Search - Pilates - Beginning Mat Workout on DVD

It's harder than it looks, and my abs are getting strong

J. Moore | Garden of Earthly Delights | 01/07/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My wife bought this video and I decided to try it. I am a martial artist and core strength and flexibility are very important to me.This was a hard workout that left my abs acheing. I enjoyed the clear instruction. After you do the workout a couple times, you may think the instruction takes too long between exercises. But this is a beginner's tape.The modifications are good for those who are not ready for the full effect.There is a lot of beginning instruction on breathing and basics, the workout actually starts 9 minutes and 30 seconds into the tape. This is where I now fast forward the tape to begin the workout. So the actual workout is about 20 minutes.I have been doing it for a couple of weeks now - three days a week and my abs are getting rock hard. I also feel taller and lighter after the workout. In a week or so, I will probably move on to the intermediate tape as I am already noticing a big strength improvement. This tape will also help your balance, flexibility, joint stability, and coordination. That's probably why dancers really take to Pilates."

A Follow-up to My 1st Review

blusel | 06/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've kicked my rating up one additional star for this one reason: I have been doing this tape everyday for 2 weeks and I can truly see and feel the difference. My stomach, waist, and hips are getting stronger by the day and are visibly more slim. My pants are definitely baggier in these areas and I can see definition in my stomach, and this is after only 2 weeks. Also, I feel stronger in these areas as well as my thighs. Much less joint pain and creaking going on down there, as well. The most signifigant aspect of this rapid improvement is that *you do not break a sweat when you do this workout*. Additionally, it's short, approx. 20 minutes, so I don't feel as though I'm wasting any part of my schedule by doing it. Another bonus is that you don't need any special workout gear, clothes, shoes, scary contraptions, etc. It's just you, the mat, and Ana.I do have one recommendation for new users: get yourself one of those sticky mats that we use for yoga. The Living Arts company, the very same group that puts out this video, has one. Also, be certain to get Brooke Siler's book in order to understand the poses to their fullest.That's all I have to say. I just love this workout."

Best Pilates video out there!

J. Moore | 05/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a certified Pilates instructor, and this is the only video series that I will recommend to my clients. Ana Caban makes the video fun to watch and easy to follow. All of the other videos on the market are slow & boring! Plus, the video follows the way that Joseph Pilates, himself, created the exercises! So if you are looking to start Pilates, this is an excellent way to do it at home, safely."

Great Beginner Video

joydrop | El Paso, TX USA | 08/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a twenty-something year old beginner at ANY type of exercise at this point in my life. I was hesitant at first to buy a Pilates video because I've heard Pilates is not easy, even at the beginner's level. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this video. It's geared 100% with the beginner in mind. Having a student along side Caban demonstrating the easier modified positions really helped motivate me because when I couldn't replicate Caban's moves (which I couldn't at first) at least I knew following the easier modified versions was okay for the time being. It also gave me something to work up to. What's the point of buying an exercise video if you're going to master it the first time? By the third day, I was following Caban more than her student as I felt my body becoming stronger. By the fourth day, I seemed to be more aware of my posture because I felt as though I was sitting taller. I especially like there not being a need for any props except a mat to protect your spine (you'll be rolling your spine along it). Caban does mention you could use a small cushion to support your neck, but that's optional. The actual exercise session is about 20 minutes long, which is a plus for me because it goes by fast, yet feels very effective.Caban's instructions before each exercise are thorough and to the point, so much so, that by the third or fourth viewing, I was ready to start each exercise without her while she gave instructions. She also consistently reminds you to breathe. I feel as though this tape is preparing me well to move on to an intermediate version."