[.ca] Pilates:for Dummies

From Amazon.com:
Pilates Workout for Dummies is a 60-minute DVD, ideal for both the first-time and intermediate Pilates exerciser. In the Basic Workout, well-toned instructor Michelle Dozois clearly and patiently presents 18 classic Pilates mat exercises, first demonstrating and explaining, then doing 6 to 10 repetitions. She explains what the Powerhouse is and how to use it, and covers the basics you'll need if you've never done this before (or need to be reminded), offering alignment tips, breathing, and extremely clear instructions for executing each movement. Dozois suggests modifications for making the exercises easier (or, occasionally, more challenging), and includes cautions against common mistakes and reminder tips for doing each exercise effectively. This is a fine first workout for Pilates novices. The Intermediate Workout consists of some of the Basic exercises and several new ones, all done at a faster pace and with more challenging instructions. This is a workout you can progress with! --Joan Price

It's how you use it!:
I have read alot of reviews from people who complain about the lack of "flow" in the workout in this DVD. I was worried about this too but then I am a complete beginner. I never even knew what a pilates exercise was before I bought this DVD. However I wanted to try Pilates to see what it was all about and I thought this would be a good choice. I was more concerned with actually learning the exercises at first. After all, you can't get a good "flow" going in any exercise program if you don't know the moves! This DVD does an excellent job of teaching you the moves and exercises. What has worked for me, is to actually memorize the exercises in groups of five. When you have them memorized, you don't really need to watch the DVD while you're doing them. Then work yourself up to the next group of five, and so on. Before you know it, you have the whole set memorized and you do the workout seamlessly without interrupting the "flow". I hope this helps!

Great Workout!!:
I enjoy using this video. The first few times, I wasn't able to complete the whole tape, but after a few tries, I am usually able to complete it. My only complaint, really, is that the "to make this easier" tips come after about 8 reps of any particular exercise. I know them all now, but when I was starting out, I would have liked to know a little sooner that I could make it easier on myself.

Great Basic Pilates Program for Surgery Recovery!:
I am a very active person (aerobics, walking, running) who recently underwent bunion surgery. I did not look forward to several weeks off my feet and being generally inactive. I use this program daily to keep myself active, since very few of the exercises require you to be on your feet. There are only a few that require flexing of the foot while bearing weight on the toes, which I don't do yet. This program has been a godsend for me!

Great beginner workout:
This is truly a beginner workout, which is what I needed after 2 c-sections. The dummies icons interrupting were a bit annoying, and the modifications were shown at the point in the exercise when you are almost done it...I didn't understand that? I prefer: "easy pilates" with Ana Caban, it is filmed outdoors, and I found her teaching style a bit easier to understand. but overall it was a good BEGINNER workout.

A good start for beginners:
This DVD gives you a basic workout which is very easy to follow and. despite being very simple, it's quite effective. It's great for people like me, who had no previous knowledge about what Pilates is or how it works. The instructions are very clear and Michelle does a good job encouraging you all along the video. In addition to this, you get more basic or more challenging versions of some of the excercises, and quick tips to avoid some common mistakes that you may unconsciously make. After some sessions, you really get to feel the so-called "Powerhouse". If you're tired of dull gym routines and don't like the en vogue tendency of having big muscles, Pilates (as well as yoga) will really help you.