Rating: 
Summary: One of the Best Pilates Videos
Review: I was surprised at just how easy this pilates video was. I wanted something that would challenge me but I didn't even break a sweat. I own the MTV Power Yoga and that's one of the reasons I was prompted to buy MTV Pilates. The instructor gets a tad annoying at times when she repeats how many sets to go. I'd recommend this DVD for beginners but if you have been doing Pilates for even a few months, I wouldn't bother with this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Challenging
Review: I was surprised at just how easy this pilates video was. I wanted something that would challenge me but I didn't even break a sweat. I own the MTV Power Yoga and that's one of the reasons I was prompted to buy MTV Pilates. The instructor gets a tad annoying at times when she repeats how many sets to go. I'd recommend this DVD for beginners but if you have been doing Pilates for even a few months, I wouldn't bother with this one.
Rating: 
Summary: FABULOUS Ab Workout
Review: I've tried several pilates and yoga dvds and this one stands out. I don't care about the music, but really, it's much better than the music is on the Method dvds. And I think the music as well as the scenery could stand the test of time compared to other workout tapes. There is nothing more frustrating than renting a DVD that is only one year old and having the look and feel of it outdated. I learned many new pilates moves on this dvd and while I do understand what people mean when they say this isn't for beginners - I say, who cares!? One of my biggest complaints about yoga and pilates tapes is that I am so sick of people talking down to their audience. The instructors waste minutes of my time telling me how to do a position that I already know. This dvd starts off fast and gets me excited to workout. I'd rather have a dvd with moves that are unfamiliar to me that I can watch many times and never grow tired of it; rather than a dvd or tape where I get bored because they're all the same as the rest after just one hour of working out. I highly recommend this dvd.
Rating:
Summary: A strenuous Pilates practice with a strong focus on abs
Review: MTV Pilates is a strenuous Pilates practice led by certified Pilates instructor Kristen McGee. It is filmed in an attractive outdoor setting, and Kristen works out with three helpers who show different levels of modification (beginning, intermediate, and advanced). Once you get past the opening instructions, the actual workout is approximately 36 minutes.
At the start of the program, Kristen provides instruction on breathing while doing simple prep work for the abs area. She then moves on to a series of classic Pilates matwork exercises, including the hundred, roll-ups, rolling like a ball, and the entire stomach series. Kristen puts a unique take on the traditional Pilates workout by inserting some additional stretches before and after most of the movements. She also includes some of the more advanced Pilates moves such as the rollover and neck pull, although she generally does less repetitions of these more difficult exercises.
Kristen completes all of the abs work (i.e., lying on your back) before moving on to the side kick series. She includes a side plank to begin and also adds a walking leg movement to the end of the series. She transitions with several more exercises specifically targeting the lower body as well as some back work performed lying on your stomach. Kristen then returns to some further abs work with a modified teaser, spine stretch forward, and the saw, and the workout ends with a few short sets of Pilates push-ups and a brief stretch.
I have been practicing Pilates for several years now; I consider myself to be at an intermediate level, and I definitely felt challenged by this workout. Although three levels of modifications are offered, the camera rarely focuses on the modifiers, and there are no alternatives shown for some of the most challenging exercises such as the rollover. For this reason, I would not recommend this workout to someone brand-new to Pilates, especially since Kristen does not provide detailed instructions on executing the movements. However, Kristen does cue very well, and so advanced beginners and others should have no problem following along. I highly recommend this workout to anyone looking for an intense Pilates practice which will particularly work their abdominal area.
Rating:
Summary: Former couch potato turned pilate lover!!
Review: Only recently have I gathered the motivation to start working out because I'm sick of being overweight. I figured since it was MTV, and I am part of the MTV generation, if I liked any type of pilates it would be this one! I couldn't do everything on this dvd even at the beginning level, but it was still a great workout. I thought it moved at a good pace (not too fast) and I liked the different variations. Plus, Kristen isn't an annoying instructor! It is now two days later, and I am still feeling the effects in my abs. Definitely recommended!!
Rating:
Summary: Likeable Instructor, Intermediate Pilates Workout
Review: Out of the 7 Pilates DVD that I have tried, this is one of my favorites. I rented it from netflix and did not want to send it back!
