Empowering Pilates- Exercise Video For Teens (2007) Review

I exercise to this tape with my kids.We're all sweating at the end.We're not tired of it yet.We alternate with other exercise programs throughout the week.We use this one at least twice a week.It's also great for reaching kids at a level they understand.

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Liz Gillies Core Fitness: Progressive Pilates Total Body Review

I am very disappointed because this 2 dvd set is composed of two of her previously released dvds which I already have.The only thing different is the name of the 2 dvd set.It includes Progressive Pilates for Weight Loss and 4-10 Minute Target-Tone Workouts.I really like both of the dvds but can't see paying twice for the same thing.I was looking forward to a new workout of hers.

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Ellie Herman's Advanced Pilates Mat Review

This is a good resource for someone who practices Pilates at home on the mat. The physical demonstration of the exercises and voice-over directions are very clear and succinct. The exercises are paced so that you can actually do each exercise at the pace of the demonstrator. The downside of this product is the fact it has no menu, and you are unable to choose a specific set of exercises to do. It is a 'start-to-finish' dvd.Also, this dvd is not appropriate for someone who has never taken Pilates with a certified instructor.

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Product Description:
Follow Master Pilates Instructor Ellie Herman through an Intermediate/Advanced Pilates mat routine. Prior Pilates experience necessary- please practice Ellie Herman's Beginning Pilates Mat before attempting the Advanced DVD!

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Pilates Core Power - Abdominals & Back Review

I have the VHS version of this video, which was originally packaged under the name "Body Reform:Abdominals and Back." This 44-minute, all-floor routine is a blend of Pilates, yoga, and traditional abs and back work. You'll find many classic Pilates moves such as the hundred and single leg circles, but many of the exercises are done with a twist--eg, modified corkscrew and modified teasers. Similarly, instructor Karen Voight incoporates movement into traditionally static yoga poses such as bridge and boat pose, and finally, she includes some traditional crunches and back work. The result is a smooth, flowing routine that will leave your entire body feeling thoroughly stretched and relaxed.

Although this workout is somewhat similar to the abs portion of Karen's Streamline Fitness video, it is more relaxing and less intense. However, during the last 8 minutes of the tape, Karen offers suggestions on how to incorporate her resist-a-ring (or other Pilates/fitness circle) into the routine, which would definitely make it a more challenging workout. Karen is a great instructor who is warm and friendly while still providing excellent cuing and precise instructions on allignment. She works with an assistant, Sara, who displays more advanced versions of the exercises for those wanting a greater challenge. I use this workout regularly, and I highly recommend it to others of all fitness levels.

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Product Description:
Imagine your body has the posture, lightness and elegance of a dancer. Enjoy this practical approach to Pilates with 50 minutes of matwork done entirely on the floor. Take a break from traditional weights and develop strong, lean muscle without building bulk. With just the right mix of toning and stretching, flatten & firm your abdominals and strengthen your back with easy-to-follow Pilates moves. With strong and stable torso muscles, daily activities become easier and sports performance improves. Develop power from the inside out, stand taller with a longer, leaner silhouette.

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Jennifer Kries' Pilates Method: Perfect Mix Review

Jennifer Kries is definitely the Pilates goddess of the workout world. Not only does she create challenging Pilates workouts, she gives perfect instruction and teaches you to respect your body in a new way. This is her New Method style workout. It is a combination of Pilates, Weight Training, Dance and Yoga.

Workout 1 - Core Conditioning - Classic Pilates routine and Yoga moves. You will recognize all the basic Pilates moves with the roll-ups and modified roll-ups. Jennifer gives a lot of advice on modifying, but I just have to say that I have my own secret ways for getting from the flat-on-back position to the bending over one's legs position. I'm not sure she would approve. While Jennifer shows each position, she gives even more "breathing" instructions. I love "rolling like a ball" and the challenge of making each exercise so precise.

Workout 2 - Metabolic Booster - Light weight training segment to increase cardiovascular strength. I love this almost "dance-style" workout. Jennifer is working out with four workout partners/instructors.

The music is motivational, the colors are inspirational and the setting is so classic. You flow through the stretches like a dancer and then learn to get fancy with the weights. You are moving fairly fast so it is advisable to really learn the moves before increasing your speed. I found that once I was distracted by anything, I had to refocus, rewind and begin again.

