Pilates for Dummies ASIN: B00005LQ1L Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Wow! What an unexpected surprise! Comments: I saw this video at a local discount store and picked it up on a whim. I didn't expect much, but it was cheap, so I grabbed it. What a pleasant surprise! I use this video regularly and definitely feel and see the results. Michelle Dozios clearly explains and demonstrates every move but is never condescending, irritating or intrusive. She also shows modifications for beginners and advanced exercisers, plus demonstrations of what NOT to do. I'm not a Pilates expert, but I've seen some of these positions before on other Pilates videos, so I'm guessing they're pretty standard. You'll really feel it in your abs. (I think that overall, Pilates is much more effective -- and interesting -- than crunches for toning abs. I know I see a big difference when I do this video regularly.) This is purely Pilates. There's no cardio, no weights. I like to alternate this video with cardio and weight work; additionally, you can skip the ab section on your other videos and use this instead. This is a great intro to Pilates, and you sure can't beat the price. I highly recommend it.

Denise Austin - Pilates for Every Body ASIN: B0000640WU Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Good value for money Comments: I bought this tape after using Ana Caban's beginner mat workout tape... It's much faster than Ana's workout and there is also the implicit assumption that you are familiar with Pilates moves. However, Denise gives great tips as you're doing the exercises and moves quickly from one exercise to another which I like since I've already spent some time mastering the beginner workout. I'd recommend Ana Caban's tape to anybody starting Pilates - she spends a considerable amount of time explaining basic concepts and teaching techniques before starting the workout and even during the workout. This is necessary for beginners and is missing in Austin's video.

Pilates Beginning Mat Workout ASIN: B000053UZS Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: I'm a Believer! Comments: This video changed my whole outlook on exercise! I am one of those people that knows I need it, but getting started and staying with it is, well, impossible. This one grabbed me from the start, and I've stuck with it... even moved on to the Intermediate workout. The amazing thing about the Beginning workout is that it starts slow, gives you modified options, is a very short workout, but you SEE RESULTS within a couple of weeks! It is true - you feel better, look better and start to have a new outlook in a short period of time. Advice - - - master this one before moving on. When you start to get a little bored with the Beginning workout, and are doing all of Ana's version of the moves, you are ready for the Intermediate. But be warned! The Intermediate workout is very different... you WILL sweat and you WILL be sore. But in the most satisfying way! One other thing; if you know nothing about the Pilates method, just remember to squeeze whatever muscles you're using in each move. And keep that tummy tight! That's the secret. I LOVE PILATES; I LOVE ANA; PLEASE DO AN ADVANCED WORKOUT VIDEO!

Kathy Smith - Pilates for the Lower Body ASIN: B00006HB07 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Effective Lower Body Toning and Strengthening Comments: I've just received this video and tryed it out right away. It's a great work out for toning and strengthening the lower body! It effectively targets the inner and outer thigh area, hips and buttocks. I have other video tapes that work those areas but adding this one to the list of choices added a new dimension to my lower body workouts. These exercises work the muscles in a different way than my other programs. You feel the muscle being worked deep within as you focus on it and keeping your form. Kathy is so easy to follow that you don't spend your time trying to keep up with her so you can focus your attention on doing the exercise correctly. After the workout I felt relaxed and loosened up but I also felt some burn in the muscles during and immediately after the workout. I like to use Kathy's Pilates programs after one of her cardio workouts for a total workout. I highly recommend this one to anybody looking to tone those trouble spots!

Pilates - Mat Based Workout for Intermediates ASIN: B000053UZT Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: An Excellent Follow-up to the Beginner's Workout Comments: After about 4 weeks of Caban's Mat Based Workout for Beginner's, I have stepped up to her intermediate version. First of all, if you are new to pilates do not attempt this tape without first doing the beginner's tape. There are several poses in this workout that are the same as those in the beginner's, but as more advanced versions. It's important that you should learn the beginning versions first in order to understand exactly how the poses are executed. As for the intermediate workout, it's wonderful. There are a series of poses where you are not allowed to rest your head back in between each one. This is where you will really start to feel that powerhouse at work. The side poses feature new exercises that tone your waist moreso than the beginner workout. Ana's trusty sidekick is back, as well. However, she does not give as many simplified examples. In case of emergency, I go back to the old beginner poses. This time, you go much further with the teaser. If you've been doing the beginner workout religiously, fear not, you CAN do it. Yes, the production value of this video is pretty bad. But don't let that hold you back from a fabulous workout by a wonderful instructor.

