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Summary: EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION TO PILATES
Review: I've been using this video for a little over a month now. I think that it's one of the best instructional videos that I've ever come across. It's no frills, right to the point instruction. I've become a little bored doing the same routine 3x a week, so, I recently started doing another (Suzanne Deason's "Pilates for Weight Loss"). Had it not been for "Pilates for Dummies", I would have been totally lost doing this other video.
The instructor in "Pilates for Dummies" is clear, thorough and not in the least bit annoying. There are 3 variations on each exercise so that you can adjust to your current level. I do some at advanced and some at intermediate- this is after having started at beginners a month ago. The first day that I did the routine, I felt nothing. I was very disappointed. The following day, my abs burned. It's very deceptive. If you remember to hold your abs in while performing the exercises, the workout is quite intense.
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Summary: Safe-feeling Instruction
Review: I had to have physical therapy because of back pain. My physical therapist suggested Pilates as the form of regular exercise that would best suit my needs. I purchased a copy of this DVD and I am very happy with it. Dozois provides more instruction on posture and breathing than instructors in other videos (that I have seen). I don't feel vulnerable to futher injury using this DVD. It is true that the suggested modifications are provided during the actual exercises, but Dozois suggests that you watch the entire workout at least once before participating. I've done this and am able to modify the movements without any problems.An intermediate workout is also included.
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Summary: Pilates for smart people too!
Review: I've been working out with weights, aerobics, and doing yoga for a few years now and wanted some more variety in my weekly routine. This was the perfect choice. The beginners workout seems simple, but works muscles you didn't know you had. It will be at least a few months before I progress to the included intermediate workout. The instructor is concise and pleasant with lessons, the sections flow well, and the ability to play without instructor commentary or music is an excellent feature. I think this dvd is an excellent value and I expect I will continue to use it for many years to come.
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Summary: outstanding reshaping workout
Review: I decided to take a pilates class given by a local hospital. I had heard the name and wondered what it was. In the first week I took at inch off my waist. I was hooked. I purchased this DVD so I could do the workout at home. It is the workout we do in class with a careful description of how each movement is done and how to modify exercises to make them tougher or easier. It is not fancy. There is no music. There is no fancy set. There are two workouts, a beginner's and an intermediate. The workout goes fast, less then an hour. The results are incredible. If you are trying to look longer and sleeker this is a great workout to start with. I keep looking down and thinking, "where did my stomach go?"
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Summary: Powerhouse of an Ab Workout - Challanging and Fun!
Review: This series of 18 movements are designed primarily to strengthen the midsection and done in the typically excellent "For Dummies" way. The instructor is attractive and thorough, the pace is moderate without lagging (it doesn't suffer from the explanation in the way that the "Yoga for Dummies" tape does) and the exercizes are a notch or two above the typical relaxing yoga postures. No resistence training, only minimal stretching, no cardio, no upper body, just straight Pilates. Highly recommended for anyone looking to try out Pilates or find an alternative ab workout.
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Summary: Great workout even for the so-called "athletic."
Review: After reading some reviews and having some interest in trying out Pilates, I went out to find an instructional dvd. I'm not much into stretching. Really. I hate it as I find it the most boring aspect of any workout. So, then I heard about Pilates and the use of a pilates maching called the Reformer. Hmm, interesting. Almost a combination of stretching and machine work type of workout. Little did I know that it would be darn near impossible to find a pilates video using the maching without first buying the machine itself. But then I find out that there's matwork. Hmm, well, then I figured I'd try that first to see if I like it, and it's just not another boring stretching routine. So, I came across Pilates for Dummies at the store which was the right title and right price for me.
Now, I consider myself pretty athletic being an avid weightlifter, runner and martial artists. That said, this pilates method is still tough. Didn't know there were other muscles that I never really learned to control under weight training and martial arts training. This workout really emphasizes control and mastery of your "core" which are the muscles of your midsection. And like other reviewers said, it really puts your abs on fire and I already have a nice set to begin with. I like how this workout stretches you out for flexibility but it stil feels like a workout out with its reps and not just static stretching. The dvd itself is simple, but bright and attractive. The instructor gives great advice and explains the methods of eercises clearly. I had a little trouble with the breathing aspect caused it seemed too fast at times or held too long over several reps. I was half expecting it to be more of a yoga like meditative method of breathing. That, plus, when your abs are working it gets a bit harder to breathe but I guess I'll have to workout on that myself. Also, you get both a beginners and intermediate workout in the same dvd for that low of a price? It's definitely a winner for those who are just beginning or curious about Pilates. I'd say pick it up. What have you got to lose except excuses for not exercising?
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Summary: A great way to learn Pilates!
Review: This DVD is awesome! The instructor is pleasant, the instructions are clear, and the pace is great for someone who has never done Pilates before. After 3 weeks of using this DVD I'm amazed at the toning I have experienced, especially in my abs and legs - and that is just on the beginner section. The intermediate is even more challenging, but yet still easy and effective. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to learn Pilates.
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Summary: Great for all levels!
Review: This is such a great workout and versatile too. It allows you to build enough of a foundation so you can build on it with additional reps to the level of workout you desire. I am thrilled with my purchase-- especially because there are so many other videos out there that say they do more than they actually do.
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Summary: Best Pilates Video Out There!
Review: What a relief to buy a video that exceeds your expectations. This workout is clear, the instructor spends time reviewing the most important elements of Pilates and then walks you through a solid workout. I have a few other Pilates videos and none of them have the right combination between instruction and quality/length of the workout. To top it off, the price is right! Spread the word-- this video is the best!
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Summary: Excellent workout, easy even for me!
Review: I am pretty out of shape, and I find the beginner workout on this DVD challenging . . .but I can do it! The instructor is patient and explains everything really well. I like the hints on common mistakes and how to avoid them. Every time I do this workout I can feel myself improving my form and movement, and I feel great afterward. I can really feel the workout in my abs. I'm motivated to keep with this workout--it's fun and interesting, and challenging without being painful. I completely recommend trying this as a beginner.
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