This is the most challenging weight workout I've ever done. Not only does this push you to the limit of your coordination, you are also moving in a very creative way. I love this section because it will be one I will be perfecting for months. Your arms will feel toned and the addition of the weights also helps you burn extra calories during the cardiovascular moments.

Workout 3 - AM/PM Rejuvenation - Yoga-based workout to release tension and promotes flexibility. You will recognize all the basic yoga moves and there are a few variations with an added dose of creative appeal.

Breath of Fire is an exercise I've recently seen in many yoga workouts. Jennifer almost seems to relax into this workout, although she is still just as precise. Her personality comes across especially well in the newer videos. She not only talks the viewer through the exercises, she is very comfortable with the entire process.

I like the way you can actually hear Jennifer breathing in various exercises, it reminds you to breathe! She teaches some breathing techniques I've been seeing in a number of yoga workouts. It only took me about three videos to get that breathing technique under control. Ironically, the secret is to let go of control.

This workout is the most challenging Jennifer Kries workout I've ever completed. If you do all three workouts one after the other, there is no need to do any cardiovascular work before starting this routine. Normally, I'd suggest walking for about 30-40 minutes, but with this workout, you don't need any additional exercise. You will strengthen and tone your entire body in 60 minutes. "Perfect Mix" has all the elements of a full-body workout and stretch.

I noticed immediate results in how toned my body felt and also in my posture. Jennifer has the perfect body and now we know why. It takes intense determination and when you do this workout over a short period of time, you will almost become addicted to the demanding aspects.

The workout you need to move into an entirely new realm of fitness. If you have working out for a few years and want to test your strength, "Perfect Mix" will invigorate and energize you. I highly recommend this workout.

~The Rebecca Review

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Product Description:
The "Perfect Mix" is like having a health club in your home.Every element for good health is included, from strength training to cardio fitness to a stress reducing yoga session.

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The Method Pilates - Target Specifics (1998) Review

Jennifer Kries has created a challenging intermediate to advanced workout in response to requests for workouts to address specific areas of the body. If you are looking for a great full-body workout, you can do all four workouts one after the other. If you are short on time or just want to work on one area of your body, you can choose from four workouts:

Abs (15 minutes)
Arms (15 minutes) - Need 1-3lb weights
Hips (15 minutes)
Thighs (15 minutes)

You will recognize many of the signature "Method" postures and exercises in this workout, however there are quite a few surprises. Not only are all the exercises even more precise than before, they seem to be the "next" challenge. The pace is slightly faster at times and the "d'gag'" reaches a new level of intensity.

Some of the Exercises:

The Hundred
Roll-Up
Leg Circles
Rolling Like a Ball
Double-Leg Lower Lift
CrissCross
Active Moving Cat
Active Cat with Yoga Press
Down Dog
Exercises from the Side Series for Legs
Swimming
Sun Salutation
Standing Sculpting Series
Chest Expansion
Boxing
Pli' Series (makes you feel like you are doing ballet)

It is helpful to have Jennifer Kries' new book: Pilates Plus Method to learn the names of all her exercises and read the finer details of how your body should feel as you work through each exercise.

"Try to feel as if you were pushing your foot through the sand on the beach, moving with great resistance." (from her new book)

There is hardly time to give extra advice, but Jennifer still manages to give you tips throughout this workout. If you have been doing her exercise videos over the years you will almost "hear her advice in your mind" as you go through the exercises.

If you are just starting to exercise with Jennifer Kries try:

The Method - Pilates: Precision Sculpting (1996)
The Method - Pilates: Precision Toning (1996)
The Method - All in One Workout (1997)
The Method - Precision Yoga (1998)
Pilates Method and 3-Dimensional Toning Box Set (2002)

The Method Pilates "Target Specifics" seems to be the most advanced workout I've tried so far when I do all four sections in one hour. If you can make it through the list above, you are ready for this workout. Once you complete Target Specifics, you will reach a new level of confidence and fitness. For me, this was the next level in my Pilates practice. The drums keep you motivated and keep you at the pace you need to be to burn those calories! Definitely an intermediate to advanced workout.

If you are just starting to do Pilates, it might be difficult to learn the moves and keep up with the fast pace. Start with some of the slower paced workouts from 1996 and learn the basics. I'd also recommend finding the Winsor Pilates workouts because they are excellent for anyone who is just discovering these amazing exercises.

Results from The Method workouts include:

Flat, firm stomach without having to do sit-ups or crunches
Defined buns without lunges
Sculpted Legs without bouncy aerobic exercises
Tones arms without heavy weights
Improved posture and flexibility. Even your feet become more flexible.
Mind and Body Healing - Your mind becomes calm and your body feels invigorated.

