Pilates Workout for Dummies [DVD]

I'm 27 years old and have never, in my whole life, been "in shape" or even close to it. I've just always been utterly terrible at all forms of exercise. (I mean, seriously. They put me in remedial gym class.) I've never managed a push-up or pull-up in my entire life, even after forty-five minutes, five days a week for the last seven years of public school. (Oh, and if you're wondering-I'm a tad overweight, but not obese.)That said, even I was starting to get restless with a 9-to-5 office job. About the only form of exercise I don't hate is walking (or hiking), but that was getting boring-I live in a small town, and once I had memorized where the sidewalks were uneven, I started wondering if there might be something else I didn't hate. I've always distrusted pilates because I hate fads, but my sister recommended it so I figured, well, it's only a $12 DVD.After reading a *lot* of reviews here on Amazon, I decided to start with this DVD. (I admit it, it was partly so I wouldn't need to buy equipment.) When it finally came, I opened it right away and watched it for the first time.The person on the DVD, Michelle Duzois, is fairly perky and obviously in good shape, but not obnoxiously so. I don't know quite how to phrase it, but her attitude seemed to be "of course you can do this" and not "there's something wrong with you if you can't." By presenting all the variations (regular, beginner and challenging) in the same tone of voice and having her demonstrate all of them (including the things that are wrong), I felt like there wasn't the message that there was something wrong with you if you couldn't do the regular variation (as opposed to DVDs where a different person is doing each variation, and they say "Well, if you can't do what I'm doing, you can try what Kristy's doing instead").The video had a nice introduction to pilates that was six minutes long, which I felt gave me useful information without overloading me. The basic routine then begins and is about twenty-seven minutes long (she tells you to only do the first several if it's your first time). I can't vouch for whether this is or isn't "real" pilates, but I can say that the routine went smoothly from one pose to the next (exercises are shown as separate scenes, but mostly the scenes start from where the last one left off), didn't focus on any one body part until it was exhausted, got my heart rate up (possibly it wouldn't do this for everyone) and showed good transitions (I wish she would describe the transitions more, though-sometimes she says, "Okay, now bend your knees like this, then extend them like this" but other times she just does it, so I didn't really see how she was doing them at first). Some of the exercises were a little uncomfortable at first, but after just a few times I could tell I was more flexible (still have a long way to go, though!). I definitely felt like I was getting a workout-sweating and really feeling the stretches-but when I finished, I didn't feel exhausted. I felt energized and, most impressively, like I wanted to keep doing pilates until I could do it right. (I can assure you I never felt that way about push-ups.)The video itself has a black background with a large box with Michelle on a purple mat [how tall is she? Her mat looks the same size as mine, but somehow when she stretches out her whole body is still on the mat, whereas if my head is on the mat, the other end comes about to my knees] on a wooden floor, and then the black area is where variations are demonstrated or text appears. Most helpful to me are the places where she demonstrates (in the black part of the screen) what not to do during an exercise, with a big "X" through it. As in the For Dummies books, there are also tips, reminders and other symbols that appear. She demonstrates each exercise, then does the repetitions (usually 6 or 10) while periodically reminding you when to inhale/exhale or exhorting you to make sure to really stretch or not let your back arch or to pull your navel in. To me, if I'm not doing those things it's a good reminder, and if I am, it feels like confirmation that I'm doing it right.I suppose the video is a bit boring-just one person in bike shorts and a tank top, on a mat, on a wooden floor, with no music. For me, anything more elaborate visually would be intimidating, and music would be distracting.I have to say, I love it when she says, "all right, we're going to do our last three exercises now." It's not like some sort of scorekeeping-she doesn't do it every time-but it makes me feel like the end is in sight.It annoys me at the end when she says, "You did a great job!" because I always think, "How would you know?" But maybe that's just me. That's my only complaint.I've watched the intermediate routine (not tried it!) and it felt like something that I will, in fact, be able to do eventually-and more importantly, that I want to get to the point of being able to do it.