Kathy Smith - Pilates for Abs ASIN: B00005JXZC Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: WHO'S BETTER THAN KATHY? Comments: Rather than jump on the bandwagon right away, Kathy Smith always takes her time and produces a quality workout. She packs alot in under 30 minutes. As the title suggest this targets the abs or the "core". You get some benefits for the legs but you core will feel it! Smith is a careful, detailed and motivating teacher. I have several Pilates tapes and it finally clicked with this one. I finally managed to scoop" my abdomen and "engage" my powerhouse. And, while you are sitting or reclined the whole time you will sweat. Here's hoping Smith releases an extended full-body Pilates tape in the near future.

Crunch - Pick Your Spot Pilates ASIN: B00006FMB5 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Great Instruction, Great Workout! Comments: I think this is the best DVD I have for the bucks! The instruction is clear and easy to understand, every little details of the form and breathing. She coaches you every step of the way, every detail of the movement. Accurate, controlled movement and breathing is essential to the Pilates workout, and I believe this DVD teaches it best. Highly recommend to everyone!

Breakthru - Pilates Plus ASIN: B00005YUR2 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: a little of everything... Comments: it's rare that a video so challenging is so much fun- there's lots of variety and you feel great when you're done :)

Pilates For Pregnancy ASIN: B00006ZJEF Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Highly recommend Comments: This entire exercise video has worked for me through the first half of my second pregnancy. I eliminated many of the exercises in my third trimester but was able to do some of the video's "picture in picture" modified exercises that could be done sitting or on my side. I think they did a great job of modifying the more difficult exercises. I have never really been a person to exercise on a regular basis, so for me some of the exercises were difficult at first, but after a few weeks I was able to do most if not all of the exercises. This time I felt so good that I continued to exercise through my third trimester! I just had my baby, and can't wait to get back to it. I love Pilates!

Stott Pilates - Intermediate Matwork ASIN: B000059YSB Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Just what I was looking for! Comments: I tried every Pilates tape I could find, trying to find one that was not BASIC. I had learned the poses, but I wanted a tape that moved along with little or no extra instruction. This tape was just what I wanted. Each of the movements is done with form reminders, but no practice poses, and because of that, I don't feel like I'm just lying around waiting for the instructions to be over. If you have mastered Beginner level Pilates, here's where you go next. This tape, alternated with traditional abdominal work, will definitely get those abs in shape!

Pilates for Weight Loss ASIN: B00005RYQM Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A workout for people who hate working out. Comments: I hate workouts that make me jump around. This is something I can actually do. I've used the video for 2 and a half months and I can feel a difference. I'm toned in my core and legs. My tummy is getting flatter every day. I never thought to exercise my feet before, but they really look nice now, too! I even feel like I'm breathing better. My only complaint is that I would like to work my arms more. I almost died the first time I did the leg work, but then I'm a real couch potato, too. It didn't take long to get used to it, though. If you like a calm person to guide you through moves, you'll love Suzanne Deason.

Classical Pilates Technique - The Complete Mat Workout Series (Modified Basic/Basic/Intermediate/Advanced/Super Advanced) ASIN: B000069YWO Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: A disappointment - For intermediates to advanced only Comments: This was supposed to be the gold standard in Pilates videos, but I was sorely disappointed. The modified basic level shows only a few exercises and the modifications are truly helpful for beginners. However, it only lasts barely 5 minutes, and then Alycea Ungaro tells you to do it everyday, if only for 10 minutes. Huh??? Are we then expected to not work out along with this video? Moreover, the instructor does not go into detail about proper form -- Pilates stance is not even mentioned. You are not reminded to scoop your abs and pull your abs towards the floor, for example. The basic level gets much faster. You will not have time to transition from one move to the next, unless you have memorized the sequence. And you're supposed to be in the beginner level. The voice-over does not count out the reps, and does not provide any cuing. You will find the model has already begun without you. Again, the basic level has only a few moves (no leg kicks and rolls, for example) and lasts even shorter than the modified basic -- 4 minutes. The intermediate to super advanced levels are probably excellent for those who are experienced in Pilates. The moves are executed very quickly, again with no verbal cues to begin each one. I was surprised to see Junghee raising her feet when performing the roll-ups. I thought this was a no-no, according to Brooke Siler's "Pilates Body" book. So if you're a beginner, you will do much better using Ana Caban's beginner mat workout, or Moira Stott's 22-minute mat workout. Both have detailed instructions. And get a book like Brooke Siler's to give even more tips on proper form and modifications for beginners.