If you are looking for a Pilates/Ballet/Yoga challenge, this is it.

~The Rebecca Review

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Product Description:
Studio: Inspired Distribution LlcRelease Date: 05/07/2002Run time: 65 minutes

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Kathy Smith: Tummy Trimmers Review

"Tummy Trimmers", despite its horrid name, is a great little DVD. It contains five different 10-minute ab workouts which you can program to play in any order.

Standing Abs: I was a bit disappointed with this workout, as it is far less intense than other standing ab routines like Billy Blanks TaeBo Abs! Tae Bo or the "Core" section of Quickfix - Total Cardio Kick. However, it is designed as a warmup to the other routines, rather than a stand-alone workout, and in this respect it fits the bill. You could also use it as a warmup to other DVDs. After a quick warmup, Kathy moves into a series of twisting knee lifts, overhead stretches, side-to-side chops, and some standing balance work.

Core Abs: This section will be a favourite among the crunch-phobic. It combines a series of toe taps, planks with variations, back extensions, boat and half-boat poses and side planks with hip pulses.

Boot Camp Abs: This aptly-named workout includes a variety of crunches, including crunches while twisting your legs over to one side (I really felt this in my obliques), pulsed crunches, V-sits, and bicycles. The workout finishes with a quick cobra stretch.

Stability Ball Workout: After a warmup consisting of reaches and twists while straddling the ball, Kathy moves into a long series of crunches on the ball. This is followed by woodchops (you could add a light medicine ball to this bit), back extensions on the ball, roll-outs, leg lifts with your pelvis on the ball, tucks, and side crunches with one hip on the ball.

Pilates Mat Abs: This is a short yet effective series of roll-ups, single and double leg stretches, and bridges. Kathy continually keeps you focused on perfect form.

There's nothing new or innovative here - just a series of well-designed, effective routines which work all sections of your abs without a wasted moment. Throughout the DVD, Kathy says that, while everyone wants a six-pack, it's important to have a strong midsection to help us perform everyday activities. During the workouts, she often points out the muscles you are using on the background exercisers, and demonstrates easier and more advanced variations. And of course, she looks fantastic!

If you enjoy the format of this DVD, you'll like Star Trainers: Abs which also offers five 10-minute ab routines, from five different instructors.

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Product Description:
Trim tone and tighten your abdominals like never before using the latest techniques to target belly fat and banish the bulge. Kathy Smith's TUMMY TRIMMERS includes five different 10-minute ab workouts that you can mix and match to meet your needs. With five cutting-edge methods to train your core you'll never get bored or reach a plateau...you'll simply have sensational abs! DVD Includes: STANDING ABS: Burn mega calories with fun dance-style moves and standing functional exercises that strengthen the core and flatten the belly. CORE ABS: Whittle your waist and increase your functional core strength with moves that target the deepest abdominal muscles. BOOT CAMP ABS: Challenge your abs and rediscover the power of the crunch with this state-of-the-art approach to traditional ab work. STABILITY BALL ABS: Improve your balance and agility while sculpting a lean center with movements used in everyday life. PILATES MAT ABS: Strengthen and lengthen your torso with precise Pilates movements designed to perfect posture and trim inches.System Requirements:Run time: 50 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre:HEALTH/FITNESS/EXERCISE Rating:NR UPC:031398222637 Manufacturer No:22263

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On the Ball Pilates Workout for Beginners Review

Before this dvd I used target specifics from the method-not anymore! This dvd is doable even for beginners! I was impressed with the variety of exercises on it. Specifically, you get:
*intro,
*abdominal connection(with different, effective oblique moves)
*back strengthening(I have a weak lwr back, andcan still dothese w/o pain),
*core strengthening,
*leg/spine mobility,abs/leg coordination(effective total body moves),
*thigh strengthening(u feel this!),
*back extensions then leg extensions.
After that theres FOUR BONUSES! This dvd is fantastic, a great effective way to use your ball and add variety to workouts, exercises are effective, safe and fun!Lizbeth is a pleasant, motivating,non annoying instructor with an inspiring physique, fit and realistic! I higly recommend this DVD!!!

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Product Description:
On the Ball: Pilates Workout for Beginners with Lizbeth Garcia has been voted the Best Pilates Video of the Year by Health Magazine for 2005.

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