I started doing Pilates about three months ago (in addition to my regular yoga and jogging), and got this DVD in a quest for variety after I got bored with the good, but VERY slow paced, intro Pilates discs I had. This routine could be called "speed Pilates" and I love it!This disc is divided into two sections: a non-stop :20 routine (no instruction, just music and title cues), followed by a detailed run-through with complete instructions for each exercise. The quality of instruction is excellent, and I picked up some good tips that were missing from the other (big-name) Pilates tapes I have.
I do think this workout can be appropriate for beginners if they start by following the detailed instructions section until they have mastered the basic moves, and don't try to do the non-stop routine right away (and maybe skip a couple of the more challenging moves until they build strength and flexibility). Do what you can, and respect where your body is at, and you'll improve faster than you expect!
It's also important for beginners (and experienced) to remember that Pilates is all about CONTROL and PRECISION. In the non-stop routine, Niedra does the moves quite quickly. Don't expect to be able to match her pace right away. It's better to do 5 reps with control and precision in the time she does 10, than to rush trying to keep up and get sloppy. The more attention you pay to form, the better your results will be, and soon you'll be moving at a nice tempo right along with Niedra.
As for RESULTS: I challenged myself to do this routine every morning for 40 days. It's day 38 today, and I definitely see a difference; my honey says I look "sleeker" in the hips and thighs. I've lost 2 pounds (without giving up chocolate, wine, or cheese!!) and look like I've lost 5. My waist, abs, and hips are all down an inch, and I've lost a half-inch or so from my thighs and have better muscle tone. My butt is firmer, and even though I've been doing yoga for years, my flexibility is a little better. Since I was in okay shape when I started, I didn't expect to see this much improvement in 5-1/2 weeks.
What I'm most thrilled about is that I'm trimming down without bulking up. I gave up doing free-weight workouts years ago, because my muscles got too big. I didn't care that it was muscle, not fat; I wanted slimmer, not bigger! This workout is delivering the strong, stretched, firm, toned, sleek thighs and mid-section that I had feared (at age 45) I would never enjoy again. Thanks Niedra! I'm a "speed Pilates" fan for life!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Fit Chic: Fashion Your Body with Pilates (2002)
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