I had always wanted to try Pilates, but was intimidated by the thought of actually trying some of the exercises that I've seen people doing. I ruined my left knee 6 years ago and have a hard time walking and sitting for any length of time. Well I had a hard time. I have been using this dvd for 2 months now, and can do all the beginner's exercises, even the ones I thought I couldn't do. Mainly I use this to unkink myself after a good night's sleep. Afterwards, I have no problem using my treadmill, and find the combination of the two, to be both rewarding and relaxing. This is a really great buy, and well worth trying. Without the Pilates, the treadmill was almost guaranteed to give me pains in my leg, but with it, I can make it through the day without my knee and back giving me problems. I was pleasantly surprised at the enjoyment and sense of well-being that I get from the program. The instructor is laid back, pleasant, and offers helpful hints. You can actually see what she is doing at all times, and she explains things very well. My son's girlfriend recommended I try Pilates, and I am so thankful that she did. I had this for a month before I tried it, being convinced I couldn't do it, while my knee felt worse and worse. When I finally tried it, I really liked it, which surprised me, since I like cardio, but generally don't do well with regular exercise regimens. Aerobics is out because of the injury, and in fact, step aerobics was the cause of the bad knee. This has been a real joy to do, and I am not tired of it. I am taking it slow, and it may be another couple of months before I work up to the intermediate exercise. There is no hurry, and I am enjoying the journey and the sense of accompolishment. I can not say enough positive things about this dvd, and the instructor. Very impressive.

This DVD is beautifully produced. The sound is flawless, the lighting, video quality and camera work are stellar, and the skills of Michelle Dozois, not only as an athlete, but as a speaker/teacher, are considerable.There are more authoritative DVDs, such as those from Classical Pilates, but they are more of a reference/documentary than a tutorial. This, however, is a DVD to actually exercise with, rather than one to simply study.It has background music which can be shut off. This background music, however, is extremely tasteful. I'm picky about music, and I found that this music did not detract at all, and might even have enhanced my exercise experience.One thing to note is that the "Beginner" workout contains more exercises, and more difficult exercises, than some people might like. I'm in fair shape, so I enjoyed this. But it might be discouraging for some people.There is also an "intermediate" workout with more exercises, and less talk between them. I'm looking forward to it -- by the time I do it, I'm sure it will bring me closer to the ideal Pilates "flow" or groove.The pacing is wonderful. I found this DVD to be a perfect compromise between a too-slow, all-talk-and-not-enough-movement (GAIM Ana Caban) video, and a too-fast, perfect-form-but-not-enough-explanation (Classical Pilates) DVD.Each workout is broken into tracks so you can easily skip or revisit any particular exercise. This is NOT true of the Classical Pilates DVD, where there is one track per WORKOUT.Given the price, I'd call this a can't miss DVD, unless you are very out of shape, and easily discouraged by seeing a woman who is more capable than you.

As a 40-something guy with a less than flexible body and no previous history of this style of exercise, it was no surprise I struggled with even basic yoga, so decided to give Pilates a try instead. It looks easy doesn't it? Well what a superb buy this was. The first time made me realise just how HARD such simple looking exercises are, this really does give you a good work out. But the routine is so very well explained and demonstrated, so I very much recommend this as a first purchase for those looking to try Pilates. The benefits even for a 40 year old bloke are tangible and real - just being able to spring out of bed, or having such core strength I can twist around with the vacuum cleaner like I couldn't before. Such basic stuff like being able to get up off the floor easier - I have never ever come across an exercise routine so in tune with actual real world use. I never realised either what a foundation a strong core was to good overall strength.Most exercises have both easier versions and harder versions to try, plus of course you can increase the number of repetitions you do. The lady in the video is clear and encouraging.If I had any criticisms, none of the intro sequences can be skipped and they are a bit of a pain after the first few hundred viewings, luckily I am a patient person. However I found after 20 or 30 sessions I had memorised the whole routine anyway.

