Rating: 
Summary: Good basic Pilates introduction with strong focus on breath
Review: Although I was already familiar with Pilates via other instructors (namely, Ana Caban's videos and Brook Siler's book), I decided to give this video a try to see how I liked Hilary Burnett's style. The best thing about Hilary's instruction is her strong emphasis on breathing. Although all Pilates workouts stress the importance of proper breathing, I found that Hilary provided more detailed instruction and descriptive cues, making it easier for me to understand exactly how and when I was supposed to take each breath. Another unique aspect of this workout is that it is the only Pilates practice I've ever tried which includes some brief stretches to warm up for and to cool down after the actual Pilates exercises.The workout itself consists of 10 basic Pilates moves. Hilary sets a nice, easy-going pace to the practice, and she provides helpful pointers about how to perform the exercises. Each move is appropriate to someone at a beginning level, and for some exercises, Hilary offers modifications via an inset on the screen. My one problem with this video was that I found her modifications to be less effective than what I've seen from other instructors, especially for those with limited flexibility like myself. Plus, given the short length of the workout, it is not overly challenging, although I did feel thoroughly stretched out at the end. The video is filmed in a softly lit, living room type setting, and soft guitar music is occasionally heard in the background. Hilary provides mainly live instruction with additional tips via voiceover. Overall, this is a solid introduction to the Pilates method, but beginners with limited flexibility might want to consider seeking additional resources (a book, another video) for further assistance on modifications.
Rating:
Summary: Good basic Pilates introduction with strong focus on breath
Review: Although I was already familiar with Pilates via other instructors (namely, Ana Caban's videos and Brook Siler's book), I decided to give this video a try to see how I liked Hilary Burnett's style. The best thing about Hilary's instruction is her strong emphasis on breathing. Although all Pilates workouts stress the importance of proper breathing, I found that Hilary provided more detailed instruction and descriptive cues, making it easier for me to understand exactly how and when I was supposed to take each breath. Another unique aspect of this workout is that it is the only Pilates practice I've ever tried which includes some brief stretches to warm up for and to cool down after the actual Pilates exercises. The workout itself consists of 10 basic Pilates moves. Hilary sets a nice, easy-going pace to the practice, and she provides helpful pointers about how to perform the exercises. Each move is appropriate to someone at a beginning level, and for some exercises, Hilary offers modifications via an inset on the screen. My one problem with this video was that I found her modifications to be less effective than what I've seen from other instructors, especially for those with limited flexibility like myself. Plus, given the short length of the workout, it is not overly challenging, although I did feel thoroughly stretched out at the end. The video is filmed in a softly lit, living room type setting, and soft guitar music is occasionally heard in the background. Hilary provides mainly live instruction with additional tips via voiceover. Overall, this is a solid introduction to the Pilates method, but beginners with limited flexibility might want to consider seeking additional resources (a book, another video) for further assistance on modifications.
Rating: 
Summary: Thorough introduction to Pilates
Review: Hilary Burnett provides a solid introduction to the discipline of Pilates. The workout is only twenty four minutes, yet covers the Pilates "Basic Ten". At first it appears as if there is not a lot of explanation in this video, but this is actually its strength as Hilary gets you to focus on her practical cues, rather than the theory behind them. If one is doing pilates properly, with each session these cues become more meaningful and the exercises more challenging as you try and connect with deep core strength. I found the transitions smooth and theshortness of the tape very positive as Pilates requires a lot of concentration and precision. I would recommend this tape to a beginner or intermediate student. Well done, Hilary.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Instruction, Technique, and Setting
Review: Hilary Burnett's PILATES BASICS is a thoughtful and attractive introduction to Pilates. Her instruction and explanation of proper technique are creative and highly effective. After being disappointed with other Pilates DVDs, Hilary Burnett's series is a welcome change. It is a solid, enjoyable foundation for anyone interested in beginning Pilates-based exercise. The PILATES INTERMEDIATE DVD is also excellent.
Rating:
Summary: Way better than Windsor
Review: I have tried other pilates workouts (Winsor), so I am not exactly a beginner, however I thoroughly enjoyed this workout. Although it is only a basic workout, Hilary Burnett really takes the time to explain about technique and breathing...this one is not rushed at all! The focus on breathing is fantastic....I actually felt that I was targeting my core strength a lot more by utilizing correct breathing technique. Other pilates workouts seem so rushed and full of chat in comparison, which I consider to be unnecessary. Hilary lets you immerse yourself into the workout. The set is very soothing - dimly lit with candles. Afterwards, I felt very relaxed. I can't wait to try out the intermediate workout!
Rating: 
Summary: Looking for a challenge? Look somewhere else
Review: I use this video when I meant to exercise all day but didn't have time, and I'm too stressed for a real workout. Hilary does a decent job of winding me down at night, but this isn't challenging work at all. In fact, if I do this, I feel like I've cheated. I'd never done a Pilates workout before, so I thought I should buy the "basics," but this is so basic a toddler could do it. (Slight exaggeration.) I've read a lot about Pilates, and it's not supposed to be a breeze. It's supposed to really work your core. This tape doesn't. I replaced this one with Karen Voigt's Pilates DVD, which is the tough core-strength workout I was looking for.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Introduction to Pilates
Review: I was really interested in learning more about Pilates, but I wanted to make an informed choice before purchasing any DVDs. I went to several websites and found that many people raved about this particular DVD. I went to the instructor's website as well before purchasing to learn about her background. Everything seemed wonderful, so I made my purchase and I WAS NOT DISSAPOINTED! I love this DVD. After a stressful workday, it really makes me feel relaxed. It did not take me very long to progress to the intermediate DVD, which I also love. Oh, and by the way, I am seeing the results of investing in this series. I have improved abdominal strength and I'm losing inches (I'm also dieting to improve my overall health)! I haven't mastered all of the moves of the intermediate DVD and that's a good thing-I want to get my money's worth by using this series as much as needed to improve my core strength and overall fitness.
Rating:
Summary: Great instruction
Review: I've tried several Pilates videos over the last couple of years and there's something about Hilary's use of imagery and description that really clicks with me. The excellent cueing makes this one of the best beginner Pilates tapes out there. I felt like I had never really known how to do "the hundred" correctly until I did it with Hilary's cues. It moves quickly and is a nice add-on to your regular workout. You will probably move on quickly to Hilary's Intermediate tape, but the cues in the Basic tape will really improve your form. It's the next best thing to having a live teacher. Beautiful production vaules and serene setting.
Rating:
Summary: Great Foundation tool for those new to the pilates principle
Review: This is a wonderful introduction to those new to pilates. Hilary elegantly demonstrates 10 basic exercises that are simple but effective. They serve as the foundation to the pilates principles. These basic moves are particularly useful in developing a daily practice. This tape would serve as a great daily practice for intermediates as well. The setting is beautiful and enhances the mood for an effective practice. This matwork session will tone, strengthen and enhance flexibility. I highly recommend this tape, especially for beginners. Then as you progress in your practice, her Pilates Intermediate video would be the perfect enhancement. You can't go wrong with her new series! (...)
Rating:
Summary: Among The Best Basic Pilates Video In My List
Review: This video is the best beginner Pilates video that I have done. It is only about 20 minutes and moves at a perfect pace. There isn't any waiting around between exercises like some other video that I have done and it flows very well. Hillary is fantastic at cuing and I was able to do the whole thing the first time through after viewing it once. I can't say enough good things about this video.
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