Stott Pilates - Advanced Matwork ASIN: B000059YSC Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A great pilates challenge Comments: I love this video, but be sure you are advanced before you try it as it is HARD (she has other videos in the series which work up to it). It is 51 minutes long with 3 minutes of upper body work, 13 of lower body, and 22 minutes of super ab work. Her instruction is super clear as always and you really feel like she is there with you. Also, flexion and extension moves are carefully alternated so you are getting a great stretch for all your screaming muscles. This video just does not get me in shape, it makes me feel good. What is better than that????

New Method - Perfect Mix ASIN: B00005A05W Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Total Body Workout Comments: I've only used this video a few times, but it really gives me a good workout. The first segment focuses on traditional Pilates moves for a tough abs workout (if you've never done Pilates before, be patient... you probably won't be able to do all the moves, but eventually it will get easier). The second segment is cardio/strentgh, and you need 1-3 pound weights. It uses a lot of dance-inspired moves, and being a little uncoordinated I haven't gotten them all down yet. I don't mind stumbling around a little (I'm sure I'll get it down eventually!), but you should know that you probably won't pick up the moves the first time you do this video. The third segment is a yoga/stretch session that is very relaxing. I liked this video because it combines strength and light cardio, and it also gives me a good stretch at the end. Also, each of the segments can be done individually (they're each about 20 minutes long) if you don't have much time. The only slight drawback is that there's an excessive amount of explanation on how the breathe at the beginning that I have to fastforward through.

Denise Austin - Mat Workout Based on the Work of J.H. Pilates ASIN: 0784018235 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: WONDERFUL BEGINNER VIDEO Comments: If you are an absolute beginner like myself, then this video is for you. Denise explains all the poses and moves and proper form in an easy manner. There are sooooooo many Pilates based videos out there these days. And, while many claim to be for beginners they are definately NOT! Most go through instructions in such a speedy manner that it is virtually impossible for a novice to keep up. I have tried several other "so called beginner Pilates videos" and have become discouraged very quickly. Denise Austin's introduction to Pilates is exactly that. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to discover Pilates without having to commit tons of time and money for lessons. Once you master this video you may want to move on to more advanced videos or even classes at a studio (if you're lucky to have one in your town and have the time and money). I also recommend the book "The Pilates Body" by Brooke Siler.

Karen Voight - Pilates - Total Body Training ASIN: B00005K22Z Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: I can wear short SHORTS now! YAAAAY! Comments: First let me say that this is not a video for absolute beginners. Secondly, let me also tell you that this tape must be used in conjunction w/ a Resist-A-Ring and a Yoga Mat. That said, I must tell you a little before and after story. My thighs that once resembeled a lumpy mass of undercooked oatmeal is now sinewy, long and rock hard. My buttocks which looked like a sack of dead rats are now perky, tight and smooth. Karen has you do moves that have to be seen to be believed. She has you do endless repetitions of Resist-A-Ring thigh excercises that will make you almost wanna scream at the TV. Then, if that weren't enough, Karen has you do these lying, open legged inner thigh moves that is so intense that by now, you wanna start throwing things at the TV. All this and for what? Well, the payoff is immense. My legs, butt, thighs(especially thighs) and abs are solid and lean. My whole body is lithe and I have more energy PLUS I'm more relaxed and focused. With videos like this, who needs to go to a gym? Surely not me.

