Rating: 
Summary: I highly recommend this workout
Review: I bought this DVD mainly to see what all of the hype about Pilates was about. Being a former dancer, I recognize the importance of mastering basic technique before jumping into any new form of exercise, and this does exactly that. I recommend watching the "Basics" chapter a couple times to be sure you've mastered the feel of the "powerhouse" and the breathing. For those who have said that this workout doesn't have an effect on the abs, that is simply because you are not focused on keeping that area tight throughout all of the exercises. If you tighten your abs during every movement, including things like the side kick series that focus primarily on the legs, you will not only get a great abdominal workout, but you will also stabilize all of your other movements. Included in the DVD version is an Intermediate workout, so there is no need to run out and buy a new DVD when you have mastered the Beginner series. Also, once you have mastered the basic techniques, it is easy to add a few more repetitions or modify the exercises to make them more challenging.
Rating: 
Summary: It's Alright...
Review: First of all, I think Pilates is something left better off at a gym or a class where you have an instructor to make sure you are doing the moves correctly. I had a hard time following this dvd, and I am a very quick learner. I always found myself straining to do a move while watching the screen to make sure I was getting it at least halfway right. It wasn't good at keeping my attention, kinda boring, no music. But I could definatly feel the burn for a few days and it was nice that they show you the Beginners version of the moves so you aren't killing yourself. But I was never confident that I was doing the moves right, which could leave you looking worse than you did before you started by bulking up the wrong sections of your body. I felt more comfortable doing a pilates class at a local gym.
Rating:
Summary: Best Workout Ever!
Review: Where do you begin with this? It's an amazing DVD!
I'm a 34 year old mom of two toddlers and thought I would NEVER regain my girlish figure...I was so wrong! My tummy is flatter than ever and my buns and thighs are toned better than in my 20's!
I've seen simply amazing results in just a couple of months! Truly!
The workout is easy, quick and you feel totally energized after you've completed it.
I went from the beginner to intermediate just after three weeks of doing it. I've dropped 14 pounds ( with proper diet, but not starving myself by any means ) and am healthier than ever!
Michelle is wonderful to watch, soothing and calm.
I highly recommend this video to anyone beginning pilates.
It's amazing!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Beginner's DVD
Review: I have been using this DVD for about 2 1/2 weeks now. I already see results. This is an excellent DVD for beginners like me. Some of the moves are still a little difficult to achieve. But, I'm finding that each week I can do the moves a little better. The instructor is great. She's not artificial and she explains the moves in detail. This is the first exercise DVD that I plan on sticking with!
Rating:
Summary: Too Easy
Review: I gave this tape away after using only twice. I didn't find it challenging at all. For someone who has been working out for a while, I would suggest Winsor Accelerated Body Sculpting Pilates. However, I feel the Pilates for Dummies video can be very beneficial to beginners and those who are just starting out on Pilates.
Rating:
Summary: Can't ask for a better intro to Pilates!
Review: I have just begun to explore Pilates, and this is the third video program I've tried. Jennifer Kries Pilates: The Perfect Mix was OK. Pilates: Beginning Mat Workout was certainly better, at the least in terms of showing Pilates in a more pure form. But Pilates for Dummies is probably the best one for a beginner to start out with. I am certainly no expert on Pilates, but Pilates for Dummies really introduces the form for each exercise and modifications for each one to suit your needs. Michelle Dozios is a thoughtful instructor, and she demonstrates and explains each movement to you very carefully (with the beginner in mind). There are 18 exercises altogether, and each has no more than 10 reps. Some can be challenging, but you will definitely feel stronger and longer at the end. The name says it all: if you have no idea what Pilates is and would like to give it a go, try this DVD. It's a great way to get your toes in the pool and not end up jumping in headfirst.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good
Review: I've never used a workout video before, but I bought this for my wife, and we've both been using it. Surprisingly simple and nice for beginners.
Rating: 
Summary: It's fine, if you can stay awake
Review: I found this video to be a good introduction to Pilates itself, however, *extremely* boring. When they mean "for dummies", they REALLY mean "for dummies", because they spend SO much time explaining everything up front. They do walk through the positions with you and describe them well, but then go a bit fast for a beginner to keep up and get into the next position. Overall, though, after you've watched it a time or two and have memorized the positions....it just about puts you to sleep.
Rating:
Summary: Simple but not easy! Great for beginners
Review: I'm new to Pilates, I had bought another tape that bored me to tears so I thought I'd try this one, based on good reviews I had read here. I think the instructor is sympathetic, not glitsy and non-intimidating, all important things for beginners. The exercises are done at a reasonable pace, not too fast, and there aren't too many reps to discourage people. There's two programs, beginners and intermediates, but the beginners program is perfect for me now...it runs about 30 minutes in length but with a DVD you get to pick and choose which exercises you'd like to concentrate on. I noticed results almost immediately, especially in the abs, because Pilates is great for the stomach, and I haven't lost weight, I've just toned! I highly recommend this tape for anyone just starting out on Pilates and not wanting to get discouraged. There's no fancy room full of beauties, there's no fancy sets, ocean in the background or any of that stuff...it's lowkey and NOT boring.
Rating:
Summary: Great intro if you can't get to a class.
Review: I'd have to disagree with another review saying that you need to be in shape to use this DVD... I'm packing about 75+ extra pounds at the moment, but didn't have a problem at all. Pilates Workout for Dummies is very accessible, whether you're weaker than a dishrag or very buff. The DVD comes with an introduction to each movement in the beginner section, and an Intermediate section that allows you to move quickly through the exercises as pilates is meant to be done. I'd recommend beginners to try and take a class as the feedback from an instructor is invaluable, but this DVD is a great substitute for a teacher, and wonderful to review at home what you've learned in class. 5 stars from me - great instructor (not annoying or too peppy), options for beginners and the more advanced, and excellent price.
| 
