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Summary: Pilates--the fastest beginner version in the world
Review: Having been introduced to pilates by my sister-in-law, I was looking for a good DVD to help me continue to grow in strength and toning. While I did like the 10 minute introduction to the Pilates method and history of the excerices, Ana was far to fast and didn't allow me to ensure the excersices were done correctly. This could have been avoided if her routine wasn't just 20 minutes! I recommend the Stott Pilates video combinations. Moira Stott-Merrithew has her assistant do the excerises, while Stott leads and directs the assistant's movements--just like a real class! I can't wait for these to come out on DVD!
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Summary: Boring and Annoying
Review: This is the first video I purchased for Pilates and I was very disappointed. The instructor is very annoying and talks down to us as if she is talking to small children. She was informative though on the proper techniques for body position and breathing. I have since purchased another Pilates video which I like much better. The workout itself consists of 20 minutes of mostly ab and some leg work. I found the workout to be very easy even at my beginner level. The main reason I purchased this tape was for the stretching which I need as I exercise 6 days a week. I just can't deal with this irritating instructor. I'm giving this tape away.
Rating: 
Summary: It works
Review: This workout has increased strength in my midsection and given me an energy boost in relatively few sessions (10-15). It is only 20 minutes of exercise after the introduction, but effective, especially if done every day. The instructor is a bit too perky for my taste but I'm willing to put up with her for the benefits.
Rating:
Summary: Too cutsie for the person who is serious about exercise
Review: While the instructor's form is excellent, this workout is too short and places too much focus on limited muscle groups like abs and legs. There is little focus on the back, arms, shoulders and buttocks. In addition, this instructor has a truly annoying speaking manner, and uses silly analogies (i.e. clapping your feet like a little seal). This video is too short and too cutsie for someone who is serious about exercise.
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Summary: GET THIS VIDEO!!
Review: I had a couple of books and was beginning to get the Pilates concepts, but this video put it all together for me. She does the beginner moves, but also has a trainer showing modified beginner moves for those of us who can't quite do some of the exercises yet. This is the only form of exercise that has helped me tone my stomach. If crunches and iron-pumping have left you totally bored, yet still with a tummy bulge, this video is for you. It also helps your posture and carriage when you're not exercising. And I feel so strong. Between walking, eating sensibly (but not starving or even dieting too much), and doing Pilates, I've lost an inch in the waist, and what's left is much tighter. I hope to kiss my middle-age gut and love handles goodbye and get back into my favorite jeans shortly. Try this!
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Summary: 2 inches off my tummy after 2 weeks of daily use...
Review: I gained over 40 lbs. for my first baby and I'm having a hell of a time trying to go back to my pre-pregnancy size and weight. I got this video and did the exercises religiously every single day. After 2 weeks of using it (roughly 15 sessions), I measured my tummy and I lost almost 2 inches. I weighed myself and I lost about 3 or 4 lbs. It was unbelievable! When I first tried the exercises, they seemed quite difficult. I persevered and now I can do all the exercises easily. The problem is, you really do reach a plateau by the 30th session, and you really have to find something more advanced in order to continue losing the pounds and inches.
Rating:
Summary: Best Workout Video Ever
Review: This tape has really worked for me. I've done it tons of times and I'm still not sick of it. It's quick easy (kind-of) no sweat work out that does actually work. It's convinced me to quit my gym and just use tapes. It' s quicker, cheaper, and the level of instruction can be far better. My gym offered an into pilates class and I was the star, all because of the wonderful instruction on this tape!
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Summary: Pilates beginning mat work
Review: I had a Pilates tape back in the early 90's and it was a killer. I really like this one much better (I only used the other 3-4 times because it was so hard). Ana moves at a comfortable pace and encourages you to follow the modified poses if that's where you are. Ana describes the pose and carefully shows you how to do it properly. She really stresses proper positioning. The poses really work your abs but you also get a moderate lower body work out as well. Not much emphasis on the upper body in this one, though there is some. The main focus is in introducing you to 'powerhouse' or core abdominal training and strengthening. This is a wonderful beginners tape if you're new to Pilates.
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Summary: Ana Caban makes this fun!
Review: I have made it to the 10 session mark, and I do feel better and tighter. I am looking forward to SEEING the difference in the mirror in another few weeks. I can already see an impact on my strength and flexibility.Caban takes a light approach, reminding you occasionally to be prepared to laugh at yourself "since this IS a coordination exercise!" I love the humor. Mercifully, she also works out with a partner who models mofications of each move. Caban's workout was do-able and fun for this overweight, coordination-challenged beginner. The first time, I just got through it. Now each workout leaves me damp, but not dripping, having met a challenge.
Rating:
Summary: Great Beginner Video
Review: I'm a twenty-something year old beginner at ANY type of exercise at this point in my life. I was hesitant at first to buy a Pilates video because I've heard Pilates is not easy, even at the beginner's level. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this video. It's geared 100% with the beginner in mind. Having a student along side Caban demonstrating the easier modified positions really helped motivate me because when I couldn't replicate Caban's moves (which I couldn't at first) at least I knew following the easier modified versions was okay for the time being. It also gave me something to work up to. What's the point of buying an exercise video if you're going to master it the first time? By the third day, I was following Caban more than her student as I felt my body becoming stronger. By the fourth day, I seemed to be more aware of my posture because I felt as though I was sitting taller. I especially like there not being a need for any props except a mat to protect your spine (you'll be rolling your spine along it). Caban does mention you could use a small cushion to support your neck, but that's optional. The actual exercise session is about 20 minutes long, which is a plus for me because it goes by fast, yet feels very effective. Caban's instructions before each exercise are thorough and to the point, so much so, that by the third or fourth viewing, I was ready to start each exercise without her while she gave instructions. She also consistently reminds you to breathe. I feel as though this tape is preparing me well to move on to an intermediate version.
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