MTV Pilates (2004) Review

MTV Pilates is a strenuous Pilates practice led by certified Pilates instructor Kristen McGee.It is filmed in an attractive outdoor setting, and Kristen works out with three helpers who show different levels of modification (beginning, intermediate, and advanced).Once you get past the opening instructions, the actual workout is approximately 36 minutes.

At the start of the program, Kristen provides instruction on breathing while doing simple prep work for the abs area.She then moves on to a series of classic Pilates matwork exercises, including the hundred, roll-ups, rolling like a ball, and the entire stomach series.Kristen puts a unique take on the traditional Pilates workout by inserting some additional stretches before and after most of the movements.She also includes some of the more advanced Pilates moves such as the rollover and neck pull, although she generally does less repetitions of these more difficult exercises.

Kristen completes all of the abs work (i.e., lying on your back) before moving on to the side kick series.She includes a side plank to begin and also adds a walking leg movement to the end of the series.She transitions with several more exercises specifically targeting the lower body as well as some back work performed lying on your stomach.Kristen then returns to some further abs work with a modified teaser, spine stretch forward, and the saw, and the workout ends with a few short sets of Pilates push-ups and a brief stretch.

I have been practicing Pilates for several years now; I consider myself to be at an intermediate level, and I definitely felt challenged by this workout.Although three levels of modifications are offered, the camera rarely focuses on the modifiers, and there are no alternatives shown for some of the most challenging exercises such as the rollover.For this reason, I would not recommend this workout to someone brand-new to Pilates, especially since Kristen does not provide detailed instructions on executing the movements.However, Kristen does cue very well, and so advanced beginners and others should have no problem following along.I highly recommend this workout to anyone looking for an intense Pilates practice which will particularly work their abdominal area.

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Product Description:
Movie DVD

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Pilates for Beginners Review

This workout features two ten-minute routines and two twenty-minute workouts. I would say the moves range from very basic (step-by-step instruction, might feel a little slow for someone with a little experience but it still keeps you moving) to basic (moves aren't performed quite as slow) to advanced beginner (adequate instruction but much less broken down; exercise becomes progressively more challenging).

Throughout the video, Kristin shows you how to "cheat" by holding the backs of your thighs or bending your knees for some of the moves then she may ask you to do one last challenge and try full versions of the exercise.She also gives you a break between most exercises but it's in the form a stretch so you don't feel like you're wasting time.

All workouts start in a seated position, so for those who aren't quite flexible or brand spanking new to Pilates, you might want to do a little warm-up to get those muscles limber before you get started.

Workouts (in order on DVD):

Core Warm-up (10 Minutes--Very Basic):Seated "100," "100" (with a breakdown of how to the exercise then an actual performance of the exercise), roll-up, spine stretch, saw, twist

Core Connection (10 Minutes--Basic):Single toe taps, double toe taps, arm circles, "the bug",single leg plie bends (right side), leg circles (right side), repeat last of the two exercises on the left, bridge, bridge with leg extensions, double leg plie bends

Foundation Work (20 Minutes--Basic to Advanced Beginner):Single leg stretch, double leg stretch, single leg straight leg stretch, double leg straight leg stretch, criss cross (a.k.a. bicycle crunches), "rolling like a ball", tick-tock, hip thrusts(these are pretty hard), double leg circles, "open leg rocker", back kicks, "Ballerina Butt Lift", heel beats, neck pull, half neck pull, half neck pull with a twist, "shaving", single leg teaser, full teaser

Strong Backside:(20 Minutes--Basic to Advanced Beginner):Leg circles, leg lifts, kicks, bicycles, taps, inner thigh leg circles, inner thigh leg lifts, the clam, mermaid stretch, spinal twist, hip stretch, Can-Can (4 variations), repeat of leg series through hip stretch), "Little Piece of Heaven" (a child's pose/push up combo), back lifts, "swimming", an arm/leg stretch in a tabletop position

Bonus Features:A Pilates Workout Tips Booklet with Bonus Moves cards (moves are different from what are on the DVD, meant to be used as in addition to this DVD), Pilates Tutorial (about 5 minutes--shows how to achieve a neutral pelvis and Pilates "V" both in the standing and seated positions; she uses the "100" as an sample exercise), 10 minute segment from Exhale: Core Fusion Pilates Plus (Thighs & Glutes), a 5 minute segment from Weight Loss Pilates (the first 5 minutes of Flow 1), and a biography of Kristin McGee

What I liked:

1.There is plenty of variety with these workouts, virtually no repeats from one workout segment to the next.

2.The upper body is not neglected so you get a total body workout ("shaving" is a new fav of mine for the triceps).

3.Kristin is very personable and gives good instruction.

4.The work outs are customizable (think the 10-Min Solutions DVDs)

5.Some pretty cool extras!!

What I didn't like:

1.I would have liked there to be an actual warm-up for these workouts.

2.Some of the moves that require you lift yourself up (i.e. the hip thrusts and double leg circle) might prove a bit too hard for a beginner.

But all in all,a pretty solid workout.

