Customer Reviews

Denise Austin: Pilates for Every Body [VHS]

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I am not a beginner, and I really like to get to it when it comes to a exercise video. This is just a great total body workout. The exercises flow very well, and move very quickly. It's very easy to follow, but if you don't get things the first time, you'll catch on. You will definitely need a long resistance band for this tape; one you can put both feet on and comfortably stand up straight with your hands over your heads. She does not offer alternate exercises, and if you try to mimic what she does w/o the bands, you won't get the full workout. I even broke out a little sweat!
Time-wise, this video is great. It is about 45-minutes long, and perfect to squeeze in at lunchtime.
I also think that Denise Austin is very personable and enjoy her workout! This was my first Denise Austin experience, and I want to try others.

I love Denise Austin's Pilates For Every Body. I used to take Ballet classes when I was younger, and stopped for almost ten years. I am now 23 years old and have started Ballet again. I had heard that Pilates exercises can really improve dance technique. This workout has really improved my balance, my posture, my flexibility, and has toned and strengthened my abs and thighs. My ballet has really improved and I have recommended this video to my other classmates. This is a great video with realistic moves and Denise Austin is very enthusiastic and motivating.

I have to admit that I enjoy Denise Austin's videos and Daily Workouts on Lifetime Television. This video is typical Denise. She is very "bubbly" and energetic. I'll admit that she does talk alot, but she is always motivational and encouraging. You feel like she is right there with you pushing you to try harder. Although some of the Pilates movements are not beginner level, Denise does guide you through the moves with great visual cues (ie, feel like a string is pulling your head to the ceiling). This truly is a total body workout. She spends 18 minutes concentrating on the abs alone, another 7 minutes on standing leg exercises (similar to ballet moves at a barre), and 7 more minutes using the resistance band for upper and lower body exercises. Denise begins with a full warm-up and ends with a great stretch. I have seen results quickly and actually feel like I am an inch taller after doing this video. She has done it again!

I bought this tape after using Ana Caban's beginner mat workout tape... It's much faster than Ana's workout and there is also the implicit assumption that you are familiar with Pilates moves. However, Denise gives great tips as you're doing the exercises and moves quickly from one exercise to another which I like since I've already spent some time mastering the beginner workout. I'd recommend Ana Caban's tape to anybody starting Pilates - she spends a considerable amount of time explaining basic concepts and teaching techniques before starting the workout and even during the workout. This is necessary for beginners and is missing in Austin's video.

If you haven't done pilates before you will be lost. Denise gives very little instruction for the moves. Also if you don't like Denise's chattiness you won't like this video. She talks incessantly and yet gives very little instruction. You need a resistance band for some of the moves, but I did do them without one and still felt like I got a good workout. Overall this is a very good workout for those who are experienced. For beginner's, I'd recommend Kathy Smith's Pilates for Abs. Although you won't get a full body workout, like you would with this video, Kathy gives very thorough instructions on working your core.

This is my third Pilates tape, and second from Denise Austin. This is a great tape if you are already doing Pilates. Denise introduces some great variations on familar exercises, and creates a very time-efficent and fun tape. Get the exercise band, it adds a lot to the routine.

I am new to this whole workout thing. I tried this video after a co-worker suggested it to me. Denise is a little perky, but that's ok. The first time that I did it was without the resistance band. I got a great workout, but got an even better one after ordering the resistance band. The video is a mix of pilates, yoga, and Tai chi. The workout is 45 minutes long, fun, and easy to follow. At the end of the workout you'll feel energized and strong at the same time. The results are fabulous. Now I do this routine everyday and plan to buy more of Denise's videos.

I thought this would be a good beginner video, but I've found it to be too hard. I do like the moves, and think it is a good workout but it's just too difficult. I would recommend this as an intermediate video, or for someone who already has very strong abs.
As for the Pilate's part of it, I think Denise does a lot of modifying to the exercises. It is more of a total body work out with emphasis on the "core" muscle group rather than a 'true' Pilate's tape.

Boy, people either love Denise or loathe her. I'm in the former group. I NEED somebody who's positive and energetic. She gets my keister off the couch and that's what counts. I really like her new pilates tape. I have her other one as well. This video works your whole body. I love the way it seems to elongate me. ( I'm 4'9", I need all the elongation I can get.) Some of the stomach (core) workout is quite a challenge (I've gotten a bit lazy), but I'll get there. I don't want an exercise tape that isn't gonna challenge me. What I like best about this tape is that it's just Denise. Other people, in some of Denise's other videos, I find distracting. The only reason I'm not giving it five stars is due to the studio setting. I prefer the sand and the surf. Call me silly, but I enjoy Denise's Lifetime workouts better when she's outdoors. I can 'pretend' I'm there in Jamaica...as I sweat.

It IS a difficult workout but well worth it. Denise's approach to Pilates is different. In this video, Denise combines Pilates exercises with yoga, stretching and ballet. She starts with a "dynamic warm-up" followed by "Pilates floor work" and ending with Pilates-based exercises standing up! She does a terrific job of guiding you through the workout and helping you remember the importance of the "natural corset." A must-have for those wanting a sweat-inducing toning workout that actually makes you feel like you've worked out!!