[.ca] New Method 20/20: Perfect Pilates

From Amazon.com:
Instructor Lisa Wheeler takes viewers through a blend of yoga's sun salutations, ballet's plié and relevé, and Pilates's seal and scissors--with a dash of kickboxing--in the first of these two 20-minute sets. Pilates purists will no doubt object, but for those looking to strengthen their balance and work on their abs, Wheeler's routine get the job done. In the second routine Jennifer Kries employs more true Pilates moves: roll-ups, leg circles, criss-cross, spinal stretches, and the 100 (though her brief version could be better characterized as the 10!). Both series feature brief warm-ups and cool-downs. The live drumbeat accompaniment is less intrusive than in other New Method offerings, making this a good way for exercisers of any age to start or end the day. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Deceptive name:
Let's get this straight right now: this is NOT pilates. There may be a few pilates movements incorperated, but it's really more of a low-impact aerobics routine, or a warm-up for something else. I was given this as a gift from someone who mistakenly thought it was the other DVD called Perfect Pilates (which I have yet to see, and so cannot review) and was so disappointed by how misleading the title is to the actual contents, I will be returning this. I never return gifts. But I wanted a pilates tape, and that is simply NOT what this is.

good beginner workout--plus, headache relief:
This is a very good workout for beginners. The instructors are non-annoying and the drum music in the background is calming. As an added bonus, I use this workout whenever I have a headache and it usually goes right away!

The Best 20/20 Perfect Pilates:
I have tried every workout program there is out there. I have never found any workout that has toned and strengthened my stomach and back so well! I feel like a new woman

Nice Stretching Intro To Pilates and Yoga:
I am Maureen, a 40 year old woman who has been pretty sedentary although never overweight. This tape is perfect for me to start stretching out those shrinking muscles of mine and work towards strength and flexiblity. Very nice pace and nice drum music. Though they switch quickly from floor excercises to standing excercises so you have to be ready with a blanket or mat to roll out quickly on the floor. One tip...when I first started, the excercises seemed so easy I thought "wow, I'm a natural" then after about a week I decided to put a mirror out to watch my form and the excercises got much harder. I was "breaking in the mid section" over and over on almost every excercise. Once you dicipline yourself with the mirror not to break in the mid section while doing the movements, they aren't so simple any more. And on the floor excercises like the scissors, I was really bending my knees badly, Once I used the mirror and learned to keep the knees straight, I got A LOT more out of the excercises. My stomach muscles are developing definition in only about a month. I really like it. I do the 1st workout one day and the 2nd workout the next day which keeps me from getting bored. In 4 months or so I hope to be able to go through both workouts, in correct form without tiring. Here's to your health!

I like it:
I have to agree that it's not really pilates, but I like the workout all the same. I find it to be a good mix of pilates, yoga, and dance. I like the first workout the best, it makes me feel more graceful and if you concentrate on every move and really using your muscles its great for toning. And my arms are always tired by the end from simply holding them out. I thought that was a nice touch!