Denise Austin - Mat Workout Based on the Work of J.H. Pilates

Rating:
Summary: Great!
Review: This video gives a great intro to Pilates, for those of us who are curious about the recent fuss surrounding these exercises. Denise is very mellow in this video, but still encouraging. These exercises help with overall toning, especially the abs, and encourages proper posture too. The first workout segment is my favorite, it is totally devoted to Pilates matwork, while the second consists of a few yoga sequences and relaxation. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Annoying, too fast, and bad technique
Review: As someone who does yoga regularly, I was struck with Denise Austin's terrible technique, at least in the yoga section (I am less familiar with Pilates). Her speed does not allow you to actually get into the poses and her constant chatter is highly irritating. A beginner would not get the instruction he or she would need and may even learn bad technique. I will not use this tape again and would not recommend it to anyone I care about.

Rating:
Summary: TOUGH, TOUGH, TOUGH
Review: I enjoy Denise's tapes, but I am still new to the exercise world. After trying several of her other tapes recently, I tried these 2 workouts. The first workout here is not easy, but doable. The second workout, was too hard for me. I would suggest it only if you are in good shape. I watched about 3-5 minutes and then she had us on a foot and a hand, and my arm literally collapsed. They are great workouts, but very difficult.

Rating:
Summary: Great ab workout
Review: The first time I did this video I did both workouts back to back and was very disappointed. I thought it was not very challenging at all. Then the next morning, I felt it in my abs and even my legs. It is especially effective for the lower abs. I do abs five days a week and I felt it for the whole next day. I've been using this video for about three weeks now, doing both workouts two days a week and I think it is definitely slimming out my legs, which were getting too lumpy from weights. But the real beauty of this workout is the ab benefit.

Rating:
Summary: Great Pilates Video- Fair Yoga Video
Review: I just purchased this video. I really liked part 1 which is only pilates (part 2 combines both yoga and pilates). Part 1 has a good pace which allows you enough time to complete the exercises. Part 2, however, seems to speed through the exercises a little bit too fast for my taste. I own several yoga videos which are strictly yoga and I enjoy them better. However, I cannot stress enough how much I like Part 1. She did a great job and I really, really can feel the ab workout that it provides! Again, however, she includes a lengthy introduction before she gets into part 1 of the tape--it would have been much better to put it at the end because you are left fast forwarding it everytime. Overall, I would recommend this video to my friends. Parts 1 and 2 make a great workout and really strengthen and tone your abs.

Rating:
Summary: Not for Beginners
Review: I don't agree with other reviewers that this is a beginner video. The second workout has some advanced yoga poses with little instruction. The Pilates workout also contains some advanced Pilates exercises. Denise is calmer in this video than other videos. The production quality is also very nice. A great introduction to Pilates on video is Stott's Essential Matwork and Lynne Robinson's Body Control. Even better take a class and then try the videos at home.

Rating:
Summary: great workout
Review: Denise Austin is her usual cheery self, but taken down a little. The video workout is great. The first workout is an effective pilates style workout, you will notice a difference in your abs the first week. The second workout is very challenging, and uses pilates and Yoga movements. A great addition to any fitness routine. And a do-able intro. to Pilates.

Rating:
Summary: Do-able even for a beginner
Review: I love this video. Yeah, Denise is sappy, but this Pilates workout gets results. After being out of shape for over 10 years I can't believe I am actually following this religiously. I can't wait to do this workout in the morning:)

Rating:
Summary: Pilates - 5 star, Denise - 3 star
Review: If you can get past Denise Austin, it is a great workout!

Rating:
Summary: WOW! WHAT A WORKOUT!
Review: I am not a fan of Denise Austin, too perky, not great technique, but she changed my opinion on this! This a great Pilates workout technique and cuing is great. Both workouts are about 20 minutes which is great to incorparate with other workouts or use alone when time is limited. Workout 1 is all pilates and your abs will feel strong and flat after about 3 sessions. Workout 2 combines yoga and pilates and it is tough! This provides even more toning and opens your hips and just makes you feel lean and graceful. For years I've had lower back problems, yoga and pilates have provided me tremendous relief. If you're looking for a do-able pilates tape this is it.