I have to admit to being a total pilates novice - and that striving for fitness is very much work in progress for me - hence the purchase of a 'for dummies' dvd rather than one of the other myriad Pilates dvds on the market. As a novice I was looking for the absolute basics - a real beginners' guide. This is certainly not that.The instructions are easy enough to follow, but the workout is not a beginner's work out - It all happens at what, for a novice, seems to be a pretty fast pace and I found myself continually having to pause the DVD over and over again in order to go back and check that I was in the right position and frankly, just in order to keep up - there are no pauses built in, which makes it tough on a beginner and some of the exercises seem to me to be a stretch too far for someone unused to exercise. There are some easier options, such as do this with your legs bent rather than straight if you are less supple but these appear in a pop up window rather than being included in the main workout. In my opinion, there is not nearly enough basic information about posture, breathing and the technique nor about what your body should feel like during the exercises, how far to push yourself and what you should be aiming for.All in all I think this is DVD is a useful addition to your library if you already have some knowledge or if you just want to refine your technique, but would hesitate to recommend it to an exercise virgin.

This DVD is a very good introduction to Pilates with 18 classic exercises fully explained and demonstrated. All of the body is worked and Michelle is pleasant and encouraging in her approach. It is all matwork and the only optional equipment is a pillow and/or towel. .The basic concepts of the system are dealt with and, when the programme starts, there are tips, reminders, warnings, more basic versions and more advanced. I find the reminders useful as one does tend to become lax as one performs but I would have liked more emphasis on stretching - hence four stars. I favour the Pilates 10 Minute Solutions.DVD's and this Dummies disc makes a most useful introduction to those as they are brief on detailed explanation. Michelle stresses how important it is to concentrate on the correct way of moving rather than feeling you must do a lot of repetitions. If you listen to the whole DVD and do the routines you will acquire a good knowledge of the system and have had a good workout in about half an hour. Very good value.

PLEASE DON'T BE PUT OFF BY THE ODD EXCESSIVELY LOW SCORE FOR THIS DVD, AS I VERY NEARLY WAS. I AM AN ABSOLUTE BEGINNER AND FOUND THE INSTRUCTIONS VERY EASY TO FOLLOW, EVEN IF MY BODY COULDN'T QUITE CARRY THEM OUT!THE INSTRUCTOR IS VERY GOOD , THOUGH SHE CAN LOOK A LITTLE SINISTER WHEN SHE TURNS TOWARDS THE CAMERA AND SMILES AT THE END OF AN EXERCISE ! STILL, SHE OBVIOUSLY KNOWS WHAT SHE IS DOING AND DEMONSTRATES IN A VERY CLEAR MANNER. THE DVD WAS OBVIOUSLY MADE A WHILE AGO, WHEN PERHAPS THIS AREA OF EXERCISE WAS SOLELY OF INTEREST TO FEMALES, SO THERE IS A REFERENCE TO MY WEARING OF A GIRDLE, WHICH MADE ME FEEL SLIGHTLY OUT OF PLACE !ALL IN ALL, I AM SURE THAT THERE ARE BETTER DVDS OUT THERE AND THAT THERE IS PROBABLY NO SUBSTITUTE FOR LEARNING DIRECTLY FROM A TEACHER. STILL, I FEEL THIS IS EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY AND A VERY GOOD STARTING POINT FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN LEARNING A SELECTION OF VERY USEFUL EXERCISES.

I have an unstable sacro-iliac joint in my lower back and was sent to physio by my GP.He started me on some gentle core-strengthening exercise and using a balance ball.I purchased this dvd, as having watched other ones, they were either too dynamic or too slow.Perfectly paced, each exercise is taught in sequence with improvers versions tagged onto them.Half an hour is ideal. I felt it was a reasonable amount of time to build up my strength and my backhas improved immesurably. I took my time to perfect each exercise, using my core and breathing correctlyand used this dvd every day.The presenter, Michelle, is encouraging and pleasant and I didn't feel like I had to keep twisting myselfinto strange angles to see what was going on on the tv screen.I also have the standing pilates and yoga for dummies which are equally good.Incidentally, I am no stranger to exercise, fast or slow, but loved the pace of this program and I can highlyrecommend it and my back is all the better for it.