Jennifer Kries: Hot Body Cool Mind - Waking Energy (2006) Review

This is a new video by Jennifer Kries, a ballet-trained fitness instructor who is well-known for her The Method Pilates videos. Here, Jennifer expands her teaching and adds a new element, the concept of Yin (cool, relaxing) and Yang (hot, energy).Thus the concept of this DVD is to provide exercise segments which are designed mainly to relax, energize, or both. There are a total of 7 different individual workouts, each of which are designated as Yin or Yang; 3 of these segments involve use of "Pilates Toys," including a magic circle, dumbbells, and a stability ball. The DVD offers a variety of workout options, including 7 "custom" premixed routines which combine two or more of the individual segments.

Here is the main menu for the DVD:
*Welcome to Hot Body Cool Mind
*Complete Waking Energy Life Force Workout
*Waking Energy Workout Segments
*7 Custom Waking Energy Workout Combinations
*The Yin Yoga and Meridian Theory Interview
*Credits
*About Jennifer

I didn't try any of the premixed workout combinations, as most were a bit too lengthy for me (3 of the 7 were under 50 minutes, the remainder were 52 minutes and more, up to 87 minutes).However, I did mix and match until I had used each one of the 7 individual workouts.When you select the option for the individual segments from the main DVD menu above, the breakdown is as follows below (note: the times are all as given on the DVD insert, and the 5 segments labeled "on the go" are less than 25 minutes each):

*Waking Energy Introduction
*Waking Energy "Before You Begin"
*Waking Energy Sitting (21 min.) -on the go
*Waking Energy Standing (24 min.)
*The 5 Tibetans Introduction
*The 5 Tibetans (11 min.) -on the go
*Pilates Magic Circle (14 min.) -on the go
*Pilates Sculpting Series (10 min.) -on the go
*PhysioBall (10 min.) -on the go
*Yin Yoga Introduction
*Yin Yoga and Meditation, Full Yin (28 min.)
*Yin Yoga and Meditation, Shorter Practice (21 min.)

Okay, now I will provide my impressions of each of the above:

Waking Energy Sitting (actual time 28.5 minutes).Jennifer states that this is the "full list" of waking energy exercises (as opposed to the shorter series on the Level 1 DVD).The moves here are based largely on Chi-Gong and focus on awakening chi, or life-force; the exercises involve activities such as rubbing the hands together to generate energy and actually slapping and punching the body to loosen trapped chi (Jennifer provides detailed instruction on these moves both during the workout itself and in the accompanying booklet to insure that they are pleasant). Self-massage movements are also included, from loosening the muscles of the entire face by massaging the eyes, cheeks, jaw, and ears to massaging the feet.Overall, I think this segment would work great for a warm-up, although it is a bit lengthy to use regularly for that purpose.

Waking Energy Standing.This segment is also based on Chi-Gong as well as Makko-Ho (active meridian stretch).Performed standing and including various spinal rolls, I found it to be more energizing and stretching than the seated version (although both Waking Energy segments are supposed to serve dual Yin or Yang roles depending on when they are performed).Although not labeled this way on the menu, it is actually shorter than the seated segment.

The 5 Tibetans. These 5 exercises are known as the "Rites of Rejuvenation;" they are practiced by Tibetan Monks and are supposed to stimulate the chakra system to provide age-defying benefits. Some of the moves are recognizable from yoga, such as camel pose and down dog, but all are performed in a series of flowing repetitions (the goal is 21 for each exercise) with breath. Assuming that you've already worked with her previous DVDs, Jennifer does 14 reps of each move here (she starts with only 7 reps on the Level 1 DVD).Despite my prior experience with both yoga and the 5 Tibetans themselves, I found it a bit difficult to keep up with Jennifer's fast pace, although she does instruct you to relax with two full breaths between each exercise set.She also shows some modifications for each movement prior to starting the exercise, but I thought this disrupted the flow of the workout, especially when she could have included this information in the 5 Tibetans introductory segment.This workout ends with the goddess breath.

Pilates Magic Circle.This was a nice short workout using the Pilates circle or ring.It begins working the upper and the lower body from a standing position, using some unique variations on the exercises that I haven't seen in other ring workouts.There is also some work for the abs from a seated position as well as additional moves performed on one side only.

