FitSugar

DVD Review: Pilates For Beginners

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:45:41 PDT

It's probably pretty obvious by now that I'm quite a fan of Pilates. I've tried to coax many friends (ahem, mom) who want to try it but are intimidated by large classes and don't want to pay for private lessons. Now, there's no excuse. Pilates expert Kristin McGee has a new Acacia DVD with the straightforward title Pilates For Beginners ($14). After a quick 10-minute warm-up, Pilates virgins will have the confidence to take on the rest of the exercises daily. They can feel the comfort of their own home while getting used to the basic exercises. For those who are more advanced, it is still a useful video as you can add your own challenges and almost guarantee a burn in the bod.

Included in the DVD are two 10-minute and two 20-minute segments. The 10-minute Core Warm-Up and the 10-minute Core Connection can help ease newbies into the exercises while both offering even experts the opportunity to burn their core muscle groups with teasers, planks, sawing the toes, and simple oblique twists. When time isn't an issue, the longer 20-minute Foundation Work and Strong Backside sessions are simple enough yet challenging. They include scissor kicks, the 100s, and other basic Pilates moves. The ultra-thin Kristin McGee explains all the stretches and motions in great detail, which helps to ensure safe execution. Additionally, she tells viewers how to make it harder or easier depending on their skill levels. And more importantly for novice users, she also gives ample time between the exercises for home users to rest and stretch.

To learn more about the video and see what I would change,

DVD Review: Jennifer Kries New Body Pilates II

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:00:13 PST

If Pilates has become your new obsession, you might want to add this intermediate mat workout to your fitness DVD library. Combined with New Body! Pilates, the Jennifer Kries New Body Pilates II DVD will give you a great introduction to the fundamentals and favorite exercises of Pilates practice. The video features the expert Kries explaining the moves as they are demonstrated by her sidekick Kim, so it feels like you're sitting in on a private Pilates lesson or taking one of your own.

Though New Body Pilates II builds on the basics taught in part one, you'll still enjoy the sequel if you haven't seen the first one, as long as you have some basic Pilates knowledge. For all the details,

read more. This 35-minute workout features classic Pilates moves: the rollup, the saw, and several variations on the plank. As Kries explains, the more focused you are, the fewer reps you need to do. On most moves, she guides you through about eight reps, though in some cases, she suggests you can do more if you have more time. The slow-paced workout won't wear you out, but the moves get more and more challenging toward the end, so if it feels too easy at first, just wait a few minutes! If you've got some energy left, I also recommend the 10-minute arm-sculpting bonus workout at the end, which is best performed with one- or two-pound weights. I'll definitely be returning to this DVD in the new year.

DVD Review: Element Pilates Weight Loss For Beginners

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:30:00 PDT

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 the moves in the moment, Siler delivers directions via a voiceover. But I can't complain, since the voiceover is one of the most detailed and helpful I've ever heard. You could pretty much follow the entire workout without ever looking at the screen, allowing you to focus on maximizing the moves. She offers constant reminders - at just the right times - for what you should be pulling in, tightening, or thinking about, yet the reminders never feel repetitive.

For details on the workouts,

read more. I prefer to start with the prep and mat workout, which is fairly low-impact yet lively and varied. It really is a perfect introduction for beginners, but veterans won't be bored, especially if you use the workout to ease into the day. The different variations on the rollup move were particularly challenging. The "cardio" portion isn't cardio the way you'd think; rather than get your heart rate pumping, you're working on midtempo moves mostly from a standing position. But for Pilates, it does feel like a moderately high calorie burn, and it's a great way to get moving after the more focused mat work. I've done both portions a number of times and will definitely keep this one around. Interested? You can get the DVD on Amazon for $7.49.

DVD Review: 10 Minute Solution Pilates Perfect Body

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:00:18 PST

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 is certainly more challenging than 10 Minute Solution: Rapid Results Pilates, which I also enjoyed. Like the rest of the series, the vid is split into five 10-minute workouts: Pilates perfect belly, buns and thighs, arms, perfect silhouette, and a stretching series. It's easy to follow, but because it offers creative twists on classic mat Pilates, it won't bore intermediate users. The ab and leg workouts are especially challenging, targeted, and intense. I found myself using the perfect silhouette and comparatively easy stretching segments as a much-needed break.

The main reason I recommend this video is plain and simple: The results are palpable. After doing it once, I was significantly (but pleasantly) sore, and after three workouts in two weeks, I could really feel the effects of the extra toning.

DVD Review: Jennifer Kries New Body Pilates

FitSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:00:00 PDT

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 between a workout routine and an educational video. Before and during the basic mat workout, Kries - who, poor thing, is much cuter than this unflattering photo! - does a great job explaining both the fundamentals of Pilates and how to do each exercise. For details,

read more. One thing I really liked about New Body Pilates is that Kries explains not only how to do each exercise but also why you need to do them this way. She goes into great detail about how to hold your back, your abs, and your chin and tells you why each move or position is important. As she helps the pupil in the video perfectly position herself, you get what feels like one-on-one instruction from an expert. Interspersed with the explanations are the actual exercises, which are fairly low impact and probably take up only 60 or 70 percent of the 45-minute DVD. If you're at more of an intermediate level, this mat workout will feel too easy. But if you've never taken a Pilates class and want to try it at home, I highly recommend this primer as your first stop.