Stott Pilates - Essential Matwork ASIN: B000059YSA Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Pilates Basics Comments: First, I'd like to say that I had been looking for a exercise program that develops 'core' muscles when I happened across this video. The Stott Pilates method is EXACTLY what I had been looking for. (Just to let you know I have been doing 'machines' and free weights for years and knew that 'something' was missing. Now I'm just doing Pilates, Kundalini Yoga, and Tae-bo.) Now for the video itself. Overall it's good, but not as good as I would hope for a second and revised edition. The workout routine itself is good and thorough - about an hour long. You'll definitely break a sweat while developing probably the most important muscles of all, those that stabilize the spine, hips, shoulders and abdominal areas. The tape unit itself feels cheap - I've had to remove the flip-up cover to get it to load into my VCR...And at times the audio is not very good - either my copy is bad, or the audio engineer sometimes had 2 microphones on that reverbed - but you can understand the instructions if you play with the volume. Also, I felt 'rushed' through the workout. I use my VCR remote with this tape at times to allow myself time to get from one exercise setup to the next. I wished they had either edited a longer version or simply allowed more time. (What's an extra 5 minutes when you're doing an hour routine?) And while the instruction is pretty complete, as a yoga instructor myself, I felt like Moira has not completely explained what muscles/coordination some of the exercises are developing. I had to stop the video and 'play' with a couple of the movements until I 'got' what finer points I was working with - especially the balance related parts. Despite these, perhaps, nit-pickings, I would recommend this tape.

The Method - Pilates - Precision Toning ASIN: 6304227531 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: good, fundamental tape Comments: Precision Toning is a great introduction to Pilates, and a solid beginning tape. Jennifer gives solid instruction throughout the first 15 min. workout, which serves as an explanation of the basic principles of core conditioning. The second 30 min. workout takes out the explanatory pauses and makes smoother transitions between movements, while still giving instruction (Jennifer talks while she moves rather than taking as many breaks). The longer workout includes a solid, core-conditioning workout which will tone your entire abdominal and core area, and also includes a great section on toning the legs. (I have a few other videos of hers and this seems to have the best leg workout. It isn't terribly long, but if you do it right you'll feel it!) The one thing that bothers me about this tape is that it doesn't advance with you very much. I outgrew the "beginner talk" portion of this tape pretty quickly. I would love to skip over the introductory workout to get to the second workout, which is classic no matter how advanced you are, but it is such a pain to keep forwarding/ rewinding until I find the break. Since she wears exactly the same leotard and does many of the same movements, it makes it nearly impossible to distinguish the two workouts. The longer section is definitely worth keeping in your routine (I've moved on to more advanced tapes for most of my workout, but this tape is so classic it is great to come back to). I would love to see this released on DVD specifically for this reason. Overall, a great tape. Jennifer is intelligent and personable, with no fluff. This tape is a classic, but if you become serious about Pilates, you will start to use it less and less. Also recommend: Bryan Kest's Power Yoga series

Karen Voight - Pilates - Abdominals and Back ASIN: B00005K22Y Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A Beautiful Flow of Movements Comments: Are you looking for a video to strengthen the "powerhouse" area of your body? That area from which all movements should begin. Karen has designed this beautifully and as you zero in on your abdominals, you also focus on strengthening you back. This is a 50-minute ALL-floor workout. You alternate between abdominal sculpting and simple back-strengthening and stretching moves to create a more balance and stable center. Karen combines the teachings of Joseph Pilates, yoga, and ballet with her own body-sculpting techniques. "Imagine your body, no matter its shape, having the posture, lightness and elegance of a dancer." ~Karen Voight This will help you create a more stable center. You will find yourself sitting up taller and this particular video left me lying on the floor watching the second half because after you finish this workout, you know you have worked out. There is a small bonus section which shows how you can incorporate the Resist-a-Ring into your workout. I didn't find that part of the video that appealing as there was no music and you would have to remember how to do all the moves. It might be useful for those who are very experienced with the moves Karen has developed. I would have rather seen them incorporated into the video in a more organized fashion. For this video you will only need a yoga mat and a towel. This helps to give you enough padding if you are working on a carpeted surface. Karen does sell a body reform mat if you are working out on a hard floor. If you love this video, you will also enjoy Core Essentials and Total Body Training. They are all great fun and really motivate you with a great combination of creativity and enjoyable music. I feel completely relaxed after doing any of the Body Reform videos. They have a wonderful balancing effect on my emotions and my mind seems to be free of distraction. As if the cares of the world just drift away with Karen's magical calming voice. You will just love some of these moves if you work on the computer all day. It is amazing how tight your shoulders and chest can become. This workout will open out your chest and stretch that tired back. Definitely Intermediate in some exercises, but mostly this is for anyone. There is one move, you might want to consider skipping. It is the one where you are raising your back off the floor and you then raise one leg up into the air. It is tricky, tricky. I would not recommend it for anyone who is not practicing yoga on a regular basis! Get ready for some tummy torture! This girl knows how to get you motivated. Just looking at her body makes me wish I had her motivation! She is just amazing. I can't wait for more Karen Videos. I want them ALL! And I am dying for her to make a really long and wonderfully relaxing stretch video. The one I have is good, but I would love to see her do a really creative outdoor video with tons of stretching. Something that would just help you drift away. If you enjoy this video, look for The Method Videos. They have similar movements and are a bit more advanced and intense.