Pilates Sculpting Series.Here Jennifer leads her two background exercisers through the standard standing arms series developed by Joseph Pilates.She moves briskly from exercise to exercise, sometimes pausing before a new movement to give a form demonstration.Jennifer notes that 5-10 repetitions are the usual recommendation, and she does 8 of each exercise here (although the reps were slightly off on a few occasions).

PhysioBall.This third short "Pilates Toys" segment was more challenging than I had expected!Jennifer begins seated on the stability ball for abs crunches, moves to feet resting on the ball for hamstring work, and finishes with some tough plank work on the ball (she briefly demonstrates even more advanced variations).

Yin Yoga and Meditation, Full Yin.Jennifer describes Yin Yoga as "needle-less acupuncture" in the sense that it targets the meridian areas of the body to provide complete relaxation (she explains this further in the interview link off the main menu).Jennifer alternately refers to the postures as "makko-hos" and explains which meridian pairs are addressed by each.Although she recommends holding the poses for up to 15 minutes or at least 8-10 breaths, they are NOT held that long here; rather, she frequently reminds the viewer that she and her helpers are offering an overview of how you would practice on your own.The postures are performed entirely on the floor and include butterfly (cobbler's pose), a choice of seal (similar to cobra) or saddle (similar to 1-leg reclined hero), seated forward bend, dragon (wide-legged seated forward bend), a choice of shoelace (bull seat or the legs from cow-face pose) or eye of the needle (thread the needle) or ankle to knee (double pigeon), pigeon, wide-legged child's pose (Jennifer actually recommends performing regular child's pose between every posture, but this is not shown), dragonfly (wide-legged forward bend), quarter dog, reclined twist (revolved stomach pose), dead bug, cross-legged seated forward bend with crossed arms, and relaxation/final meditation.

Yin Yoga and Meditation, Shorter Practice.This abbreviated Yin Yoga practice (21 minutes) is not listed on the DVD insert.It contains the same footage as the Full Yin practice above, but a few of the postures are left out, and others don't seem to be held quite as long (the end of the practice in particular felt a bit more rushed).Poses here include butterfly, choice of seal or saddle, seated forward bend, choice of shoelace or eye of the needle or ankle to knee, pigeon, dragonfly, reclined twist, and relaxation/final meditation.

In summary, this is generally a very well-done DVD with a variety of practice options. I think that ideally, it would appeal to someone with prior experience in both Pilates and yoga who is interested in incorporating additional Eastern principles and philosophies into their workouts.I can see myself using the waking energy segments whenever I want to feel gently refreshed, the Pilates segments as add-ons to my other workouts, and the Yin Yoga practices when I want to get the benefits of relaxing yoga postures with extended holds.My overall rating is about 4 1/2 of 5 stars.

One final note:Hot Body Cool Mind "Waking Energy" was released at the same time as another Hot Body Cool Mind DVD by Jennifer Kries, Level 1 (or "Embark on the Journey").Apparently, two other DVDs in this series, Level 2, "Harness the Power," and Level 3, "The Life Force Power Workout" are yet to be released.Also, during her instruction for this Waking Energy video, Jennifer sometimes refers to it as Level 4 and assumes your prior experience with the other DVDs in this series.

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Product Description:
She taught you how to speak Pilates.Now Jennifer Kries,America's #1 Original Pilates expert, is ready to teach you body thelanguage of Waking Energy!Look and feel younger with greater energy andvitality! Tone and Sculpt, lengthen and define! Enhance flexibility, corestrength and stamina!

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Carola Shares Review

This DVD is digitally remastered from a home video of a two day workshop edited down to 2 hours of sheer delight. I hardly knew where the time had gone as I watched. Fabulous to see one of the original Pilates teachers in action and wonderful to see such eloquent demonstration by Jillian Hessel. This is a marvellous resource for teachers. I would love to see some accompanying editorial notes (but maybe these will follow) as the fixed viewpoint of the camera doesn't always do justice to the action. A must have for anyone interested in real Pilates.

