Although I shy away from DVDs with "weight loss" in the title, this one looked so appealing, I couldn't resist giving it a try. Element: Pilates Weight Loss For Beginners ($15) did not disappoint. Hosted by Brooke Siler of Re:Ab Pilates studio in New York, this 51-minute video splits its time between Pilates mat work and "cardio" moves, all filmed soothingly by the seashore. Rather than explain Read more

If host Suzanne Bowen's physique is any indication, the name of this DVD — 10 Minute Solution: Pilates Perfect Body — isn't hyperbolic. In fact, I found her muscle tone highly motivating as I was feeling the burn in my own muscles. Bowen is like a highly skilled and encouraging friend, moving fluidly from one move to the next while acknowledging that it's not easy for most people. This DVD Read more

Since many of the exercises require no equipment, Pilates is a great way to work out at home. But it's very important that you do the movements exactly right, so I often worry that beginners may not be getting the instruction they need at home. If you're new to Pilates, but prefer to work out in your living room, then Jennifer Kries' New Body Pilates is a great place to start. This DVD is a cross Read more

I was pleased with the other Pilates DVD I reviewed from the 10 Minute Solution series, so I decided to give 10 Minute Solution: Rapid Results Pilates ($11) a try. Like the slim and sculpt workout, this DVD consists of several 10-minute workouts that you can mix and match: buns and thighs, arms and shoulders, waist slimmer, slim and sleek stretch, and a total-body workout. You can do the routines Read more

It is always fun to mix some accessories into a Pilates workout, and the magic circle is one of my favorite Pilates props. Mari Winsor (caution: The Winsor web site has automatic video/audio) has a 20 Minute Circle Workout DVD. This workout is short and to the point. Adding leg squeezes to ab work just seems to make the abs work more deeply. Plus it is nice to work lazy inner thighs! This DVD Read more

For those times when you can't make it to class a DVD at home is better than nothing at all. While nothing can really replace the touch of a live teacher, the Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout by Gaiam is a pretty good substitute. As you can surely tell by the name, this DVD is not meant for the beginner. This is a solidly intermediate workout that builds on the material taught in the Pilates Read more

I am going to say this on record - nothing beats going to an actual Pilates mat class. An hour long class works every bit of your body, while stretching and lengthening you as well. Plus there is an instructor there providing feedback and giving corrections, as well as discussing the subtleties of the Pilates method. Now if you can't make it to a class, there are DVDs, but good Pilates DVDs Read more

Sometimes getting to the gym or a Pilates class is just impossible! It is those times that make us all thankful for DVD players. It can be almost as difficult to find a good exercise DVD, as it is to get to the gym. Well I am here to tell you, and so are my abs, that the Winsor Pilates Ab Sculpting workout really packs a punch — in a good way. The ab workout is about 20 minutes and includes Read more