PILATES BEGINNING MAT WORKOUT - PILATES BEGINNING MAT WORKOUT
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UPC: 029956313408
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| Product DescriptionPilates is a full-body conditioning exercise program that uses a series of machines and exercises. It works the entire body, both the right and left sides, in unison. It focuses primarily on what Joseph Pilates called the "powerhouse," the group of muscles that begins two inches above and below your navel, then wraps completely around your front and back--kind of like a corset. It also includes your buttocks. The DVD features the Pilates Beginning Mat Workout, plus a bonus workout and interview with instructor Ana Caban. - Actors: Ana Caban
- Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Format: Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
- ISBN: 1930814097
- Language (Original Language): English
- Language (Published): Spanish
- Region Code: 1
- Release Date: 2001-07-20
- Running Time: 60 minutes
- Theatrical Release Date: 2000
Customer ReviewsReviewed on 2008-07-21 
Love it!
I am a Pilates beginner. I read the reviews and decided to start with this one. I absolutely love it. After doing the 25 minute session, I feel great. I have also tried the 12 minute energy boost and did have more energy after doing it. I would recommend this dvd to any Pilates beginner. I am looking forward to moving on to Ana Caban's intermediate dvd in a month or so. |  | Reviewed on 2008-06-26 
Fine reference material
My review will be a little contradictory. I don't think I would have understood the Pilates principles by only watching this video, because Ana Caban doesn't really explain very much about the principles. But, since there is only one main workout, the routine stops while she gives instructions on the move. For people like me who are lazy and impatient, there's too much time for my mind to wander once I understand the move. There is a bonus workout that probably benefits those who really have the moves in the main routine down pat. I'm not coordinated enough to follow the bonus workout.
I got this video after someone suggested it to augment Brooke Siler's book and kit, The Pilates Body, which gives excellent explanations of the Pilates principles and good mental visualizations for what the moves should feel like. Both of those things are helpful for people doing Pilates at home. Ana Caban's instructions tend to focus a little too much on what the moves look like. That really doesn't help me when I'm doing it, because I don't have a mirrored wall.
However, for those times when I need to reassure myself -- "I put my arms where? How fast should I be doing this? Am I doing this right?" -- this video has been very helpful. I just wouldn't use it as my primary Pilates workout.
I gave it three stars for its usefulness as a reference and the bonus workout, which will be a nice variation in my regular Pilates routine when I'm finally coordinated and strong enough to do it. | | Reviewed on 2008-04-16
Decent for beginners but lacks info on overall pilates method
I bought this DVD several years ago with good intentions, but never ended up using it until now. I wanted to extend my workouts at home, as I have been part of a weekly pilates class at a gym for over a year and have taken courses at a pilates studio for further instruction. This DVD involves very basic pilates moves that can be done with modification. The instruction is easy to follow. Some of the camera angles and shots try to be edgy and cool but instead they are distracting and corny. At times I looked up to check the pose and found it hard to see what the instructor was doing.
I also think this entire DVD is lacking on instruction for proper breathing technique and should involve more explanation on how the moves effect your body. The "C" curve and rolling up movements could be explained in more detail, especially considering the rolling up should be done with a focus on using the abdominal muscles and not just rocking and rolling. This has always been a hard move for me and my previous instruction from the pilates studio is the only reason I felt comfortable doing those movements from the DVD. I would caution people who are new to pilates to always start with the modified moves and perhaps use another pilates DVD along with this which includes more instruction on pilates method overall.
| | Reviewed on 2008-02-27
easy does it
I like that this video gives options for modifying exercise and keeps it simple, with the fuller workout to be added as you master the moves. | | Reviewed on 2008-02-23
there are better workouts out there
When I first bought this DVD I thought it was an OK workout, but after reading a few of the review here I decided to get rid of it due to issues with back pain that others have experienced after using this DVD. I had had some pilates experience before purchasing this DVD, so I have a general idea of how to do some of the exercises, but if you know nothing about pilates I could see how this workout could lead to injuries. I never really used this DVD that much to begin with since it doesn't really feel like much of a workout. I had originally bought it because it was only 20 minutes long and would fit into my busy schedule, but there are many other videos out there that have better quality workouts and include shorter and longer versions of the workout. I would recommend looking for something with Michelle Dozois if you want a pilates workout or just a general workout. | |
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