Rating: 
Summary: Great Workout
Review: This is one of the best workout tapes that I have ever bought. I began to see results right away (esp. in my abs). Ana Caban is an excellent instructor.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Workout
Review: This is an excellent Pilates workout. I can feel- and see- this tape working my abs, and I never thought that would be possible. The inner thigh lifts have definitely made a difference. I like that you can get so much done in such a short amount of time. She doesn't specify, but you should do this every other day, not every day. I am on session 27, and it's true- my new body is coming into the fore.The only thing I don't like is the breathing, but that's Pilates, not Ana Caban. As someone who practices yoga every day, it's disconcerting to jump from deep abdominal breathing to lateral breathing. But that's minor compared to the benefits from the tape. Looking forward to the Intermediate tape...
Rating: 
Summary: Good Form but too short, not worth the money
Review: This tape is too short and not worth the money. If you've ever taken a Pilates class, this is too easy, too. I was very disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: excellent tummy work!
Review: This is a great Pilates video. The workout begins with the basics, and even those are enough to get your muscles burning in a good way. I haven't made it to the more complex exercises yet and already my clothes fit better. The instructor is very thorough, and explains things in a way that is logical to my athletically challenged self. I've tried other Pilates workouts that didn't work as well, and that didn't offer the "easier" option for those of us starting out. The instructor is also fun, and doesn't over do the chatter, which can get annoying after several re-runs. Get this workout if you want your tummy tighter and your flexibility to improve!
Rating:
Summary: Oh.... this is how they do it.
Review: I purchased another Pilates workout DVD set, it was really a great workout series--but there was a lot I didn't understand. I am very new at fitness conditioning, so I needed the very basics. I purchased the Pilates Begining Mat Workout with Ana Caban and it has helped me with my other Pilates workouts. I like that they have different levels simultaneously demostrated so that I can adjust the workout to my level. If you are new to the Pilates conditioning like I was, this is a great introduction to the process. Pilates has something for every level of fitness and body size.
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Balance Between Intro and Beginner's Workout
Review: This is a great intro for the uninitiated. Used as a companion to Siler's "The Pilates Body", you will have a nice, all-around beginner's workout. Caban moves quickly through the poses, so the book is a good idea if you want to spend more time understanding exactly what is going on. The bonus is that one of Caban's students accompanies her to exhibit a simplified version of the workout. I switch back and forth between both versions, depending on the pose. The workout is short, approx. 30 minutes, because it only covers the core of Pilates method. These poses will carry on throughout, from beginning to advanced, so it is important to understand these well. I will definitely be doing this everyday for 3 more weeks, then I will move on up to the intermediate tape.
Rating:
Summary: GOOD PILATES INSTRUCTIONS BUT TOO FAST PACED
Review: THE INSTRUCTOR ON THIS VIDEO IS CERTAINLY A GOOD ONE IN THAT SHE IS ILLUSTRATING PROPER FORM, HOWEVER, THE PACE IS EXTREMELY TOO FAST! THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR A BEGINNER TO CATCH ON AND CATCH UP. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO SOMEONE WHO ALREADY HAS SOME PREVIOUS PILATES INSTRUCTION (IT'S IDEAL IF YOU'RE TAKING CLASSES AT A PILATES STUDIO). IF YOU'RE AN ABSOLUTE BEGINNER (JUST RECENTLY LEARNED TO PRONOUNCE THE NAME PILATES - LET ALONE TAKEN ANY CLASSES) THEN GO WITH DENISE AUSTIN'S VIDEO BASED ON THE PILATES METHOD AND/OR GET BROOKE SILER'S BOOK BEFORE YOU TACKLE THIS VIDEO.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Tape!
Review: I simply love this video! I have tried different things to try to gain flexibility including yoga, but I was never happy with the results. This video is totally different. Ana Caban does an excellent job showing you how to do the different exercises, and it is easy to follow. I am 24 and have never been able to touch my toes. Now I can place my palms flat on the floor! You'll see results on your stomach even after the first session. I'm amazed, and I am encouraging my friends to give pilates a try.
Rating:
Summary: Best of the Bunch
Review: I've been to a pilates class or two, and I can honestly say that this is the only tape out there that I would use. Sure, the quality of the video may not be the sharpest, but content is what counts and I think it may be the best of the lot. The pilates method gives you the kind of abs sit-ups could never produce, or at least not without hundreds of repetitions a day! Unlike other exercise videos, I did not tire of this one (due in large part to the pilates method itself). My only concern - If you know absolutely nothing about pilates, you may miss out on the basics like breathing technique. You might want to check out "The Pilates Body" by Brooke Siler, which explains technique in detail, provides the reasoning behind each pilates pose, and goes beyond the basic and intermediate levels.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent non-strenuous workout
Review: I have done many exercise videos over the years including 'The Method' and found that 'Pliates Beginning Mat Workout' is definitely the best beginning pilates video so far. It's easy, fun, and the best part is that you do see instant results. I've been doing it for almost 2 weeks now and I've already noticed a huge improvement in my posture and flexibility, not to mention the noticible tone and strength in my legs. I highly recommend this video for anyone interested in gaining strength and flexibility.
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