Rating: 
Summary: first workout great--second stinks
Review: I had never done pilates before, and I pretty much stayed away from fitness tapes. The first 20 minute workout was great since i had no idea what I was doing. When I became more advanced and moved on to the second workout on the video, I shut it off after about 10 minutes. She looks totally lost and is moving 90 miles an hour. Very Sloppy job on that workout. Overall though the first workout is great if you have no idea what you are doing. Just don't do this one if you are a little advanced.
Rating: 
Summary: very good but not great
Review: I use this video about one or twice every two weeks to vary my running schedule and get a deep stretch. It has been my first introduction to Pilates but not to yoga. The first 20 minutes, which is all mat pilates, I find the best. The workout never seems too difficult but I am always soar the next day, especially in my abs. If only this half were a bit longer I'd be much happier.
The second half which is all yoga I find to be rushed and without any explaination. I've practiced yoga for many years off and on and to me it seems as though Denise is trying to fit way too much yoga of varying levels into very little time.
If you're interested in Pilates but are not advanced in it then check this video out. If you're more into yoga don't rely on this to be a great workout for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Denise Austin is wonderful
Review: I also was a ballet and modern dancer for 25 yrs. before I had my two children. In the Graham classes we did Pilates, and I had a incredibly strong abdomen. I had two children a yr. apart when I was 32, and thought I would bounce back. I did Denise's classes on ESPN back in 1988. I was so pleased to find she had put out her first video using Pilates. I do it every day, and just received the next video. She is extremely encouraging. I do not find her "chatty", and resent the fact that someone views her that way. She knows how to talk, explain and keep a class moving. She's an expert at it. Thanks Denise. I appreciate you.
Deborah Forbeck
Rating:
Summary: I love it
Review: This is a great video. I am a very beginner and I don't feel intimidated by this video. But I am challenged. I could do all the exercises but as the weeks go on I can do them better. She offers alternatives for some of the more challenging ones, 'whatever it takes to activate those abs'. And the second session of the video is even more challenging. This is a video I feel like a can grow with. It makes me feel better to do them rather than having to make myself put it in.
Rating:
Summary: surprisingly nice beginner tape for annoying denise
Review: I bought this tape about a year ago, when Pilates became popular.
I wasn't really sure what to expect from pilates itself, and denise introduces the workout, and she isn't sooo annoying in this one, she doesn't talk too much.This tape has 2 sections: the first one is a pilates workout, which focuses more on the abs, eventhough there are a couple thigh sets at the end, but barely worth mentioning, and the second part is a yoga workout, which is a bit more challenging than the pilates (but i've never done it). Overall, this tape is a good value if you want a quick (20min long each) sections. The tape is well made with a few back-up women who don't stop smiling...but who cares, your abs will hurt too much at the end to even notice them!
Rating:
Summary: love it
Review: I have the video and love it! I am getting the DVD because our VCR isn't working very well anymore.
Rating:
Summary: Not the Best
Review: This video is definetly for the begginer. I like that she completely takes you through everything, so that you never get lost. Yet, I didn't find that it had a lot of effect on me, probably b/c I'm already a dancer. So, if you're familiar with pilates, I don't recommend it. If you are just looking to start, it's worth a try. Honestly, if you can find a Pilates class in your area, it's really your best option.
Rating:
Summary: A great Buy!
Review: I got his a few months ago- Denise Austin has broken down to such a simple way- she makes it easy for anyone to use. I really like it and have seen GREAT results with only 30 minutes a day 3 days a week. This is a Really Good and Easy to understand workout video!
Rating: 
Summary: Not for beginners
Review: I thought Denise Austin would have a good work-out for people just starting pilates/yoga, but I was wrong. Luckily, I had already been doing yoga for a few months and knew how to safely do the poses in the yoga section of this workout, but it made me nervous how fast she was taking it and with very little instruction. Yoga is more than just getting into a position. It's linking movement and breath and balance. I have not done any other Denise Austin work-outs, but I get the impression that she quickly learns every new fitness fad that comes along so she can do her own video/DVD of it. I would rather learn the pilates method from someone who has studied and practiced it for years.
Rating:
Summary: Great workout for lazy people like me!
Review: At last - a workout video that does not require rearranging the furniture! I love this because there is *** no *** jumping or lunging or squatting. No dance steps to keep up with or moves that made me feel klutsy. But boy - is it a workout! She does a good job of explaining the basic concept of Pilates and then has two different workouts. I'll be honest - I haven't tried the 2nd one yet, but I love the first. It's all about stretching and strengthening. There was nothing in there that I found "impossible." I could feel the results immediately (my ab muscles were actually twitching afterward!) and the 2nd day and I could feel how much they had been worked. I worked up a good sweat, but I wasn't exhausted. Denise Austin can get on my nerves; luckily, with this one, you can put on music and "mute" the TV while you watch it.
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