Customer Reviews

10 Minute Solution: Quick Sculpt Pilates with Toning Ball

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am beginning to wonder if the 'Quick' in this title, has a double meaning in that the instructor not only talks very quickly, but also carries out the moves in double quick time. Not that this is a bad thing, just a change of pace from the previous Pilates DVDs from 10 Minute Solutions.

There are 5, 10 minute workouts, mostly concentrating on lower body, abs, flexibility and balance. The first 4 workouts are fantastic (once you get up to the instructor's speed) and the ball presents more of a challenge than I could have imagined. The routines are both stretching and challenging, fantastic for toning, core stability, balance, strength, posture and flexibility. The moves are fun too - my favourites including 'the helicopter' and the sequence of ballet moves, plus pulsing the ball is alot harder than it looks, and you will really feel your muscles burning when you're done.

The standing abs workout is the only section not to utilise the ball, and while I'm not convinced of the difference it will make to defining a better waist, the balance work is brilliant - very graceful. There isn't a dedicated section for arms, but this routine is done with your arms held up, so you will get some work done here, and in the other segments, as part of the overall sequences.

The instructor also focuses on coordinating and posture, explaining all the moves clearly, but in a very hurried fashion. She comes across as efficient and precise, preferring brisk instruction over a friendlier, more relaxed style, but this doesn't distract from the workout, my only criticism would be the overuse of the word 'gorgeous' as it's said so frequently, I found myself looking out for it!

Overall, a great addition to the 10 Minute Solution Pilates series.

As a footnote, in case you were wondering, the ball is quite small, and comes with a straw device that you use to inflate with your mouth, bit like a very sturdy balloon.

I really like this pilates video. It is challenging. However, if I had not had previous instruction, I would not have been able to correctly perform the exercises or even keep up. I feel as if the instructor does not give some very basic training on engaging the core. It is great for those who have intermediate to advanced skills.

I was happy to see Andrea again as the instructor for this DVD, but the first thing I noticed was how quickly she was instructing (verbally) compared to the Dance Your Body Thin dvd. I recommend you are familiar with Pilates movements because this is more likely for intermediate-advanced due to the pace. My favorite qualities about this exercise dvd is the additional tool of the small, lightweight ball which feel nice when you hug and squeeze the ball(tension); transitions between exercises: from difficult alternates to less difficult; Standing Pilates and Strength & Flexibility segments are my usual rotation. The core conditioning is challenging with the ball! I always use the ball for this DVD because I use the other 10 minute solution pilates dvds: Rapid Results Pilates and Pilates Perfect Body. Love them ALL!

I love this pilates work out! I felt it will really tone and sculpt your body. Only purchase if you want a challenge!!! I am going to do this dvd over and over until i am as good at it as her!

This DVD is part of the 10 Minute Solution series, DVDs which offer five 10-Minute workouts. Quick Sculpt Pilates is led by Andrea Leigh Rogers, who more recently has founded the Xtend Barre workout franchise (see Xtend Barre: Lean & Chiseled). Rogers has a background in professional dance and is certified in classical Pilates instruction. Here she uses a small Pilates ball in all but the very last workout segment; the ball adds a bit of a refreshing spin to the traditional Pilates moves. The only other prop required for this workout is a mat.

Like all of the DVDs in the 10 Minute Solution series, Quick Sculpt Pilates is Customizable. The Main Menu offers options to Play All, Select One Workout, or Program Your Workout (select 1-5 segments for a customized workout experience). I have listed the segments below in the order which the appear on the menu as well as have provided brief descriptions of each.

TOTAL BODY TONER
This section starts with several exercises adapted from the Pilates reformer. For these moves, Rogers is lying on her back with the ball between her ankles for several versions of in/out moves. This is followed by variations on the Hundred (keeping the ball between the ankles and squeezing in), the Roll-Up (ball between the hands), and the Rollover (returning the ball between the ankles). Next comes Coordination, Single Leg Circles with one foot pressing into the ball, and Open Leg Rocker with the ball between the thighs. The most challenging exercise of the segment follows: "Teaser Toss," in which you roll up into teaser, shift the ball from your hands to your feet and back again. Rogers concludes with a version of Saw, holding the ball in one hand.

BUN AND THIGH SCULPTOR
For this segment, Rogers completes all of the work on one side before moving on to the other side. The fairly challenging side kick series starts with the ball under the torso and includes kicks front/back, kicks up/down, leg circles, passe, hot potato, and ronde de jambe. Rogers also transitions the ball to between the thighs for both single and double leg lifts. She concludes this segment lying on the back for some brief bridging work for the hamstrings/glutes performed with the feet on the ball.

STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY TRAINING
Because this segment focuses largely on strengthening the back, the majority of the exercises are performed while lying on the stomach. Rogers begins with the ball under the hands, rolling in and out for Swan Prep. Next, she moves the ball to behind the knee for Single Leg Kicks and then between the ankles for Double Leg Kicks and Leg Lifts. She continues with alternating arm and leg lifts, moving into Swimming (somewhat difficult with the ball still between the ankles!). At this point, Rogers shifts to lying on the back for moves adapted from the Spinal Corrector apparatus. Here, the ball is placed under the tailbone and the legs engage in Froggy, Scissors, Helicopter, and Heel Beats. She concludes with Spine Stretch Forward (ball under the hands).

CORE CONDITIONING
In this segment, Rogers beings with the Pilates "Series of Five," although each segment is of course modified to incorporate the ball. For the Single Leg Stretch, she passes the ball under the knees. For Double Leg Stretch, she holds the ball between the ankles. For the Double Straight Leg Stretch, Rogers again passes the ball behind her now-straight legs. When performing the Leg Lowers, Rogers again holds the ball between her ankles, adding in a triple pulse on the way down. Finally, for Criss-Cross, she balances the ball between the opposite elbow/knee, then switches. Following the Series of Five, Rogers places the ball between her thighs for a series of hip tucks; this is followed by single-leg Teasers, rolling the ball up the leg. She concludes with a seated twist/reach and a version of Rowing.

STANDING PILATES SCULPT
This segment surprised me. As noted above, it is the only section that does not use the ball, and I was expecting traditional Pilates standing exercises like the Pilates arms series. Instead, Rogers adapts MAT exercises to a standing format, which makes for an interesting change of pace, including some balance challenges. She starts with a one-legged version of the Hundred and then does standing Single Leg Circles to the front, side, and back. Other interesting variations include a standing Roll-Down and standing Rolling Like a Ball (again, more of a balance challenge). The only time that Rogers goes down to the mat here is a combination roll-down/swan prep move.

Overall, I did like how the ball added a unique challenge to the Pilates moves featured in this workout. Since I have never had the opportunity to use the Reformer or other Pilates machines, I enjoyed experimenting with some of the moves that stimulated these. In addition, I felt a nice burn during the Bun and Thigh Sculptor, and although I am an intermediate exercise, I was generally challenged by the other workouts.

I do want to add a caution about Rogers' instruction. She talks QUITE fast--during the first workout in particular, I felt like I was listening to her on fast forward! She allows absolutely NO time for setup or instruction; rather, she just moves briskly from move-to-move, side-to-side, barely giving the viewer time to take a breath. For this reason, prior experience with Pilates is a MUST for those interested in this DVD. If Rogers had been a bit less frenetic in her instruction, I might have given this DVD 5-stars, but still, these workouts are quite worthwhile, and I do recommend them.

P.S.--If you happen to get a copy of this DVD without the ball, you can use a ball like 9" Body Back Ball & Pump or Soft Gym Overball (Assorted Colors) # LE9505.

Any interested in a series of Pilates lessons that are NOT time-consuming or expensive will welcome this DVD kit, that comes with a toning ball and inflation device along with a DVD of techniques. It's easy to choose routines that are 10 minutes or under - and to easily inflate and deflate the ball for take-along toting.

I am a Pilates teacher, and using DVD's for getting new ideas. This DVD is fresh, the exercises are interesting and add some freshness to the Pilates routine.

I love this movie and ball! You can feel it working as you do it! I won this in a contest and decided I should try it. I horseback ride and need a lot of balance and need to keep my legs in shape so I can be more effective, so I thought this would be great. The 10 minute work outs....well, you can completely feel them working as your doing them! It is crazy! I would for sure suggest this product!

There is no doubt you will FEEL THE BURN with this one. 10 Minute Solution has a real gem here; each and every workout is a winner and can be counted on to make you grunt with effort for the first few tries. I particularly enjoy the innovation of the moves; there were several ab and lower body toners that I've never even heard of before--a real rarity in fitness DVDs! I would ABSOLUTELY recommend these 5 workouts to anyone who wants to either explore or expand their knowledge of pilates, and definitely to anyone looking to get the most bang for their buck if they're limited on time (these workouts move quickly, but that's great for someone not looking to waste a moment)! Even after only 10 minutes you've got a great workout here, and it only keeps getting better as you try each new segment. An "A" for sure!

Ten minutes can make one very sore! I figured this would be easy for an advanced workout person like me, but I was sore after 2 of these 10 minute workouts. Pilates is good-but this ball makes every move intense! Great workout for a great price!