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Product Description:
Carola Trier was the very first pupil of Joseph Pilates to open her own Studio in New York City, with his special blessing to carry on his work. Carola taught and trained countless students for over 30 years, and trained many Pilates students. On this DVD, learn how she came to meet Joe, and how her own teaching and special approach to the work evolved. Shot in Tarzana, California in 1989 after her retirement in 1988, this rare footage of Carola in action is all that we have left of her tremendous contribution to Pilates' legacy.Areas of Focus:- New Introduction by Jillian Hessel, student of Carola Trier- Interview with Carola including background information- Carola's Posture Analysis, including new footage from Carola's book - Breathing, including new footage and explanation by Jillian Hessel- Matwork- Spine Corrector- Reformer- Cadillac- Auxiliary Equipment- Final Interview and Farewell

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The Authentic Complete Pilates Arm Series w/wo weight + Magic Circle Series; Stdg/Sitting/Lying + The Wall + Pilates Key Principals Review

I've tried several Pilates videos, but they all seem impersonal and are either way too challenging for a novice like myself, or feel like simple movement with little focus on rationale or real results. I found this program to be challenging yet do-able, with a rationale for every movement and clear guidance throughout. Best of all, I achieve real results!! After all, that's what real Pilates should achieve. The instructor is personable and knows her craft. I'd like to attend a real session with her in person, but this video feels like I already am. I hope to see more videos from this fabulous instructor.

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Product Description:
Catherine Isaacson has trained and certified in the prestigious independent study program with Joe Pilates protegee Romana Kryzanowska. At age 48, she keeps excruciating pain from fibromyalgia and a herniated disk at bay and fully credits her Pilates program for it.
The "Arm Series" may be a bit misleading, as you should never isolate the muscles in your limbs to accomplish a task. Rather, with this authentic, interactive program, you will learn, to work from your "powerhouse" to first visualize and then effect the movement; harnessing your core energy to control and strengthen your entire body: feet, ankles, legs, stomach, buttock, lower back, arms, wrists, neck...
This program Takes you through Basic, Intermediate to Advanced levels with 30 movements, it is designed to engage all levels: students to teachers.
The first part begins without weights. Once correct posture is attained, small weights can be used for increased resistance.
The second part is a more challenging arm and leg series performed with the "Magic Circle" in various positions: lying, sitting and standing. Perform this series first using your own resistance against a virtual Magic Circle, then increase the resistance with a Magic Circle or, in it's absence, with a 12" to 16" ball.
"The Wall " is a great transition from the Pilates Mat work that you may already perform and/or the full workout with Pilates apparatus. The Wall prepares you to stand upright, encouraging you to walk through your everyday activities perfectly centered and aligned.

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Power Pilates - Intermediate Workout Review

Good pacing.Form, variations were all terrific.I have worked out to this one myself.I would recommend to a client.Power Pilates offers a simple systematic approch to Joe's classical repitoire.It's traditional and very easy to follow and understand.
Dana's voice was hauty, a bit annoying for my taste.I get that she wants to be dynamic.I would recommend this one.

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Power Pilates - Post-Pregnancy Workout Review

I have recently began taking a Reformer Pilates and a mat Pilates class at the Y.I wanted something to supplement at home since my kids don't like to go into childcare every day.Having two young kids under the age of 4, this seems to be a good starter video.There are 3 gals on the mat (one doing an easier modified version) and a woman instructing who is walking around them providing direction.She is pretty bland but she gives good direction regarding what we should be doing during each exercise to get the best results.The workout is 31 minutes long.There is also the option of a 47 minutes workout that includes the matwork (31minute) and 16 minutes of exercise with the pilates ring. There isn't any music in the background so the workout is very different than say, a yoga video, where you become almost spiritually moved by the experience.I still enjoy it, but this is my first pilates video so I don't know what else is available.The direction and exercises are very much in line with what I am learning with my instructors at the gym.

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STOTT PILATES: Fitness Circle Flow Review

"Fitness Circle Flow" is a good workout to do if you are looking to tone and firm your stomach and inner and outer thighs. None of the exercises are too difficult so I'd recommend this for beginners or anyone who enjoys Pilates. Some of the exercises include breathing exercises, cat/cow, the one hundred, scissors, roll up, spine twist, single leg stretch, spine stretch and mermaid. Most of the exercises are unique because you are using a fitness circle. This workout would be good for anyone seeking variety in their workouts as most of the exercises in this workout will be new. The cueing is also good and the instructor is pleasant. On the downside most of the exercises don't have very many reps so that might frustrate anyone who is advanced and is looking to feel the burn.

