Amazon.com: "Pilates tackles the deep structural foundations of the body," explains instructor Lynne Robinson. "Every movement is performed slowly and with control, which means you can't cheat, and the end result is a body which is long and lean, supple and strong." This workout presents three 25-minute Pilates-based exercise sessions that aim to change the way you use your muscles. You can choose one to do each day, or put them together when you have the time and inclination for a long workout. Each movement emphasizes the core muscles of the abdomen and back. You don't need any previous experience because the introduction shows you how to use these muscles through alignment, stabilizing, and breathing, and Robinson carefully instructs the nuances of every movement. The mood is quiet and controlled, similar to the concentration of yoga.
Workout 1 emphasizes creating a "girdle of strength," spinal flexibility, and arm and shoulder toning. Workout 2 keeps working on the stabilization muscles, and adds buttocks, legs, and feet. Workout 3 combines exercises and adds complexity for coordination, balance, and sensory awareness. At the end is a relaxation sequence. Robinson is an excellent instructor: knowledgeable, mature, patient, and clear. You'll need a mat, ankle weights, light dumbbells, pole, towel, tennis ball, and cushion. --Joan Price
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Calm, Centering, and Strengthening
I recommend this video for anyone who craves a mellow workout with lots of relaxation. It's a shame some of the reviewers bashed it. I'm currently suffering the effects of too much Power Yoga (Bryan ... Read More
Rating: - Pre-Pilates at its best
Lynne does an excellent job explaining the foundations of Pilates. This is not a typical "workout" DVD. She emphasizes alignment, breathing, and working from the inside out. Her instructions are easy ... Read More
Rating: - Thorough & Complete approach
This DVD is a tremendous value, something for everyone.
There are 34 separate short & specific exercises which you can choose from, and several longer workouts (maybe 15 minutes) if you have a ... Read More
Rating: - It's for body control, not a hulking work out
I've used this DVD for the intention of unwinding, streaching out and centering. I don't expect to get a super fat burning workout from this dvd. It's perfect for in the morning if your back or neck is stiff. ... Read More
Rating: - Disappointing
Well, I agree with a lot of the comments people had here, one thing that wasn't brought up was that the flow from exercise to exercise wasn't there. One minute, she's doing a standing routine, the next second, she's ... Read More
- Calm, Centering, and Strengthening
- Pre-Pilates at its best
- Disappointing