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Product Description:

4 mix-and-match body-sculpting workouts
Get a sleek physique with this simple Pilates program!
This beautiful program is the perfect place to start if you're new to Pilates. In four easy-to-follow segments, you'll learn--and do--all the basic Pilates mat techniques designed to tighten and tone your entire body.
Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and alignment as it lengthens and sculpts your muscles. With step-by-step instructions, you'll learn the proper form, technique, and breathing methods that make Pilates so effective. Anyone can do it, regardless of age or fitness level.
The two 10-minute and two 20-minute segments allow you to ease into Pilates and grow with it as you get stronger. You can also mix and match the four segments to customize your workout every time you do it.
INCLUDES a booklet with tips for maximizing your workout and 8 Bonus Moves on take-along perforated cards.
About the instructor: A Pilates master instructor who teaches at Reebok, The Sports Club LA, Clay, Equinox, and privately in New York City, Kristin McGee believes passionately in the profound effect Pilates can have on the mind and body.
Bonus: Pilates tutorial.


View pages from the booklet included with Pilates for Beginners(click for larger image)

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Weight Loss Pilates Review

Bottom Line: "Weight Loss Pilates" is a great value.The workouts are easy to understand, but challenging to do.You can adjust the length to fit a busy schedule.The instructor is positive and helpful without being chirpy.The production values are great for a fitness video, and there are a couple of nice extras.Five stars.

The Workout:The workout is a mixture of Pilates and cardio.Each segment alternates between cardio moves to get your blood going, and Pilates moves on a mat to increase flexibility and strengthen your core/abdominal muscles.This workout kicked my butt (in a good way!).I had no experience with Pilates before my wife got me to try this, but I do heavy cardio in my regular workout routine (mostly cycling--like most cyclists, I'm pretty inflexible).The cardio segments were fairly easy for me, but the Pilates exercises really challenged me (this first time I did this, I kept thinking, "when do we get back to cardio?").It was easy to understand how to do the Pilates moves, although I'm sure that it'll take me a long time to make it look as easy as it does on screen.On each new move, I quickly went from "Oh, I get it..." to "Ow! I have a muscle there? Argh!"It's the best sort of fitness routine: easy to learn, but hard to master.A real strength of the workout is how it's organized. There are four pieces: a warmup, two 20-minute "fat-burning flows," and a cool down.You can mix and match the pieces any way you want: play each piece individually, play both 20-minute workouts with warmup and cooldown (for a 50-minute workout), or play either 20-minute workout with warmup and cooldown (for a 30-minute workout).I really like having these options, since you can tailor the workout to the amount of time you have to exercise or to the level of energy you have that day.As my wife often reminds me, my schedule isn't an excuse not to work out (there's even a 5-minute mini-workout in the extra features).Five stars.

The Instructor: According to the box, Kristin McGee, "believes passionately in the profound effect Pilates can have on the mind and body."Well, it certainly comes through in the video.She's positive and encouraging, without being too chirpy (my pet peeve with fitness instructors).She's careful to offer little tips on form throughout her workouts, and I don't think she'll get annoying after 10 or 20 times doing the workout.My only complaint is that she makes it look so easy!Seeing how steady Kristin is in these exercises, I can't imagine how strong her core must be.It gives you something to aim for!Four stars.

The Extras:The disc comes with a pair of bonus workouts, a set of "moves on the go," and a cross-promotion from Cooking Light magazine.The first bonus workout is a five-minute "Ab Blast" of concentrated Pilates ab-torture that's even easier to squeeze into spare moments of a busy day than the 20-minute segments.The second bonus workout is actually a 5-minute preview of another title by the same company, "Weight Loss Cardio Sculpt."The "moves on the go" are a set of pliometrics you can do while sitting at a desk or standing around doing chores.Lastly, the Cooking Light cross-promotion is a 16-page booklet in the box with 7 recipes from the magazine and some basic tips on "eating right."There's also one of those "two free issues!80% off!" subscription cards.The "Ab Blast" and "moves on the go" are the real value here for me.Four stars.

The Production:The workouts were nicely shot.They cut back and forth between an outdoor garden setting and some kind of converted loft space that looks like it might be a hip downtown restaurant.The sets are decorated with candles and plants, so it was pleasant to watch while I was lying on the mat with my stomach muscles on fire--a nice change from the grim-looking gym floors in some workout videos.The menus were clear and easy to navigate with attractive fonts.Production is hardly the most important part of a fitness vid (and most titles show it!), but this one really shines. Five stars.

Overall:The workout is accessible, challenging, and flexible.The instructor is good, the extras are okay, and the production is top-rate.Five stars.

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Product Description:

Includes a 16-page booklet of "Eat Smart" tips and nutritious recipes from Cooking Light!
Lose weight and get a lean, toned Pilates body!
This simple program incorporates all the tools you need to reach your weight loss goals.
By fusing traditional Pilates exercises with fun, calorie-burning "cardio blasts," you'll keep your heart rate escalated throughout the entire workout. That means you'll be toning muscle and burning fat at the same time for optimum results! It's an effective and efficient way to get in shape fast.
Since healthy eating habits are key to successful weight loss, we've included nutritional tips and delicious recipes from Cooking Light, the magazine dedicated to helping you eat smart, be fit, and live well. We've also added a bonus section with simple moves you can do throughout the day to boost your calorie burn. This comprehensive program is easy to follow and designed to fit into the most hectic schedule. You CAN finally lose weight--starting today!
Kristin McGee, a Pilates master instructor, teaches at Reebok, The Sports Club LA, Clay, Equinox, and privately in New York City. She believes passionately in the profound effect Pilates can have on the mind and body and loves to share the discipline with others.
BONUS: Ab Blast (5 min.)
Stills from Weight Loss Cardio Pilates (Click for larger image)

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