Rating: 
Summary: Great for beginners
Review: As the title points out, this is a BEGINNER'S workout for people who are just starting with pilates. It's astounding that some reviewers feel the need to complain about a basic & introductory pilates workout for being a)slow b)basic c)too much explanations d)all of the above. I've been doing pilates for years now and sure, this workout is basic, it moves slow in some parts, there's a lot of explanation, as it should! I would've been shocked if this workout covered the entire range of pilates moves, with no explanation. Most, if not all beginners need the extra guidance and explanation. Plus they need to go at a slower rate so they can work to perfect each move. Form is everything. If you can't hold a position properly or control your powerhouse...what's the point?If you really don't have the patience for it-- as an advanced Pilates guru-- then by all means, stick to your advanced tapes and workouts. This is a workout that caters to those who are just starting out and maybe even folks who have never worked out a day in their life. This is a great workout, the instructor is very pleasant, the moves are explained thoroughly and yes, it does moves at a steady pace. If you're a beginner, please ignore the negative reviews from some of the advanced folks who feel the need to pick on a basic introductory workout for being just that.
Rating: 
Summary: Good With Reservations
Review: This is a good basic introduction to the Pilates method. The instruction is deliberate and well-organized, however, I would recommend getting this DVD with Classical Pilates' Complete Mat Workout Series so you have the full range of Pilates method exercise levels. It's exciting to know the challenges that lie ahead when you begin taking your first steps on the long wonderful journey toward greater health with Pilates.
Rating: 
Summary: Too Much Instruction
Review: This video has very good production quality, and it is well organized, yet there is so much instruction that you do NOT get a good workout. Pilates should be a vigorous workout, and you should sweat! Explaining too many details removes the zest and fun and life from your movement! The Dummy series has a good reputation, yet it is possible to dumb-down too much. The main purpose of exercising is actually defeated when you do not get a good workout that will energize you and make you feel better.
Rating: 
Summary: Off The Mark
Review: This video has good production value, yet is restricted only to basic Pilates movements; it does not demonstrate how you can progress in the Pilates method. Another limitation of this video is that it does NOT include the importance of flowing movement, rhythm, dynamics, and energetic tempos, all of which Joseph Pilates believed are essential to his method of body conditioning. I would recommend Classical Pilates technique videos because they demonstrate Joseph Pilates original method. It is very important to see the ENTIRE RANGE of exercises to develop and appreciation for Joseph Pilates' brilliant method, and to inspire you to higher levels of accomplishment and energizing fun!
Rating: 
Summary: Thinking about Pilates?? Try this DVD!!!!
Review: I was really nervous about trying pilates from a DVD at home without taking a class first, but I really liked it and thought this DVD was of excellent quality! Also, I was a dancer for 18 years and after doing this DVD for the first time, I realized I had no idea how much of my training was from pilates. So, for anyone out there who is taking dance classes (mostly ballet or floor barre)or was a dancer at some point..., you will find some of the exercises you do very familar :-) Just think, you will be doing exercises professional dancers do!! Still, the instructor is helpful, but not annoying like some tapes. Besides having a great beginner section, this DVD has a intermediate section, as well, which is great! This DVD is a good investment, especially if you can't make it to the gym, or your gym doesn't offer pilates.
Rating:
Summary: GREAT INTRO TO PILATES AND GREAT WORKOUT!!
Review: The instructor is very easy to understand and the explanations are great. They even remind you of "what not to do" when you are in the middle of the exercise and tend to forget about a certain part of you body. I was a beginner when I started using this DVD...and now have supplemented this DVD with other Pilates DVDs including Windsor. Unlike Windsor, the pace is a little slower so you can really get the motion and breating correct. However, this one is still my favorite DVD. I saw definition in my abs after doing it for 2 weeks. I would definately recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Pilates Workout for Dummies (DVD)
Review: I think that this tape is pretty good for those who have no idea of how to correctly workout using the Pilates method.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but now I'm pregnant!
Review: This tape is okay, but now that I'm pregnant I've switched to Prenatal Yoga.
Rating:
Summary: This Is Not True-Form Pilates!!!
Review: This DVD might be excellent for passing small chunks of time unproductively, but beginner, intermediate, and advanced Pilates students are being CHEATED if they work out to this DVD. I am a certified instructor, and I was very dismayed to discover that in this DVD almost no concern is given to proper PILATES style breathing, which differs significantly from most regular breathing patterns. The Pilates breathing technique is the key to achieving significant results, (yes, those ripped abs), from your Pilates workout. This DVD rehashes the watered-down Pilates techniques arbitrarily presented in other fitness classes through the years, and is not at all representative of Pilates. Normally I love the Crunch series, but if you truly want to learn Pilates in an understandable, achievable and body changing format, try Classical Pilates Complete Workout by Bob Liekens, et al. It is an excellent video, and it also allows a choice between several "levels" of Pilates in both short and longer formats. Pilates for Dummies is also a good DVD choice for beginning and intermediate Pilates students.
Rating:
Summary: Great beginning workout
Review: I've just started to exercise regularly and needed something that I could stick to. This is a great video for us beginners. The instructions and moves are easy yet challenging. I've never stuck with any kind of exercise plan before, but this introduction to pilates is great. I figured once I get used to doing the beginner's section and the intermediate section that I'll move on to something more intense. The only downside is that if you're constantly watching the beginner section, most of the time is eaten up by the instructions, and the intermediate section uses some similar and some different moves.
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