Customer Reviews

10 Minute Solution: Rapid Results Pilates

5 star:		(103)
4 star:		(40)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I knew I'd like this - I have Lara's 2 other videos and I like her style. She cues well and has a nice, calm demeanor. Rapid Results is different from her other pilates video. In this there are pilates classics with a twist. In the arms section you'll do saw with weights in both hands. I really felt that all over. The bun/thighs section has floor exercises: frog, bridge and side lying leg lifts with lots of leg variations. The abs section was very effective. Again, leg variations make you really feel it in your lower abs. The total body section was tough and I also felt like the stretch was a workout! If you like variety over endless reps you'll love this workout. It's not the same old pilates moves. Lara doesn't show many modifications; but I don't think this was meant for beginners. It's a fluid workout and I was challenged by each 10 minute section.

This workout DVD is fabulous- I love how its broken down into 10 minute segments so that you can customize it depending on your time constraints a/o fitness needs, or can do the whole thing for one terrific workout!

What makes this DVD better than some of the other pilates DVD's on the market is: (1) very good breathing and technique cues (SO important); (2) instruction while doing the moves as opposed to wasting time explaining what you're going to be doing (so that you're actually moving for all 10 minutes of each segment); (3) really rigorous segments- you'll work up a sweat in just ten minutes no matter which one(s) you do; (4) short reps which really focus in on technique and doing the moves the right way to reach results; (5) some new and interesting moves- not merely the same old ones you see on every other DVD out there; (6) NO excuses allowed- everyone can find just 10 extra minutes at the very least to squeeze in a great workout; and (7) something for everyone- whether you're looking to tone your core, arms, hips, butt or legs, you'll find a great workout.


If you're new to pilates, you may want to watch it first before attempting to follow it to make it easier, as the moves a/o techniques may be new to you.

My only gripe is that she recommends doing exercises- particualrly in the "core" segment- with a rounded back and not in neutral pelvis position (which I've been taught is the correct pilates position). Apart from that one complaint, its an awesome workout and you'll feel it the next day whether you do one segment or all of them!

First off, let me say that I do cardio, weights and Pilates exercises on a regular basis and would consider myself an intermediate level exerciser with good overall flexibility and a strong core. With that said, I have mixed feelings about this DVD. For one, I agree that it's not totally Pilates, but more of a mish-mash of Pilates, yoga, isometrics (during the arm segments) and a lot of gymnastic-based movements. That in itself is perfectly okay, since I value effectiveness over purism. However, I didn't feel like these exercises really worked or challenged my legs and abdominal muscles enough, although I thought the arms segment was rather effective using only light dumbbells. What I especially noticed with this workout is that many of the exercises are unnecessarily complex - when much simpler movements can offer greater results without all the hassle and risk of injury to the neck (especially) and even the back. Even the glamorously named "Mermaid stretch" places unnecessary strain on the neck when one should be feeling most relaxed and free of tension at this point. It should come as no surprise that the instructor, Lara Hudson (whom I actually like) was herself a child gymnast. Her transitions are fluid and graceful and her cuing is up to par. And while it is beautiful and impressive to watch and even imitate, much of it is `smoke and mirrors' - in that it is more acrobats than it is serious exercise. So do this if you're trying to improve your overall balance and acrobatic skills over trying to reshape your legs and abs.

I would actually recommend her previous "10 Minute Solution: Pilates" DVD over this one, which I feel is simpler but more effective and truer to the Pilates Method. Her "10 Minute Solution: Yoga" DVD is also nicely done. For another fantastic and well-produced Pilates DVD that is divided into 10 minute segments, try Denise Austin's "Hit the Spot: Pilates", which potentially offers more `rapid results' than this.

I will say however, that I did all five segments in a row and time flew by. I love the music and the simple set as well.

Rating: Fair

I had tried one other pilates dvd and didn't like it but since I enjoyed other 10 Minute Solution dvds I thought I would give this one a try and I am so glad I did! The time flew by for each segment and I really enjoyed Lara as an instructor. You also add hand weights to some segments which is nice. In fact the only equipment needed was a carpeted floor or pilates mat, and light hand weights. Plus you are able to do this workout bare foot, a nice change of pace. My only complaint is that I could not do all the moves in the cardio segment, too advanced for me but hopefully in time I will increase my flexibiity. I highly recommend this dvd for an intro to pilates or for those already at intermediate levels. I found it relaxing but could feel the burn afterwards.

