Crunch - Pick Your Spot Pilates

Rating:
Summary: I love this DVD!
Review: This was my first Pilates DVD. Since I have used it, I have tried others, and I keep coming back to this one. After I do the abs, buns, and thighs workouts I feel relaxed and toned. This DVD is very basic and great for a beginner. Once you have mastered it, I would recommend moving on to the Crunch - Fat Burning Pilates. It is quite a big more challenging.

My only complaint about this DVD is that I would like more warm-up and stretching before and more cool-down after. Other than that. I love this DVD!

Rating:
Summary: This is a good beginner workout
Review: I received this DVD for Christmas after asking for Windsor Pilates. I was disappointed at first but found that I really like that the abs, butt, and thigh workouts are broken down into 10 minute segments. The ab section and total body workout are my favorite. I feel like I've worked out after doing the ab section. The total body workout just gets me invigorated to continue the DVD or go for a jog. I don't feel like I get a workout with that section. The butt and thigh sections are of very little use to me. I get more from jogging three miles and it takes as much time. Ellen has a great voice and is easy to follow. The music is not annoying. I would recommend this DVD to any pilates or exercise beginner.

Rating:
Summary: disappointing because it is too easy
Review: I have to give this DVD a mixed review. While I certainly wouldn't have purchased it, I think it may still have some benefits for other consumers.

Pros: This video has great form descriptions, good videography so that you can see the moves, and it really emphasizes breathing. Breathing and form are both very important in pilates.

Cons: It is far too easy. I followed the instructor rather the beginner, even though this is my first true pilates tape. I also own Karen Voight's Yogasculpt which inclues some pilates. After most of the segments, I didn't feel that I had really worked my muscles. The thigh segment was the most strenuous, and still, it failed to push me. After the [...] segment, I almost felt cheated, that I had spent 10 minutes only to feel no strain at all.

Granted, it is known that each segment is only 10 minutes long, but the video promises to work your body is those 10 minutes. I have some other ab and glute routines that really do work me over in 10 minutes or less. So, I was disappointed and I probably will not use this tape. On the other hand, an exercise newbie might be glad to find a tape that is easy enough to grow with.

Rating:
Summary: It's quick and it works!
Review: This is a great exercise video. I'd never done Pilates before, and was somewhat skeptical as to whether I could do it, but this is a great tape, esp. the abs part. I do a couple of videos, including Denise Austin "Hit the Spot", Jazzercise, and The Firm videos. I love this one because if I'm short on time, I can do one or two 10 minute segments, but usually I do all 3, for a 30 minute workout I can feel good about. The instructor is very easy to understand, reminds you about proper form, and is encouraging w/o being annoying. The set is a normal exercise studio, nothing fancy, but I'm not looking at the scenery, and the others working out with the instructor are in tune with her, and are all physically fit. There is one person doing a modified workout for those not up to the full workout. I'm pretty fit, but this is even a good workout for those who are just beginning, and those who aren't in great shape. I don't have any negatives to add. This is just an overall good workout.

Rating:
Summary: Love it!
Review: This video is amazing. Most workouts it takes at least a day to feel it, well after I did all 3 workouts I could feel the soreness in my body. Great if you want to focus on your abs. I would recommend this workout to anymone. The moves are very easy to follow and even if your not very fit there is someone there to show you an easier way of doing the move.

Rating:
Summary: Great for 'Quickie' workouts!
Review: This is my all-time favorite workout video. I am a beginner at the whole 'exercise' thing, and this DVD gives you the option of doing one Full Body 10 minute warm-up or you can do all of the segments on the video. I find that this is great for people who can only squeeze in a couple of short workouts during the day. This also gives me a great 'wake-up' energy boost in the morning before going to work, and I don't have to get up an hour early to get my metabolism running. Fantanstic!

Rating:
Summary: MORE THAN I EXPECTED!!!
Review: This was my first experience with Pilates and frankly, I couldn't have chosen anything better!!!! I ordered this in DVD back in the summer and faithfully, every other night, began my Pilates routine with Ellen!!! She breaks it down into 3 ten minute segments, belly, butt and thighs. At the end there is also another 10 minute segment "Total Body Pilates", which is an all over workout. Regardless of which area you want to challenge, you are always working your "core" area. The added bonus is relaxation and for me, a stress reducer. I went on vacation in August, and of course, I didn't take Ellen with me, therefore, when I returned I had gained 8 lbs. But, I began again as soon as I got back home and have lost those 8 lbs., plus another 11 lbs!!!! I now do my Pilates every night and feel guilty when I take a night off!!!!It truly has not become boring and believe it or not, I still feel the full effect, as though I am doing it for the first time. I am now purchasing the VHS for my mother!!! She claims to have a belly and has tried everything (however, not Pilates) to strengthen her "core" and reduce her waist line. Well folks, if anything will help her, it is this tape!!! Yes, I love it and I am sure you will also!!! As Ellen says, "You got it, keep up the excellent work"!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Good for beginners
Review: This is a great workout for beginners or people who are just starting to get into shape. I have been doing all three workouts (Belly, Butt and Thighs) every morning for about three weeks. I have already noticed a big difference in my abs...I have a flatter firmer belly. I have also noticed a small difference in my thighs but not so much in my butt. I was sore after each workout for the first week but it gradually got better. If you are a beginner or are looking for a great ab workout this is the DVD for you!

Rating:
Summary: Pilates Video
Review: I have never done Pilates before buying this video. I am an avid runner and wanted to try something different while still looking for a challenge. I found it in this video. I have read other reviews that say this video isn't true pilates and I have nothing to compare that to since I am new to it but I found the exercises challenging and fairly easy to follow. I've only done the video twice so of course I have seen no results yet but I look forward to going home and adding my new Pilates tape to my daily workout routine.

Rating:
Summary: Great workout video!
Review: I've never done Pilates before but have done Yoga, ballet, bellydancing, aerobics, cycling, running...well you get the idea. I like to do different activities so it doesn't get so "routine". I decided to check out Pilates and picked this up because I had a coupon for it. I thoroughly enjoyed this workout. The instructor explained the moves and she was easy to follow. I will definitely be incorporating this DVD along with her other Pilates DVD (Fat Burning Pilates) into my routine.