Rating: 
Summary: I LOVE THIS VIDEO
Review: I have read some of the other reviews listed here that say this is not a good beginner video, and could not disagree more. I have a nice figure, yet due to diet, not exercise. I hate to work out and have joint and lower back pain that is aggravated by usual methods of working out. I love the instruction at the beginning, telling you what her commands mean, and how to properly hold yourself when she issues them. Throughout the video, she consistantly reminds you of the proper breathing technique for each move, as well as giving examples of how to hold the positions properly. I have noticed a remarkable improvement in my posture, flexability, and strength, all w/o any of the usual strain on my joints I experience w/ usual exercise. I feel fantastic when I finish this video, and usually do it twice a day. It is by no means easy, but it feels SO GOOD. One of the only workouts I have ever done that I am enjoying. I tried TAE-BO, and it did not make me look this good after a month, and was so much more difficult. I would recommend this tape to any one.
Rating: 
Summary: A good Pilates tape to get you started
Review: After wanting to try Pilates for about a year, I ran across this tape and decided to purchase it. Although I am used to rigorous training, I still found that the moves taught by the instructor were great! I definately felt good after working out with this tape. The beginners tape is good for those who have NEVER practiced Pilates before and want to either try it out and see if they like it, or just want to learn a few basic moves to practice on their own before going on to a higher level or actually taking a class. The production wasn't that great, and after you memorize the moves, it gets kind of boring waiting for the instructor to explain each new exercise, but like i said, it is good for those who would like to experience Pilates for the first time. Word of advice - Once you get bored with those moves, that must mean you're improving and learning something, right? So go out and take a class or buy the next tape!
Rating: 
Summary: A waste of time and money
Review: After using the Suzanne Deason videos, this tape was an annoyance. The cutesy-girl posturing reminded me of a cosmetics ad. And talk about reinforcing all the culture's mainstream crap about women's bodies -- the vibe of this video is no better than a superficial aerobics class. Yuck. I expected more from Living Arts. Guess they're trying to appeal to all markets. And like other reviewers, I agree that there is insufficient explanation about how to do the poses correctly. I hope other Pilates videos and instructors have a little more DEPTH.
Rating:
Summary: Red Flag-- Take a class!
Review: This is NOT for beginners. The instructor does not spend time on form, especially the importance of breathing-- I was shocked! If you plan on just working out at home using a video, this is definitely not the one. It honestly scares me that there are people relying on the quality of instruction on this tape as their only guide to Pilates.
Rating:
Summary: READ the warning label
Review: This is not a beginners tape-- it doesn't provide enough instruction on breathing and proper form, which is so critical to not only performing the exercises in a safe manner but realizing the benefits of Pilates. The production is totally distracting and the workout itself is short and choppy. TRY THE NEW LIVING ARTS PILATES VIDEO WITH SUZANNE DEASON-- read the reviews-- this is the kind of video you really want-- beautiful scenery, soothing voice and solid instruction. Although it says its for weight loss it's a tougher workout than this one!
Rating:
Summary: Pilates Workout?
Review: This video says its a 40 minute workout? After all the talking and needless posturing by the instructor the workout ends up being about 20 mintues or so. Then when you actually get to the workout the time in between the demos and actual workouts is very disruptive. You can master this video is 2-3 sessions. When you spend [MONEY] for a workout video this is NOT how you want to spend your money.
Rating: 
Summary: A good place to start
Review: I bought the tape because I have heard wonderful things about Pilates, and so far, I am pleased. My only disappointment is that she doesn't focus enough on the breathing, which is one of the main reasons I turned to Pilates. However, I have only been doing it for 3 weeks and I am noticing increased flexability. Positions I couldn't do the first time, I am doing now, not all of them, but a good portion. The 20 minute workout seems like a great place to start, I am learning the basics, without being overwhelmed - AND I am seeing results. The production value may not be the best, but I didn't buy it to enjoy watching it, I bought it to work out to. As for Ana, I can't say if she is a good Pilates Instructor, I have never seen another tape or attended a class, but I am comfortable with her and I have just bought the Intermediate tape which I hope to start with about my 5th or 6th week.
Rating:
Summary: Great basic video to get started with
Review: Despite the negative comments I've seen, I have to say this is a great workout. I LOVE IT! Ana Caban is not pushy or in your face. She has a soothing voice and uses good visuals to help you use the correct form. I recommend this one to anyone who wants to get a basic introduction to Pilates.
Rating:
Summary: Amateur Pilates
Review: This video doesn't spend enough time in the beginning introducing pilates and the proper form and the workout itself is very short. There is a huge difference in quality of instruction when you compare someone like Ana who is clearly an amateur to Kathy Smith or Denise Austin-- professionals who have been producing successful workout videos for many years. I would recommend sticking with one of them... they both have new pilates videos out on the market.
Rating:
Summary: A great start to Pilates
Review: I purchased this video because I had been doing Pilates at my gym for about 2 months with instructors that weren't certified and I wanted to see what "real" Pilates was all about. I was pleasantly surprised. Out of the 15 or so exercise videos I have this is one of only a very few that I want to do. Yes its a relatively short video, however, I prefer this over the hour class because I end up building muscle over time instead of being sore all of the time! I like the fact that Ana is showing you the moves but her assistance shows you modified versions. She is professional yet fun. The best part about it is that she actually knows her stuff. It really drives me crazy when workout gurus like Kathy Smith try and produce videos on stuff they know nothing about. Pilates is as difficult as you make it for yourself. What I find myself doing both in this and in Yoga videos is that I do the video and then after the video continue to work on the areas that I have trouble with or that I believe need more work. I think this is key to this type of workout. Each person is different and you need to gage what you need to work on. Have fun.. I'm on to intermediate!
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