DVD Review: 10 Minute Solution Rapid Results Pilates

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:45:00 PDT

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 all in a row for a hearty 50-minute workout or take them one at a time when you have 10 minutes to spare. To find out what I thought of this DVD,

read more. If you're looking for a basic but strenuous Pilates workout, this DVD is hard to beat. The moves aren't too complicated, and instructor Lara Hudson is matter-of-fact and easy to follow if you're a beginner. However, if you're more intermediate in your skill, this workout also isn't too easy. It covers all of the Pilates fundamentals, and it moves fast enough that you'll definitely feel the burn - particularly if you do all five workouts in a row. Aside from the arm workout, which uses small dumbbells, there is no equipment necessary. My favorites were definitely the waist slimmer and the buns and thighs segments, but I really like that you can mix and match the order depending on your preference. I will definitely be dipping into this DVD again.

Move It at Home: Winsor Pilates 20 Minute Circle Workout

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 04:00:00 PST

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 contains exercises that work all body parts, with an emphasis on the abs; it is Pilates after all.

In this DVD there are options for different levels of students. One of the three demonstrators does beginner versions of all the exercises. These variations would also work if you are dealing with a neck injury. One odd thing about the DVD is that the three demonstrators are all so well behaved, polished and choreographed there is an air of "finishing school" about the workout.

The DVD also includes a basic aerobic workout with Pilates lingo added into the mix. The aerobics or "Accelerated Fat Burning Workout" is fine, but I'll stick to Jamie King dance routines – thank you very much.

You can find the DVD on Amazon either used ($15) or new ($28). The DVD is available at the Winsor Pilates website but only in packages with other DVDs.

Move It at Home: Pilates Intermediate Mat Workout by Gaiam

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:15:00 PDT

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 Beginning DVD. Ana Caban teaches the class and she provides clear instructions and cues throughout the exercise. Modifications are shown by another "exerciser" although not as with much frequency as the beginning level DVD.

These intermediate variations are more intense and the pace a bit more challenging. Geared to the intermediate level student the exercises flow into one another and are not bogged down with a lot of instruction (another reason why this is not a good DVD for beginners). The workout runs about 40 minutes, with a 13 minute bonus Energy Boost Workout which is short but intense and targets the abs in a great way. The scenery alone will energize you - it is filmed on location at a tropical beach.

Buy the DVD for $15 from Amazon.

Move It At Home: Winsor Pilates Bun & Thigh Sculpting

FitSugar — Fri, 25 May 2007 11:00:00 PDT

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 are hard to find. If you are a Pilates regular and are familiar with the side lying mat series, then Winsor Pilates Bun & Thigh Sculpting DVD will be a great lower body workout for you. It runs a little over 20 minutes and targets the glutes, hamstrings and inner thighs. All the classic moves, from a traditional style Pilates mat class, are included. However, there is not a lot of instruction, which is great if you have done Pilates before, but I wouldn't recommend this DVD to a complete novice. Also included are exercises that work the back of the legs while lying on the stomach, or in a prone position if you want to get more technical.

I enjoyed the quick pace of the videos and appreciated not being bogged down by instructional interruptions, but as an instructor I do wish there was a little more specificity in the instructions given.

The Bun & Thigh DVD is included in the Targeted Training package (which also includes 6 DVDs, a sculpting circle, exercise planner and cookbook) on the Winsor Pilates website for $59.80. You can also find individual copies from Amazon for around $13.

Move It at Home: Winsor Pilates Ab Sculpting

FitSugar — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 10:15:00 PDT

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 all the classic Pilates abdominal exercises - like the 100s, single leg stretch and rolling like a ball. If you have never studied Pilates those names might be a little intriguing, and this DVD might not be the best place to learn the exercises so make sure to start with one of the beginner DVDs from Winsor included in the set with this one. You could also take a mat class or even better a Pilates private and the fundamentals of working your core and deep abs can be clarified for you. There are a few modifications offered in the DVD but not for every exercise.

On the other hand, if you have studied Pilates this is a great video leading you through the classic repertory without getting bogged down with too many of those fundamental details that can make exercising with a DVD frustrating. The pace is quick which is great, and this way you do quite a few different exercises in a short 20 minute workout. In fact one of my favorite elements of the routine is changing the tempo or pace of some of the exercises - starting with 10 slow repetitions followed by 10 or 20 quick reps. This would be a great routine to do 3 to 4 times a week.

The Ab Sculpting DVD is sold in a package with other Winsor Pilates DVDs. You can buy the package from Winsor Pilates directly for $59.80. The package includes 6 DVDs, and an exercise planner and a Sculpting Circle (similar to the Magic Circle).