Quick Fix Total Pilates Workout ASIN: B00005MNHF Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: fun, enjoyable Comments: Just started w pilates,have done yoga before, but am out of shape and need core work. This tape is fun, ten minute sections are just right, the ab section could be a litle harder, but i feel like i have had a nice work out by the time i have done all three sections, and it goes fast. This one is a keeper.

Stott Pilates - Ultimate Back Care ASIN: B000054OW7 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Ultimate backcare review Comments: I have lived with fairly mild lower back pain most of my adult life. It has consisted of morning stiffness and mild discomfort after engaging in activities such as gardening. For many years, I found that a few yoga stretches and postures pretty much took care of it. But upon entering my forties, the stretches and postures, while still helpful, did not seem to have the same effect and the pain started to intrude into other activities such as skiing and biking. Since these were sacred activities - to be protected at all costs - I had to find something else but nothing seemed to be enough. About six months ago, I discovered some pilates exercises in a magazine. Finally, I began to experience significant relief! I then found some pilates classes at my gym and it became clear to me that I needed to do this on a more regular basis. I bought the Living Arts Pilates tape and worked up to the Intermediate Mat Workout doing it several times a week. I not only received considerable relief from back pain but felt all over better and not to be dismissed, experienced a flatter abdomen. I felt better (younger) doing the activies I love such as biking. I started looking at amazon.com for other pilates tapes. I felt that a change in tapes might be interesting plus I felt like the Living Arts tapes really did not focus on technique. When I saw the Stotts Ultimate Backcare, it seemed like a natural choice. I also bought Stotts Essential Mat Workout at the same time. I was hopeful that the Ultimate Backcare would concentrate on the place I needed the most help and would offer modifications to some basic pilates exercises that might be more appropriate to someone with a "bad back". (I found modifications nearly non-existant in Ana Cabin's Living Arts Pilates tape). The Ultimate Backcare tape brings to it Moira Stott-Merrithew's intelligent approach to exercise and her considerable experience. It provides a good introduction to basic pilates principles with her usual extensive focus on breathing and form. (I have discovered breathing and form to be very important in the achievement of maximal results). Moira has a student demonstrate the exercises while she explains and emphasizes the important points. She clearly shows the correct and incorrect forms. The tape begins with the introduction (you can skip this after one to two viewings), and proceeds to a gentle warm-up, a very basic set of pilates exercises with modifications and finishes with a couple of stretches. It runs about 45 minutes. She offers warnings, when necessary, before starting an exercise to those with disc problems, etc and offers further modifications. I am glad that I purchased the Essential Mat Workout for Beginners at the same time as I much prefer it. I find the Essential Mat Workout a little more challenging and I definitely can see the results in stronger "core muscles" which is the heart of pilates practice. But I think for those with recent back injuries or back problems that have made them reluctant to exercise, Utimate Backcare is perfect. Her methods seem very safe and sound. I think that these individuals will find it very helpful in relieving back pain and creating the stronger core muscles to support a more active lifestyle. But don't be afraid to move up to the Essential Workout tape for Beginners when you have gotten very comfortable with this one. You can still use the modifications when necessary and may experience greater results.

Stott Pilates - Primary Matwork (22 Minute Matwork for Beginners) ASIN: B000059YSD Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Fundamentals are fundamental Comments: This tape is designed for initial exposure to Pilates and its concepts. They must be under your belt in order to advance to the next level of exercises. The reviewer who felt there was too little substance to these exercises MISSED the whole idea of Pilates. If you just want to work out and sweat, Pilates is probably not for you anyway. If you're willing to do the basics and get it under your belt, there is a wealth of information available through Pilates. This tape is designed to do just what it says, and does it well.

