for a DVD that has a man who practices Pilates. I finally found one: Classical Pilates. Don't get me wrong, Pilates for Dummies is OK, but I just couldn't connect to all the explanations and talking. It was better for me get another DVD that had a man do the workouts, and to have a master instructor---who is also a man---teach me and challenge my abilities.
Rating:
Summary: A great introduction for everyone (including guys)
Review: I started taking a Pilates class at LA Fitness a few months ago on the recommendation of one our daughters. As a 55 year old guy in fairly good shape (I bike 100+ miles a week when the weather allows and go to the gym when it doesn't)I'm here to tell you - it's a workout. This is an EXCELLENT dvd, the best intro I have seen. As with all good programs, you can pick up something "new" each time you go through it. It is not an aerobic workout - even the intermediate workout - and thus some purists have criticized it as "too slow" and "boring". Maybe for them, but not for me. Working out to DVD this regularly for almost 3 months has made a visible difference in my posture and "powerhouse". And the secret's getting out, the "bodybuilders" are beginning to show up at class! It's about damn time, Pilates has been a "chic class" for too long, (sorry, I'm too old to be PC) and the best follow on DVD to this one I've found is "FIT chic Pilates" and you wouldn't believe the grief my wife gave me..
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