Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #461 in DVD
• Released on: 2005-12-26
• Rating: Exempt
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 85 minutes

Synopsis
The makers of the 'Dummy' instructional books and videos have struck again, this time with a beginner's guide to Pilates. The gist of the Pilates workout is to engage what is known as the powerhouse (the stomach and other core muscles of the body) to gain strength and, in the process, shed extra pounds. A specific method of breathing (through the nose only) is also employed during key moments of the movements. The method of building strength that was first developed by German athlete Joseph Pilates has become a close second to yoga in popularity. Pilates originally invented spring tension machines that use straps for the feet and supports for the back. This 'Pilates For Dummies' program provides mat work, or moves that can be executed on the floor. This makes for an easy, at-home introduction to an exercise regime that is said to create the long, lean dancer's body.

Customer Reviews

Does what it says on the tin
I have never done pilates before and having read other reviews decided to purchase this dvd hoping for a good introduction to a pilates workout. And this is exactly what you'll get. If, like me, you're not a big fan of complicated dance routines done by a bunch of people in garish outfits whose 'ideal' bodies clearly have nothing to do with the exercise performed, you're gonna love this dvd. The exercises are shown in a slow and clear way by a friendly instructor - they are easy to follow even if you're doing it for the first time and effective from the first move. There are additional explanations or more/less advanced alternatives to a given exercise popping up when necessary but this is in no way distracting. The dvd is divided into several sections which makes it handy when you only have 15-20 minutes and want to do a short session at a time. You will not need anything else but a bit of space, bare feet and a mat (unless, like me, you don't mind the carpet). I have found this workout really enjoyable and hopefully so will you.

Very good workout from a beginners point of view
I bought this DVD because my physiotherapist suggested that pilates would be good for my lower back problem. Never having done pilates before and being one of these people who struggle with co-ordination and always turn in the wrong direction in the fitness class, I wanted an easy to follow routine and clear instructions. And this DVD delivers exactly that (and if I loose a few pounds on the way, even better). Having done aerobic and 'legs, bums & tums' classes in the past, I recognised some exercises but in this DVD there is more focus on correct posture and breathing. Even though the pace is reasonably gentle, I actually got quite hot and my heart rate definetely went up.
The workout contains 20 min standing up exercises; personally I found these a bit more difficult to learn but this is more due to my lack of co-ordination, the instuctor actually leaves enough time to grasp the exercises. The workout then moves on the 15 minutes of floor exercises which I really like, I was quite amazed how stiff I was, despite being a very active person! I cannot comment on weightloss yet as I haven't had the DVD for very long.
Some reviews state that the instructor is really annoying, hence I expected one of these over-enthusiastic American Baywatch-type women shouting instructions at me whilst energetically waving her slender limbs around. But I was really positively surprised, I found the instructor quite calm and measured, not annoying at all.
The only slight criticism I have is, that the instructor could remind me a bit more often about correct breathing throughout some of the routines as I noticed mine going out of the window a couple of times.
I think for the price of £3.98 you cannot go wrong, if you want to give pilates a try, I would recommend this DVD.

Nice and easy to follow
I bought this DVD, as I was looking for something to tone me up, and strengthen my stomach. I have followed Pilates exercises before, from a book about 10 years ago, so being very unfit, and inflexible now, I would class myself as a beginner.
I watched the DVD this monday, and have completed it twice, with a day off in between, and I am very impressed. The rate at which you workout is steady, and everything is well instructed in a clear, easy to follow manner. All the moves are easy to follow. The first 20 minutes is a standing workout, and the last 15 minutes is on the mat. You will really feel your body working!
I felt really energised after each workout, and felt I had better posture.
My stomach also felt stronger the 2nd time around, so I'm hopeful this workout will give results fast. I highly recommend it.
*Follow up. I've been doing this dvd 2-3 times a week. Already i've lost an inch off my thighs, bust and waist. My posture is better, and I'm noticing a difference in the shape of my legs - for the better that is lol!, and muscle definition on the outer thigh.