Hilary Burnett's PILATES ADVANCED ASIN: B00005S838 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: A challenging and beautifully inspiring workout! Comments: Hilary Burnett's PILATES ADVANCED is a Master Class in Pilates. I was amazed at the intensity and heat the workout created! I am a Pilates and Yoga instructor and thought I would be able to do all of the exercises in this video the first time through, but I must humbly admit that I could not! Hilary progresses through the workout like a dancer as she flows from one sequence to another. There are many Pilates exercises and variations in this video that I had not seen before (such as the Boomerang and Crab - impossible to describe, but amazing to see Hilary perform them). The workout moves quickly from one exercise to the next without rest so your core muscles are constantly engaged. As the time flew by, I felt I had worked my entire body to a degree I had not in other Pilates videos. The setting is nothing short of stunning, with a backdrop of candles, African inspired decor, lowlighting, brass and marble. Hilary herself is a joy to watch and performs all exercises flawlessly with appropriate cuing and precise instruction. I wound up purchasing 2 other Pilates videos by Hilary because the advanced is so classy and inspiring. You will not be disappointed in this challenging workout that will be there for you to aspire to as you become stronger and leaner at the same time.

Hilary Burnett's PILATES INTERMEDIATE ASIN: B00005S837 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: The impossible has occurred: I enjoy exercising! Comments: I can add little to the warm words of the other reviewers; I just wanted to highlight that, not only is the video beautifully executed and effective, the exercises themselves are a joy to do. I actually enjoy exercising almost daily with this tape!

Pilates BodyBand Workout Kit ASIN: B00005Y7NZ Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Pilates Bodyband Workout Comments: The bodyband provides great resistance for stretching out hamstrings, etc. Absolute beginners should get her video for beginners first (which is also very good).

The Method - Pilates: Precision Sculpting ASIN: 630422754X Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: I never put off doing this workout! Comments: Truly, I look forward to doing this tape. I don't procrastinate or avoid my workouts when I know I'm using Precision Sculpting. How much higher can praise get for an exercise session? Two to three-pound weights are suggested, but aren't absolutely necessary; since the exercises are isometric, you can get a good toning workout even without weights. The movements work the body effectively without endless repetitions, and Jennifer Kries is the best instructor I have ever watched, hands down. I can't say enough good things about her style and professionalism. She's a joy to work out with, and her Method Series videos have changed the shape of my body, when no other video or workout ever did. To sum up: quiet but encouraging instruction, quality over quantity of repetitions, no annoying perkiness or music, visible results with continuous use. Need I say more?

Stott Pilates - Flex-Band Workout ASIN: B00004S88V Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: The Poor Man's Reformer - A Nice Intermediate Variation Comments: Once you've tired of Pilates floor exercizes (I like "Pilates for Dummies" to start with and there are int. and adv. tapes in the Stott series) there are basically 2 inexpensive pieces of equipment you can purchase to spice up your Pilates routine - a ring and a band. Of the two, the band is less expensive (a quality one is less than the price of a video), it stores easily in your sock drawer and adds variety to your workout. "Stott Pilates - Flex-Band Workout" is a nice intermediate break after getting the basics down. You need a good core as the focus here is more on lower and upper body than abs. Ms. Stott runs herself through 27 exercizes, many of which are modifications of the reformer(one of the pricier pieces of Pilates equipment). The instruction and pacing are very good though you still will need some fast forwarding with repeated veiwings. I don't recommend starting here, its not quite as fun as the ring, but I do enjoy the variety it adds. Recommended.

Karen Voight - Pilates - Core Essentials ASIN: B00005K22X Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: one of the best workouts, yet easy Comments: I found this video a creative, fun, yet short workout. One of the best so far, and I have alot of tapes. The tempo and explanation by Karen are easy to follow. It has helped all major areas of the body, although arms are not as intense as butt and thighs. The balls are pretty versatile, but I use dumbells too. I would recommend this to beginners or intermediate exercisers.

