Pilates Abs Workout

Rating:
Summary: Advanced, but good!
Review: I agree that this video contains some moves that require a lot of coordination, and I did find the workout challenging, but that's just what I wanted. My last Pilates video from Gaiam was great, but too easy. This is maybe just a little bit too hard, but I liked it. I did feel my thighs and back getting a workout, too, again, I liked that. Part of what I like about Pilates is the focus on the total body, and on working all muscle groups so that they may support each other. So I wasn't really expecting to only feel it in my abs. I also liked the focus on precicion of movement, and I liked the fast pace of the video. Thankfully, the video doesn't waste a lot of time over-explaining each exercise. Very down to business.

Rating:
Summary: I feel the burn
Review: I bought this video because I decided that I was going to get in shape for my final year of school, so I'd feel better about myself. I had never done pilates before, but I saw an infomercial for Mari Windsor, and wanted to try it. So when I saw this, I grabbed it. Wow! It's impossible. The instruction is great, and personally, I'm really thankful for the alternate version for people like myself with little or no previous pilates experience. Besides the fact that I'm still not able to do the whole video in one sitting, its great.

Rating:
Summary: Advanced moves / lesser ab workout
Review: I'm a big fan of Gaiam fitness videos, mainly yoga. Although I got a good sweat during this 25 minute workout, I found the moves to be advanced and difficult from a coordination standpoint... but not necessrily hard on my abs, specifically. The next day my back and sides felt more sore than my abs. The Stott programs, even advanced, I could do... and felt more burn in my abs.

Rating:
Summary: like corey everson, you'll be!
Review: this is an advanced abs workout. you need to know the pilates form to execute the movements correctly, keeping the point of control in the abdominal muscles, rather than in the back, sides, or legs. but if you know the form and can keep your stomach in while executing challenging movements, then you will get an excellent workout. the actual exercise portion of the video is about 20 minutes. out of 25, this is good, because other videos take up time with pointless, nonproductive talking or pauses. in fact, that's what i love most about this video. she is very efficient with the instruction, so you can keep moving throughout. i bought this one at the same time as the cardio pilates, about 3 months ago, and doing it at least 3x a week, i am still not bored, nor have i outgrown it. it is great. buy it. buy it i say!

Rating:
Summary: A challenging, advanced abdominal workout
Review: This workout is not for Pilates beginners! I am familiar with Ana Caban's beginning and intermediate mat workouts, yet I found about 40% of the exercises in this DVD to be too difficult on the first try. However, a second actor does an easier version of the moves, which you can follow until you are ready for the more difficult version. If you are not focused on using your abdominal muscles for all the movements, or if your abs are not very strong, you will also feel it in other muscle groups, such as the legs. That said, Pilates Abs Workout is focused and efficient.

Ana Caban is a good instructor - she reminds you to focus on your Pilates form and breathing without being annoying. The workout setting is a pleasant beach scene, and the music is a great background tune that flows well with the pace of the workout. The only reason I would not give this DVD 5 stars is that it is not for everyone. I would recommend it only to those who are already familiar with Pilates basic exercises and concepts and are looking to focus on the abs.