I bought this DVD after taking a pilates class with the pilates machines, so I was familiar with some of the mat moves throughout the five 10-minute sections. My pilates teacher told me that if I purchase ANY pilates DVD to supplement the pilates/machines class, the best way to do it is this:
1 - Review the move according to the teacher and practice it once.
2 - Pause the DVD.
3 - Do the move AT YOUR OWN PACE and AT YOUR OWN LEVEL.
4 - Do not try to keep up with the teacher.

After 4-6 sessions on the DVD, you should be able to do the moves SLOWLY, but WITH STRENGTH and BETTER CONCENTRATION - AT YOUR OWN PACE, even if it takes you longer than the prescribed 10 minutes.

If you try to keep up with Lara - you could end up inflaming your lower back, or straining your neck.

You have to ask yourself - what's my goal?
To get stronger?
Or to get it over with in 10 minutes?

These workouts are so good in the respect that they don't allow you any excuses. EVERYONE can find 10 minutes - and more often than not, after the first 10 minutes you find the energy to turn that into 20 or 30 minutes.
This workout is a little more fast paced than other Pilates dvds I've done, but it still uses the classic moves. As usual, each 10 minute routine focuses on a specific body part (first is buns/thighs, second is arms/shoulders, third abs, fourth a total toning and lastly a stretch). The instructor Lara Hudson, is a good cuer and so you know what's coming up next and are always prepared. They do use weights so you should have some nearby.
I love this dvd. I've only done it once through once, because I just got it, but I intend to use it about twice a week along with the other workouts of theirs. It's easy to get through because of the time and it's fun and different. I recommend it for sure.

I've had a few different pilates DVDs and this one is the best. It really helps that the instructor tells you when to breath in and out and you can hear her breathing. You can synchronize the 5 different workouts in the order you want. Some of these exercises are different from the ones on other pilates DVDs. For example, I've never seen the teaser on any other workout. It's my favorite. I have used Winsor Pilates and I used to think it was great, but it really hurt my neck compared to this one. This 10 Minute Solution Pilates doesn't hurt and it really works DEEP into your muscles. I think I can replace weight lifting with this DVD.

I'm sorry gals. I tried to like this one. I do like the instructor. But these positions are impossible for a beginner. I have tried more than once, but if I am not at the top of my game physically and mentally, I cannot complete a single set. And with two small children, I often come to the mat preoccupied and tired. If you are a beginner, I urge you to try to rent or borrow first.

I really like this DVD - you can get some really good exercise in only 10 minutes. Lara does not waste time on lengthy explanations between exercises, and she moves quickly from one exercise to another. I like the variety of exercises - there are not too many rep's on any one exercise, which keeps the workout from being monotonous.

This is the first "programmable" exercise DVD I've used, and I like being able to pick and choose which exercise segments to do and in which order - this makes it easier for me to get motivated to start (and once I start, I'm fine).

I decided to purchase this DVD based on the reviews of a bunch of different pilates videos. This one seemed to have the most positive feedback, and was simple enough, yet offered enough workouts to get a good quality session. For a first time user of pilates, this was all new to me. Lara does give good instructions, and after a few times doing the workouts, it seemed much easier to follow.

The butt and thigh workout is probably the easiest and the best, and gives you a guarenteed burn, especially at the end. My inner thighs look awesome--I can see the definition just in raising my leg! However, I am lacking the rounder-rear that I thought I would get, but I can say it isn't floppy anymore! The complete body workout is DEFINITLY a good workout--I worked up a good sweat, but it's kind of hard to follow for a beginner (there are moves and motions that make it hard to look at the TV). The abs workout is alight, but not great. I'm not seeing the desired results in my problem "pouch" area, and the part about turning the tailbone under is confusing. The stretch workout is very relaxing too.

I would recommened watching the DVD first, or follow along with the remote near you to pause and rewind the first go-round and without the expectation of getting a good workout. The instructions are pretty simple, great for a first timer. I like how she tells you how and where to breath, and after 2 or 3 times, the movements become second nature. FIRST TIMERS--I would definitly advise to have a cushioned mat of some sort when doing this! I made the mistake of not having one, and there were certain parts that were a little painful to do on just a hard floor--I had to use a pillow to cushion my rear and tailbone. Overall, it serves it purpose as a beginners video, and the option to customize your workout is another perk. I would recommend this to someone just starting out with pilates or someone looking for an easy way to get thinner thighs, as that is the part where I have seen the best results.