Product Details

• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Wellspring Media
• VHS Release Date: February 22, 2000
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 1583500553
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #401,801 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This 90-minute Pilates-based workout, based on the book Body Control: The Pilates Way, strengthens muscles while improving posture and flexibility, "building strength from within." Lynne Robinson is a mature instructor whose instructions are clear and visual: "Imagine that from your knee to your hip joint is a wooden spoon, and your hip is a bowl of porridge, and you're stirring the spoon in the porridge." This is a thorough and clear introduction to Pilates, though you won't master it in a hurry.

Section 1, a 10-minute introduction to body alignment, shows you how to do the key postural positions with correct technique before you start the workout. Section 2 (25 minutes) is your "daily warm-up," designed to stretch and strengthen the whole body, starting with breathing and alignment techniques and advancing into slow, controlled movements that target the core muscles and work various body parts independently, all done lying down. Props needed include a scarf, pillow, and tennis ball.

In Section 3 (45 minutes), you work various muscles in isolation from a standing, lying-down, or sitting position. The exercises look deceptively simple--such as twisting at the waist while holding a pole on your shoulders or doing the familiar curl-up--but the alignment challenges for doing each movement correctly are considerable. Section 4 is a cool-down and relaxation. --Joan Price

From the Back Cover

Pilates uses subtle, slow, controlled movements that achieve dynamic results. It is a proven toning and conditioning technique that concentrates on strengthening muscles without forcing them and helps improve posture and flexibility. Although Pilates has only recently become a "buzz word" in fitness, it has actually been around for more than 70 years. Named after Joseph H. Pilates, who developed the training system, it is recommended by physiotherapists, osteopaths and sports physicians because of its gentle, safe and effective qualities. A list of Pilates devotees include Courtney Cox, Uma Thurman, Patrick Swayze, Sigourney Weaver, Glenn Close, Sharon Stone, Jodie Foster, Madonna and Christian Slater.
Body Control: Pilates works for all ages and all bodies, from the first-time exerciser to the top athlete, from sufferers of back pain to those that need release from stress. In Body Control, Lynne Robinson provides a detailed overview on breathing and posture techniques before guiding you through two workout routines. The first is a 20 minute daily program; the second is a 40 minute complete workout.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good introductory video, January 12, 2001

By 

Sima Uyar (Istanbul, Turkey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Body Control [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have been reading about the Pilates method for a long time but since we do not have Pilates classes in my part of the world, I wasn't able to learn more. I bought this video hoping to get introduced to the method. And I must say that I am very happy with my purchase. The instructions are very clear and the tape provides ample time for the viewer to master each movement. Since I have not seen a live Pilates class, I cannot say whether this is a good introduction to the Pilates method but whatever it is it works great. After a few sessions, I really started feeling the effects, I felt longer and more flexible. And what's more, a few days ago I went to a physical therapist for a back problem and the exercises she recommended were all parts of the method introduced in this video. The only thing that made me give 4 stars is that it is a bit long.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars This video will put you to sleep, June 27, 2000

By 

Kay Hammar (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Body Control [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I am quite excited about the Pilates method of training and have tried a variety of videos by different instructors. Body Control gave a very precise description of the proper alignment and torso control methods. However, it was so slow and boring that after watching the first segment I had to take a nap!. I did continue to watch the rest of the video which had hardly any of the classic Pilates poses demonstrated. I doubt that anyone seeing this video as an introduction to Pilates would continue to explore it further.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pilates is great!, June 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Body Control [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a good video if you have a lot of time. Pilates is great for toning and stretching the body. I enjoy working with this tape when I have 90 minutes to spare to do the entire tape. The pace is slow and relaxing, allowing time for the viewer to use the proper form. The results are good also, after a few times you can feel your muscles lengthening, and you are able to go a little farther each time you do it!