Little to no Pilates
dnk | Boston, MA United States | 04/28/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is the second video I have reviewed in as many weeks that advertises a Pilates program but ends up being almost all yoga. Once again, this is yet another variation on the Sun Salutation theme, with some floorwork. The only movement that looked to be "straight up" Pilates was the Shoulder Bridge. Other movements were those that had clsoe relatives in yoga- Swimming, Side Plank, Teaser/Boat, a very modified Rollover, and Double Leg Stretch and Single Leg Pull.
In fairness, the high proportion of yoga movements were noted in other reviews. However, because many Reformer on the Mat movements are quite similar to some yoga movements, I thought I'd give it a shot anyway. Glad I used the library.
It's competently instructed, but there is little to no Pilates."
Advanced Challenge with Modifications
Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 10/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you have been faithfully practicing Yoga and have a good basis in Pilates then this workout will take you to new levels. I found this workout very satisfying, as it is a combination of Vinyasa-style Yoga and Pilates. The exercises strengthen and tone the entire body while you can literally feel the fat melting off. This is a fat burning style of Pilates as you are moving from the floor to standing all throughout the workout.
Plank, Cobra and Downward Facing Dog form the basis of the workout and give a good upper body workout. In 45 minutes you will be doing the following exercises:
Cat/Cow
Active Moving Cat
Swimming
Chair
Side Plank
Teaser
Bicycle
Scissors
Bridge
Single Leg Kicks
Rollover
Pelvic Lift with Leg Extension
Double-Leg Stretch
Single-Leg Pull
A rolling Teaser and moving Bridge make the moves more challenging. Throughout the workout the cueing is beautifully precise. Alanna Zabel has a pleasant personality and her voice is very calming.
While the first half of the exercises require a lot of upper body strength, it is worth the effort. This may be slightly wrist intensive at the start but you can always rest in Child's pose for a few seconds to relieve the arms and wrists.
I can highly recommend this to anyone moving from intermediate to advanced. This workout will help you burn calories and keep you strengthened and toned all over. If you want to continue working out after the main workout there is a six-minute super intense abs blaster workout.
~The Rebecca Review
"
Feel the Burn
Allison Nahm | 09/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great video for beginners and more experienced Pilate's practitioners alike. It offers beginning and advanced moves so it doesn't get boring, plus i've already seen results!
"