~The Rebecca Review

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Product Description:
Increase strength, flexibility and muscle tone with the unique Fitness Circle accessory. This energizing workout will help you develop greater body awareness. Workout time: 30 Minutes. Requires Exercise mat and Fitness Circle. For those who know the basics and are ready to intensify strength and flexibility requirements.

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Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Magic Circle Mat Series (Basic; Intermediate; Advanced) & Reformer Mat Workout (Super Advanced) Review

If you are used to Pilates videos along the lines of Denise Austin or Ellen Barrett, this DVD is definitely NOT for you!Classical Pilates Technique provides much more serious, no-nonsense Pilates instruction.In fact, even the individual workouts have more of an instructional feel rather than seeming like actual workout routines, as the voiceover instruction fails to provide adequate cueing for movement changes, breath, etc.Instead, you will be in the middle of one exercise and hear "now another variation is..."; I found myself struggling to keep up with these rapid changes.Similarly, there is no pause between the moves, which would be fine if this was a Pilates mat routine only, but with the ring added, it makes it very difficult to find time to re-position the ring before the next exercise begins.

The DVD starts with a brief introduction to Pilates, which is basically a lying and seated breath practice.You then have four workouts to choose from.The first, Basic, is only 5 minutes long and is more of an introduction to using the ring; 6 basic Pilates matwork exercises are included.The second, Intermediate, is 18 minutes long, and the exercises included are similar to what would be found in most advanced beginners programs.However, the addition of the ring makes the exercises more challenging, and there is also a tough teaser sequence--three Teaser 1's repeated three times--at the end of the workout.At 20 minutes, the advanced version is slightly longer, but it moves even more quickly to include a larger variety of exercises.With a few exceptions (eg, full shoulder bridge, boomerang), most of the exercises included here are what I'm used to seeing in intermediate Pilates programs (rollover, corkscrew, hip circles), but again, using the ring ups both the intensity and the difficulty level.The final workout is called a "Super Advanced" Reformer Mat sequence; the overview stresses that this should ONLY be attempted by very advanced students and teachers, and they also mention that it is the first time that the entire 35-minute reformer sequence has been filmed.I previewed this segment only, and while I'm sure I could do some of the exercises--including the yoga-inspired moves and the arms series with light weights--others were clearly beyond my skill level, and they definitely required the use of a raised Pilates mat rather than a thin multi-purpose yoga/Pilates mat.

There is no music on this video, and each workout features a single participant following the rapid voiceover instruction.For someone who is experienced with Pilates and can follow the fast-paced movements in the intermediate and advanced programs, I think these routines could be highly effective, but for me, the low "fun" factor means I am not likely to use this video again.

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Product Description:
Classical Pilates technique videos feature two of the most renowned Pilates professionals in the world, master instructor Bob Liekens and commentator Alycea Ungaro, who uphold the tradition and high ideals of Joseph Pilates original New York City Studio, which began during the 1920s. Classical Pilates shows good fundamentals of using the magic circle, and then demonstrates a solid beginning workout. After that, they take you into a realm where only the most highly trained classical instructors can demonstrate effectively: a beautiful intermediate level and an advanced level that is superbly executed. As if all of these workouts were not enough, there is also the Reformer Mat workout. This workout is a sight to behold. Winner of the COMMUNICATOR AWARDS- 2003 AWARD OF DISTINCTION As a winner of this award Classical Pilates Inc. joins an exclusive list of video professionals who are recognized as the best within the industry.

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Winsor Pilates Sculpt Your Body Slim! {20 Minute Circle Workout & Accelerated Fat Burning} Review

This is what I was looking for. I was a little sceptical, almost sorry after I ordered it (you know how commercials can secude you...). A previous winsor pilates VHS had bad quality and another Pilates dvd seemed better value for money. But I was curious about the circle...

Though it seems a bit odd to use at first (is this just another gadget?), it makes total sense. A lot of pilates exercises focus on your tummy and your legs, but not your arms and chest. The circle does not only make your exercise very efficient (working various muscles at the same time), also the stomach muscles are trained harder with the aid of the circle.

I am not always proud of my discipline, but this is my 5th week of sticking to the 3x a week 20 minute work out. I really do like it, I felt the results in the first week (ok, that was a muscle ache) and could really see it on my legs the 2nd and 3rd weeks. By now I can see my stomach flatten, to the point where the muscles actually make it bulge a little again :-).

Thanks Mari, this one is really good...!

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