Pilates Method and 3- Dimensional Toning Box Set ASIN: B00005O6YB Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: FLEXIBILITY,TONING AND A LITTLE LIGHT CARDIO. Comments: This is a set of two (pilates, ballet and yoga influenced)videos.The first video is called 3 D toning which has a thirty minutes standing ballet/yoga section,which focuses on mainly hips and thighs,it then concludes,with twenty minutes of pilates mat core conditioning floorwork which concentrates on the abs and legs, this is my favorite video because it stretches me out and makes me feel elongated,flexible and like a dancer. The second video has twenty minutes of upper body toning with light weights for your arms and chest,it then moves on to the lower body sculpting for your legs,then finally concludes with a yoga type workout with classical dance and stretching. I recommend this two pack, for overall toning,and to increase flexibility.It is a good beginner to intermediate tape, however the dance moves can be a bit confusing at first but I would suggest watching a few time first,because with practice it can become very enjoyable once you get the moves down. Advanced could also do it on a light toning day but if you were looking for a pilates/dance type workout to challenge you, then I would suggest getting Pilates Perfect Mix by the same instructor. ACTUALLY GET ALL THREE! if you love fusions you wont regret it.

Flex-Band Workout ASIN: B000059YSE Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Wonderful video Comments: I have always been an admirer for Moira Stott. She gives very clear instructions with a calm and cool voice which is never irritating. I bought this video mainly as a trial for the reformer exercises (the flex band offers resistance similar to the reformer) and I was not disappointed. The exercises here were challenging and with resistance brought by the flex band, I felt and saw results right away. Furthermore, I think using the flex band kept my movements stable and smooth.

Hilary Burnett's PILATES BASICS ASIN: B00005S836 Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: Be ready...it is fast moving Comments: I own about 15 pilates tapes and this is fastest moving one yet. She gives very little time to flip over from your back to your stomach and vice-versa. If you are in a rush for time, this is great video. You better know your moves, though.

Classical Pilates Complete Super Advanced Universal Reformer Workout ASIN: B000063TLZ Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Do it. Comments: Pilates is the right thing to do, and Classical Pilates is the right way to do it.

Hilary Burnett's MIND BODY MAT - Exercises in the tradition of J. Pilates ASIN: 0615118240 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Hilary Burnett's Mind, Body, Mat Comments: This video is a perfect complement to the aerobic exercises I have been doing. It challenges you to a higher level of awareness of your body as you stretch, strengthen and tone your muscles. Hilary's movements are very fluid, especially in the power stretch section, and I found her manner instructive, encouraging and even soothing! This is one I will use to round out my exercise diet. The length is just right for starting out your day, or to help you unwind at the end of a long one. I highly recommend it.

Breakthru Core-Conditioning Pilates ASIN: B00005B216 Customer's Rating: 5 Summary: Great beginning Comments: This is my first Pilates tape. I have numerous yoga tapes, and enjoy them, but wanted to try some Pilates exercises to round out my workout routine. Both instructors are easy to understand, and offer less demanding moves as alternatives. This is always a big plus. Very careful thought went into to the instruction, as the explaination can be followed with little "watching" so you aren't craining your neck to see what is going on as much as with other exercise videos. There are some familiar positions to yogis on this tape, plank position, downward dog, and a variation of cobra positions. So if you are familiar with yoga, you can look forward to something that is known to you.

Suzi Lonergan's BodyPower - Pilates! ASIN: B00005A7JI Customer's Rating: 3 Summary: OK Basic Workout Comments: Suzi Lonergan's tape is good for a basic workout, but don't expect it to get your heart pumping. The tape is a good introduction to mat-based Pilates. An annoying fact - she tells you in the beginning to follow different folks on the video if you have a bad back or a bad neck, which is great. But she wastes time by telling you again and again before each exercise. I end up fast-forwarding the tape to get to the real workout. So I guess you get a workout of your remote too.

Zone - Pilates Mat Workout ASIN: B00005QW8R Customer's Rating: 4 Summary: For beginners! Comments: I am a beginner, so I am glad I purchased this video. Although I should be thankful for the amount of time spent on instruction, I was instead disappointed that I didn't feel I 'worked out' much. Attention was given more to quality rather than quantity, which was great, but I didn't feel like I did much after the run of the tape. After using this tape to master the Pilates moves, I will feel confident in purchasing another tape for more of a work out.

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