I'll admit I had to try this DVD out a couple of times to give it a fair test because it's very detailed and requires active listening and concentration on modifying and perfecting form. It's really not a relaxation DVD while you are in the midst of performing the poses- but it certainly accomplishes that mood once you're finished. Though it's level 1, some of these stretches are challenging partly because they affect multiple muscle groups simultaneously and deeply. You will FEEL these stretches in new areas you're not normally used to working out if you're new to pilates and yoga. I own several level 1 pilates and yoga DVDs by the most popular practitioners, but I particularly like this one for it's differences. The style is quiet and there were a vast amount of new stretches or poses I had not been introduced to already. The constant verbal guidance I found very helpful for learning proper technique and the purpose. For example, "Downward Dog is a working pose, not a resting one. It is meant to prepare you the next movement." If you follow her clear, gentle but constant instruction, you'll find yourself making modifications frequently (at first). For downward dog, I learned to not rest the bulk of my weight on the wrists but projecting out long through the finger tips. Keeping the back straight and not slouching the shoulder girdle, etc. There are modifications provided for both simplifying a pose to make it less deep as well as the opposite (i.e. using an elastic band if your range of motion is limited). It beats having to stop and refer to the pose in a book (which I also do on occasion.)
Her verbal instruction is very clear on when and how to extend or limit your range for safety's sake. For example, when she guides you to breathe (as in initiate a movement on an exhale, return to center on an inhale) she points out that if you're straining to breathe or cannot continue into a deeper point in the pose while maintaining the breathing focus, then you've gone too far. I liked the amazingly thorough stretching and the fact that the session was not too "easy" or short.
I like to use this DVD when I'm either sore after excercise (I run long distances and cycle with a very heavy load) or to relieve general arthritic-like feelings I have from lupus, or when I'm unable to wind down and go to sleep at night. Though sets and music are not slick and hip, I enjoyed seeing real women work through the poses without having to talk or stop, while the instructor narrated and pointed beside them. PJ's voice is perfect for me-- not trance-like or little-girly or zen-master. I wanted straightforward examples, instruction and guidance, not a high energy workout session or meditation. Focusing on her verbal instruction for movements, breathing, form and philosophy, will certainly give you enough to ponder, rejuvenate and tone.
Thank you for a break from harps, noisy or high energy Bollywood beats, or magnified breathing sounds. That wasn't the point here. This DVD is very different and not meant to compare (in my opinion) to Ravi & Anna's Kundalini yoga DVD "Ultimate Stretch."
Click Here to see more reviews about: Stott Pilates: Simple Stretches
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