Power Pilates - Beginner Workout

I have been doing Pilates off and on since 1997. One of the main problems I've had is finding classes nearby that teach "classical" or "authentic" Pilates. Over the years I have purchased a home reformer (the "performer"), the box and pole, the half circle, two magic circles and a boatload of DVD's.This is, by far, is the BEST Pilates investment I have made so far! I also take classes, and drive a good distance to get to them, and I have to say I've actually learned more from this DVD about some of the in-depth nuances of classical Pilates. Even though my classes are very good, this DVD is almost like having your own one-on-one training session. And it helps that I can stop the DVD and practice the correct way to do a movement until I get it right.It offers several workouts including an excellent back workout that would also be beneficial, in my opinon, for anyone, but especially good for someone who is just beginning to exercise. It also has a short magic circle workout that is awesome and again, good for beginners.But more than that, this DVD gives a plethora of tips and a short tutorial on how to perform each of the movements. If you really want Pilates to be effective while reducing your risk of injury, it's imperative that you learn the correct way to perform the movements and all of the nuances-- the C-curve, chin nod, articulation and imprinting, correct breathing, hugging the midline and working your abs at all times without arcing the muscles-- whether or not you intend to do classical (aka authentic) Pilates or one of the more contemporary versions.As far as Carrie's voice, it not only didn't bother me, I enjoyed her clear diction and EXCELLENT cuing. She simply sounds like someone who has been well trained in theater, where you learn how to throw your voice, speak clearly and with inflection. She also paces back and forth just like my ballet instructor did when I was a young girl, which I thought added to the ambiance and helps with the whole Pilates/dancer kind of vibe that gets me in the mood to exercise, and makes me strive for excellence.If you want to learn Pilates correctly, I can't recommend this DVD highly enough. My advice would be to carefully watch the extra tutorials and demonstrations on this DVD and you will be amazed at how much you can learn about Pilates and what a difference it will make in your workout!

This is the way that pilates should be taught. The program is classical in nature, meaning that it follows the principles of Joseph Pilates, and therefore the order of the exercises are consistently the same.It is repetitive for good reason and that is comforting, not boring. It is therefore easier to measure your success. Great way to work out at home if you aren't near a center that teaches pilates the way it ought to be taught. If you aren't sure why it should be taught this manner with the exercises done in a specific order, remember that there is careful thought to the progression and to do it any other way is sacrificing safety and compromising mastery. Keep it simple, and do this until you are ready for the intermediate dvd. There are always more modifications to make it easier or harder, and this method is tried and true for well over 50 years--

I have done pilates before and like this as a workout. You can pick from various workouts (to make it 20 or 30 minutes). However, I don't believe they give enough instruction for beginners during the workout. Yes, there is a separate guide section, but I like instructions during my workout so I don't forget. Therefore, I like stott pilates for beginners, but I do like this workout after you are a semi-beginner.Also, if you want to work out your arms and legs, you need to purchase a magic circle.

First of all, I must agree with the above review that Carrie Clark's delivery is about as pleasant as root canal. (I honestly kept expecting her to put me on a time-out if I didn't do the exercise correctly,lol!)I am a Pilates instructor, and while I respect the classical format, our lifestyles have changed dramatically in the 40 years since Joseph Pilates passed away. Many people have needs and postural issues that could be made worse by using only the classical format, yet could benefit greatly from modifications and by changing it up.

I like this DVD. I take pilates classes. When I am unable to go I use this DVD. Since one is not always watching the tv every minute her voice inflections can be helpful.

Good DVD BUT extremely expensive- not worth $90- very rarely is any DVD worth this price unless it's a rare item!

OMG, this lady is so ANNOYING that I could barely make it through the dvd once!

The instructor is annoying, but the worst part is the camera work. The instructor clearly states which team member is the beginner example but they are very rarely seen. When you do see the beginner person, you do see they are doing something different than the advanced examples who get shown much, much more. I know very little about pilates, wanted to learn more, but am extremely disappointed in this "beginner" video. I don't feel safe using this video as a learning tool at all. The back of the box does say the video has a Glossary with visual footage, but those are just still photos with a background speaker, not a video demonstration.

Sehr gut aufgeteiltes und portioniertes Übungsprogramm- auch für Leute mit wenig Zeit. Es geht sofort zur Sache und die Anleiterinnen halten sich nicht mit langatmigen Erklärungen auf. Die Übungsfolgen werden nochmals in einer Partitur ruhiger und langsamer für Ältere und untrainierte Anfänger erklärt und am Beispiel gezeigt. Nach dem ersten Training fühlte ich mich sehr wohl und voller Energie für den Tag.Die etwas schrille Stimme mit dem starken amerikanisch-englischen Akzent der Hauptanleiterin ist gewöhnungsbedürftig- nach dem zweiten Mal anhören habe ich es jedoch soweit verstanden, daß ich alle Übungen gut durchführen konnte.