Positives: The instructor is likeable and cues well. You can choose music on or off. She moves at a good pace between poses. The workout is short enough for busy people. There are three people behind the instructor that are doing easier variations of the moves. It's a perfect "intermediate" level.
There is a bonus "step by step" guide to the moves on the DVD.
Negative: You can barely hear the music. I don't like the "techno" style music. You can't see the people in the background that are doing the variations.
P.S. I think Pilates for Weight Loss by Gaiam is perfect for Beginners.
Rating:
Summary: Great Basic Pilates Video!! Try it!
Review: The workout is fun and finish before you know it. You get so into doing it, watching your breathing and paying attention to your powerhouse that the time flys by. Kristin McGee is the best Pilates instructor I've seen so far. Only little thing... I need to stretch a little bit more before and after workout. Otherwise I LOVE it!!
Rating:
Summary: good intro to pilates BUT BE CAREFUL
Review: this is a good introduction to pilates and about as good as you will get without going to an actual pilates studio and using their various machines. the instructor kristin mcgee is probably the best one operating on video these days. the workout is lengthy enough that not only will your abs get a workout but your whole body should derive at least some aerobic benefit. what concerns me is that there are many forward bending-type movements that require particularly limber hamstrings and if you're not loose in the back of the leg you run the risk of hurting the lower back. there's nothing offered here that will reduce that risk like, for example, a simpler way to do the pose specifically targeted at minimizing the risk of hurting your lower back. at a minimum, it would make sense to do some warm up and stretching of the hamstrings before doing this program.
Rating:
Summary: NOT for the beginner - but a great workout!
Review: This is a great workout but if you are a beginner and don't have well developed stomach muscles than I suggest you wait a bit. Almost all of the exercises are very hard to complete if your abdominal muscles aren't up to par. I would only recommend this DVD to someone that was already VERY established in a regular workout routine.
Rating:
Summary: Slims and Strengthens. .Refreshing and Effective..All Levels
Review: This review refers to "MTV Pilates"(DVD).... Whatever your level or knowledge of Pilates,you are sure to benefit from this excellent workout.The class set in a serene spot,with music to motivate, demonstrates three levels(Beginning, Intermed. and Advanced) of each move. Depending on your strength, flexiblity and physical capabilites in any area, you can adjust and modify as needed. The workout is a total of 39 minutes,and at the end of that time you will feel strong and refreshed.For the most part it concentrates on slimming and strengthing the core section(abs).The are a good variety of moves in this area that will work your abs from all angles and give a good internal massage as well. Starting out slowly,warming up the muscles you will be using, and learning the proper breathing techniques,the first twenty minutes gradually intensifies as you go along. You may find yourself switiching from intermed. to beginner(or advance to intermed.) at about the halfway point.Giving the abs a little bit of a stretch and a rest, you'll then move on to an effective hips and thighs routine that you can feel working on both the inner and outer areas. Some push-ups follow(again, you can modify to your strength), a little more ab work, some deep breaths to slow your pulse back down and your done.I felt like I needed a little more of a stretch and continued through the credits for a few more minutes. Kristin McGee is one of the best instructors I have come across. She encourangingly talks you through each move and all levels will benefit from her clear instructions and perfect cuing for each level. You will be able to follow along easily without having to strain your neck looking at the TV to see what she means.I always find it best to view any work out at least once beforehand though, as you can see what the different moves consist of and how to modify to your level. The DVD is clear sharp picture,with good sound, and has some very nice features to go along with it. First of all there is a break down of each move. Kristen demonstrates each individually and explains the importance of the correct form to use in order get the full effects and to avoid back injuries . This will be helpful to everyone, but especially the beginner. You will also find the choices of playing the DVD with instruction and music/music only/ or instruction only. I think you will find this to be highly beneficial to slimming and strengthing.It will improve your energy level and reduce stress as well. Practicing this one regularly, will give you the strength and flexibilty to move up a level and will help in all your other work outs as well. A fresh approach,an invigorating workout and an enjoyable class. Remember to Breathe...Eat Healthy...and ENJOY......Laurie
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